A blog from Michelle Armistead, an overseas volunteer.

While staying in Cape Town I had an internship at the Observatory Jr. High school in Observatory. I work for an organisation called The Shine Centre. Basically, what I did was teach children to learn and utilize English by reading books to them. There is a four basic step process we implement which includes; Shared reading, partner reading, ‘have a go writing,’ and word games. Each one has a crucial step in helping children understand the English language. Unlike all of my other roommates my organization was very well structured and I have the best hours, giving me the advantage to see the rest of Cape Town. ☺. The favorite aspect of my job, of course, are the children. My favorite boy is named Luto. He is 8 years old and is very curious about me. Everyday he surprised me with the questions he asks. One day, he was looking very deep into my eyes with a concerned look on his face, when I asked him what he was thinking he responded, “Can you see under water?” I had to explain to him that having blue eyes is not a superhero power but just the color of my eyes. This opened up an entirely different conversation: you never know what way the children will take you in a session, thus making the educational experience diverse. Everyday after work we had a program called Swap Shop. This is where the younger kids can come and check out books but only if they brought their previous one back. You won’t believe how hectic it can get running this program and how the children LOVE books. I sit on the steps with them and read books out loud to a group. I have recently found out the girls LOVE, I mean LOVE,to play with my hair. They love to braid it, twist it, feel it and touch it. The other day Luthando got really upset with my hair because after she braided it, it wouldn’t stay like hers does. I guess they were slowly figuring out we are a little different. What these kids didn’t understand is I was learning just as much from them as they were from me. These experiences are the best way to describe my internship with Shine, and these memories are something that I will never forget. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with an organization like Shine; where everyday they strive for a meaningful change in the lives of children.