University of Leeds Takeover, Take 2


Hi everyone! This is Katie and Tabitha from Leeds University, also in South Africa with GAGA UK.

This week we spent some time at 1000 Hills Community Centre which is a centre dedicated to helping all the local community. It has a school, clinic, kitchen, craft room, computer suite and many other facilities for all ages and it has a feeding programme serving thousands each year. We planned and delivered several lessons to 4-5 year olds, involving tasting and drawing fruit and vegetables. We even got the class singing our own mini song about fruit and vegetables which they all seemed to love and put a smile on all our faces.

On Tuesday we spent the morning at The White House, which provides a residential facility for those with physical and mental disabilities. We were lucky enough to also see their feeding programme for the elderly which happens once a week, providing lunch for the community. In true African style, despite the gas not working, over 100 meals of rice and chicken and vegetable stew were made, using a man-made fire outside. The group found this project very moving and we got to meet some very interesting characters that we won’t forget.

We also went to Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust this week, which helps and cares for those with HIV/AIDS, and has 24 beds for those who are critically ill. During our time there, a couple of us got stuck into some gardening, helping out with their nursery. Others helped organise shoes and clothes that would go on sale to raise funds for HACT and be given out to the community. We also helped in the craft workshop, stuffing some hand-sewn rabbit toys made from donated fabrics. It is safe to that craft is not one of our talents.

We stopped by at First Step Right where the children gave us farewell dances, songs and a poster they had made for us.  The dancing was amazing and we all got quite emotional saying goodbye to all the children and teachers, who had welcomed us so openly last week!


It was another busy and challenging week but we enjoyed every second and are so sad that we’ve only got one more week left in this beautiful country! 





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