Picture the blue cloudless skies, the wild animals, and the picturesque hills that make up the serene Mokolodi Game Reserve. Now picture trying to show this beautiful nature to 40 preschoolers! That was what Leslie, Jack, Danielle, Meeka, and I tried to do today as we volunteered at the reserve. We wanted to see firsthand what it was like when a group of school children were there.
The young children were so adorable! They referred to all of us helpers and their teachers as Aunties or Uncles! So, we were Auntie Leslie, Uncle Jack, Auntie Danielle… and so on! They started the day with learning about the crocodile. We then moved into the cafeteria where the children had hot tea and a sandwich. Quite shocking to us, 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds were drinking hot, and I mean steaming hot, tea! And no one seemed to burn his or her little mouth! It’s just one of those cultural differences that everyone here, including the little ones, are accustomed to drink tea.
After the snacks, we moved on to the safari part of the day. Yes, about 40 preschoolers rode on these vehicles like the one pictured below…
what an experience to get them all to stay seated! The ride was quite bumpy and the maternal side of me came out, because I didn’t want any of the children to fall out! But, the tour guides, Naledi and Kenzy, and the preschool teachers didn’t seem too worried about it, other than telling them to “sit properly” when the children stood up. There were no seatbelts for these wee ones and I happened to be sitting in the back next to a sweet little girl, Tracy. Oh, but Tracy did not want to stay seated. After telling her to “sit, Tracy, sit” numerous, numerous times, I just sat her on my lap and seat belted her in with my arms. She got used to it eventually!
The little ones were so quiet when we spotted any animal and then they would always tell the animals bye when we drove off! We even spotted three elephants and a giraffe this time out!
After running out of petro (fuel) in the bush, we eventually got back to the Education Centre for lunch. After helping serve lunch, the little ones were on their way back to their preschool. But, before they left, all in unison, they said, “Thank you, aunties. We love you, aunties. God bless you, aunties!” What a great end to a great day!
Many of us, including myself, are interested in volunteering at the reserve once or twice a week. The work there could range from helping with the school children to working in the Permaculture Garden to doing conservation work in the bush. Besides all of those opportunities to volunteer, there is always a beautiful view at Mokolodi!
The young children were so adorable! They referred to all of us helpers and their teachers as Aunties or Uncles! So, we were Auntie Leslie, Uncle Jack, Auntie Danielle… and so on! They started the day with learning about the crocodile. We then moved into the cafeteria where the children had hot tea and a sandwich. Quite shocking to us, 2-, 3-, and 4-year-olds were drinking hot, and I mean steaming hot, tea! And no one seemed to burn his or her little mouth! It’s just one of those cultural differences that everyone here, including the little ones, are accustomed to drink tea.
After the snacks, we moved on to the safari part of the day. Yes, about 40 preschoolers rode on these vehicles like the one pictured below…
what an experience to get them all to stay seated! The ride was quite bumpy and the maternal side of me came out, because I didn’t want any of the children to fall out! But, the tour guides, Naledi and Kenzy, and the preschool teachers didn’t seem too worried about it, other than telling them to “sit properly” when the children stood up. There were no seatbelts for these wee ones and I happened to be sitting in the back next to a sweet little girl, Tracy. Oh, but Tracy did not want to stay seated. After telling her to “sit, Tracy, sit” numerous, numerous times, I just sat her on my lap and seat belted her in with my arms. She got used to it eventually!Here is Tracy...trying to squirm out of my arm seatbelt!
The little ones were so quiet when we spotted any animal and then they would always tell the animals bye when we drove off! We even spotted three elephants and a giraffe this time out!
After running out of petro (fuel) in the bush, we eventually got back to the Education Centre for lunch. After helping serve lunch, the little ones were on their way back to their preschool. But, before they left, all in unison, they said, “Thank you, aunties. We love you, aunties. God bless you, aunties!” What a great end to a great day!
Many of us, including myself, are interested in volunteering at the reserve once or twice a week. The work there could range from helping with the school children to working in the Permaculture Garden to doing conservation work in the bush. Besides all of those opportunities to volunteer, there is always a beautiful view at Mokolodi!
2 comments:
HA HA!!! She doesn't look very happy on your lap! What a mean volunteer...watching out for her safety and stuff :)
Marinda, I'm loving her stories! I am incredibly jealous that you got to see giraffes in the wild. I had to get an internship at the zoo to see them! Seems like you're having a good time in Africa. Can't wait to hear more stories when we get back to school!
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