THE FIRST OF ITS KIND, THE FIRST IN NEWS & THE FIRST IN WALMER
CAMP SUMMER
Leadership Learning how to lead from the front and the back
Talent in Walmer Showcasing who‘s got it
Team work Playing together, working together to reach our goals
YOUNG LEADERS rock the camp!
News 20
11
VOLUME 5 • December 2011 •South Africa • Zuurberg www.masifunde.com
2 I
Editorial
EDITORIAL
ONCE AGAIN
WELCOME TO OUR 5TH EDITION OF
SUMMER CAMP NEWS
Back left to right: Racheal Chikadaya (facilitator), Ziphopethu Gavu, Samkela Myoyo, Bongiwe Chuna, Gcobisa
Mambuka, Alice-Cathérine Mackenstein (facilitator)
Front left to right: Lihle Kutase, Sesethu Zide
PROFILE
WHO WE ARE GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT WHAT WE DO
Walmer‘s Own is a dynamic group of young journalists that loves to write about things that are hip and happening in
Walmer Township. We cover every single summer camp and have a magazine that comes out in the second and third
term of the school calendar. Our facilitators, Racheal and Alice, teach us about the different things that we need to
know to be a journalist in the modern world. If you would like to learn more about Walmer‘s Own just contact the
Masiunde office or approach any one of us at school. We are always looking for new members and ideas for articles.
We hope you enjoy this edition of the Summer Camp news!
I 3
Content
CONTENT
04 Leaders for tomorrow
How the grade 9‘s shared the
knowledge By Bongiwe Chuna
06 Joining powers
Cooperation between the facilitators
and the learners By Lihle Kutase
07 Talent in Walmer Show casing who’s got it By Ziphozethu Gavu
08 Brains behind the camp Getting to know Chris and Zingi By Ziphozethu Gavu
09 Leading from the front What does it mean to be a leader By Lihle Kutase
10 Walmer‘s Own and me Why I joined Walmer‘s Own By Gcobisa Mambuka
11 The perfect venue
Zuurberg as the perfect campsite
By Bongiwe Chuna
12 Rocking talent show
Campers compete for best act By Ziphozethu Gavu
14 Keeping fit with fun
Outdoor activities keep campers on
their feet By Gcobisa Mambuka
16 Paper or plastic?
What littering does to our planet By Sesethu Zide
17 Presentation Day
Showing off what we‘ve learnt
By Lihle Kutase
18 Teamwork
Playing together, working together
to reach our goals By Sesethu Zide
20 Painting the camp yellow The Masifunde arts group makes
their mark on the camp Samkela Myoyo
22 Snap shots
Creativity from our photographer By Sarah Halbauer
SUMMER CAMP NEWS VOLUME 5 • December 2011
ACKNOW
LEDGEM
ENTS
All pictures were taken by Sarah Halbauer during the summer camp.
All articles are the original work of the Walmer‘s Own members.
Layout and design was done by Racheal Chikadaya and Alice-Cathérine Mackenstein.
4 I
LEADERSHIP
role models that can share gained
knowledge with their peers.
At the pre-camp, the 30 grade 9 and 10
learners were split into 3 groups each
choosing names relating to leadership:
The Path Finder’s, the FRT’s (The Fo-
cused, Responsible and Talented) and
the Future Leaders. Each day they prac-
tically learnt about topics of reading,
research, presentation, facilitation and
leadership skills. The learners did ex-
tremely well and more than deserved
the certificates that they received at
the prize giving ceremony on the last
night of the camp.
The topic for this year’s summer camp
was ‘Leaders for Tomorrow’ and the
grade 9’s and 10’s really showed us
that they are the leaders for tomorrow
by practicing those facilitation skills
that they got during the pre-camp
when they facilitated the outdoor ac-
tivities of the younger kids. The activi-
ties included games that taught trust
and team work, obstacle courses and
sports.
We are looking forward to seeing what
these bright stars will do in the future!
LEADERS FOR TOMORROW
By Bongiwe Chuna
It’s not very often that you
find a group of young adults
making an impact on the
lives of their younger peers.
At this year’s summer
camp, the grade 9’s and
10’s showed that they have
what it takes to make a dif-
ference in the lives of oth-
ers by being role models
and facilitators at the camp.
In October, the ’Learn4Life!’
grade 9 and 10 learners
took part in a leadership
workshop. The workshop
prepared them for the sum-
mer camp, where they co-
facilitated outdoor activities
for the younger learners.
This was very exciting and
was done to fulfill Masi-
funde’s aim of developing
Leadership
WE ALL KNEW THAT OUR GRADE 9’S AND 10’S WERE YOUNG LEADERS AND ROLE MODELS BUT AT THIS
YEARS SUMMER CAMP THEY SHOWD OFF THEIR FACILITATION SKILLS AND REMINDED US THAT THEY ARE
IN DEED ...
I 5
LEADERSHIP
Leadership
fututre leaders giving instructions
group work at the pre-camp
team work
outdoor games
study groups
Grade 9‘s lead from the front
6 I
On the 9th
of December 2011 the Summer Camp kicked
off at the Zuurberg Campsite just behind Addo. After all
the sweating from planning and organizing, the show
was finally on the road. More than 100 people took
part and covered plenty of kilometers on a long jour-
ney. Like the other Summer Camps, this camp de-
pended on the hand-in-hand cooperation between the
facilitators and the kids.
When the kids stepped out of the bus they were
awaited by huge smiles and thunderous applause from
the facilitators which by the looks of things promised a
fun and exciting time. At the arrival and welcome with
cheers, the kids were dragging their heavy luggage and
loaded it off on the new surroundings making their way
to a summer camp to remember.
This spirit of working together to ensure every person
was a happy camper carried on and it did not disap-
point. Combining the different efforts between the fa-
cilitators and the kids was a daily mechanism and it
took place during workshops, at the obstacle course, in
free time activities and during meal times. As one big
team and family, daily struggles were looked as at step-
ping stones to achieving a deeper connection with one
another.
The basic foundation of a family is learning to work
with others as a team and considering each and every
individual´s needs. This was put to practice when differ-
ent groups had to take turns on helping with kitchen
duties as well as to be there for a team member in out-
door activities. Since the main topic of the camp is
leadership, the games enforced this concept. During
kitchen duties the kids had to collect the dishes and
cups, bring them to the kitchen, wash everything and
also wipe the tables. During the outdoor activities,
these were challenges and games like trusting your
team-mates while jumping to land on their arms. One
of the games was the robot game where two members
had to wear blindfolds and stand inside a circle with
only their listening skills to help them maneuver
around safely.
In every respect of what made this camp a mission ac-
complished, there would be an overall feeling of to-
getherness that everyone would have witnessed and
been a part of. A place of belonging and a home for a
family comes together when everyone contributes a
share which will form one super force.
JOINING POWERS
By Lihle Kutase
TEAM WORK
Team work
NO ONE IS TOO SMALL TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND AT THE SUMMER CAMP EVERY ONE CONTRIBUTED.
THE LEARNERS AND FACILITATORS JOINED POWERS TO MAKE IT ALL WORK.
I 7
TALENT IN WALMER
Talent in Walmer
By Ziphozethu Gavu
TALENT IN WALMER
We did not know that we have such amazing talent in
Walmer. The kids from the children´s choir, for exam-
ple, sang beautifully at the camp with their many differ-
ent voices and tones.
The choir started in October 2011 because there was
talent recognized in Walmer. That talent must be
shown and be seen by the community. “I enjoy singing
very much and I love being watched by my family and
the audience”, said choir member Nomfusi. The par-
ents surely are proud of their young singers.
We do not only have singers in Walmer, but we also
have actors, dancers and artists among us. The actors
call themselves Born Free. The reason why they call
themselves that is because they were born after 1994,
so they were ‘born free’. “We have got a very special
gift and a wonderful talent. We want to inspire others
to let their talent be heard”, Ntosh said.
Born Free started in June 2010. Every Tuesday they
have rehearsals from 3 to 4:30 PM at the Xolelanani
Youth Centre. So far they have produced a play called
“Walmer Side of Love” about teenagers against alcohol
and peer pressure. At the moment they are performing
a play called “Leave a Legacy – Not a Mess” which is
against polluting the environment. “Your future is in
your hands”, said Andiswa. Soon they will do auditions
for new members to join the group.
It is such a wonderful thing to see the kids showcasing
their talent. So let your talent shine as well.
THERE ARE SO MANY TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE IN WALMER AND SOME OF THEM WERE AT THE CAMP
THIS YEAR. ZIPHO TOOK SOME TIME TO FIND OUT MORE.
8 I
BEHIND THE SCENES
Behind the Scenes
Zingisa Sofayiya has worked for Masifunde since Decem-
ber 2010. She is the “Learn4Life” coordinator. Her job is
to ensure that the “Learn4Life” sessions run as envi-
sioned, that the learners have relevant lessons which are
fun and educational.
All the work she does, she does not do alone. She gets
help from facilitators. She tries her best to reach her
goals and when she fails she always tries her best to try
again. She coordinates because it is something she al-
ways wanted to do and it is something she enjoys doing.
She even studied psychology. “Helping people, educating
people is truly the greatest thing I ever did”, Zingisa said.
She chose the Zuurberg campsite because she figured
that there would be more than 100 kids joining the camp.
The campsite is a very open space that has many rooms.
“I came here early in 2011 with Jonas and Msikeleli to
check out the campsite and accommodation. I loved this
campsite because it is surrounded by nature. It has got a
nice view and it is outside of Port Elizabeth with a moder-
ate distance between PE and Zuurberg.” She had already
started in January looking for campsites. It takes hours
making phone calls and looking on the internet. It even-
tually took two to three months. “It was very difficult to
find a perfect campsite”, she said. “As we are a big group
we found either expensive sites or sites that were too
small for us.”
“There are visions behind the camp.
During the years we have had
‘Learn4Life!’, Walmer´s Own, Arts Group
and much more. The camp helps us to
actually reach our highest potential, to
help the kids with problem solving and
leadership”, Zingisa said. “The reason
Masifunde has camps is because it gives the opportu-
nity to reward the learners for their good participation
during the year.” Zingisa said that the most rewarding
thing about her job is seeing the kids in the programme
learning and sharing her knowledge and wisdom with
them.
Christian Speckemeier is from Germany and has been in
South Africa since August 2011.
His hobbies are soccer, tennis, sailing, travelling, and he
likes to hang with friends. He describes himself as loyal
to others and he likes to listen to music. He is a trainer
for community and behaviour learning processes.
“I am a volunteer for Masifunde as a co-ordinator for
the summer camp. I set the content for the pre-camp in
September and I have been briefing the facilitators
about this camp´s structures”, said Christian. First, he
got an overview of the kids´ learning needs. Then he
wrote content structure plans for the facilitators, e.g.
the daily plans of activities and time tables. He does it
because he wants to support the kids who do not have
a chance to higher education. He wants to give some-
thing back to the community and lead the grown-ups
towards a proper way.
Christian said that the most rewarding thing about his
job is looking in the eye of the kids when they say
“thank you” and when they show learning outcomes
that make them happy.
INTERVIEWS WITH THE
BRAINS BEHIND THE CAMP
By Ziphozethu Gavu
WHERE? WHEN? WHO? WHAT? AND HOW? — GUIDING QUESTIONS FOR THE ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP.
WE WANTED TO GET SOME INSIGHT FROM THE TWO DRIVING FORCES BEHIND THIS YEAR´S CAMP,
ZINGISA SOFAYIYA AND CHRISTIAN SPECKEMEIER, INTO THEIR ROLE AROUND THE CAMP.
I 9
LEADERSHIP
Leadership
Looking at the political his-
tory of South Africa, it is na-
tionally and internationally
rich when it comes to great
leaders who all helped to shape up what this country is
today. With leadership as the main topic of this year´s
summer camp, everyone got the opportunity to learn
what leadership is really about.
When asking who a great leader is, the names of Nel-
son Mandela, Steve Biko and others come to mind. A
leader needs to possess leadership qualities and when
one is a leader he/she has to lead by example and has
to have discipline. As an example, Mandela was re-
leased out of prison after being imprisoned for 27
years. When he was released, he liberated a free de-
mocratic country. In Biko’s story, as a part of his rebel-
lion against the Apartheid Government he co-founded a
movement called Black Consciousness which stood to
uplift the pride that each person should have in the
color of their skin.
The main topic of leadership was what the grade 9’s
and 10’s “Learn4Life!” groups focused on for the dura-
tion of the camp. Since they had already been briefed
on the topic at the pre-camp to which they went in Oc-
tober, both these “Learn4Life!” groups were allowed to
go out and implement the skills of leadership by guiding
and assisting the smaller kids during the outdoor activi-
ties.
Since great leadership comes from within, leadership
also comes with a price. A person needs to literally
have a vision and set goals for themselves that would
one day carry you to a position where you look back at
your journey and say ‘I made a difference’. Sometimes
survival instincts and staying true to yourself at all
times allow you to see the bigger picture.
Amongst the learners there are those who have quali-
ties of leaders and those individuals are looked up to as
role models. Some of these leadership qualities are pas-
sion, confidence, courage, positivity and determination.
Learners like Manelisi Billy who have only joined the
Summer Camp this year but have made an impact and
lead with bravery. Andiswa who felt scared on the ob-
stacle course and wanted to quit managed to calm
down. Through all that she continued to climb further,
showing the elements of a leader: when times are
tough as a leader you have to pull through.
No change comes if you sit and do nothing about prob-
lems but when you show signs of a leader and take ac-
tion, nothing would stand in your way. Change comes
at a time when people need a system that will re-
arrange and shift the mindset for the better. With good
leadership and leaders standing united, it is guaranteed
that there would be a change that would impact a lot of
people positively. True leadership in everyone promises
to demolish walls of stigmas and then construct new
developments like Masifunde which would stand tall
and be shining beacons of light.
In order for a country to succeed and have its dreams
become a reality, it will need leaders to own up to re-
sponsibilities regardless of age or gender. As an effect
of this leadership camp, true leaders will surely de-
velop.
Leadership entails a lot of responsibility, ownership and
taking action. Leadership is about leading from the
front but not leaving your base behind.
SUMMER CAMP 2011: „LEADERS FOR TOMORROW“
LEADING FROM THE FRONT
By Lihle Kutase
10 I
PERSONAL
I am Gcobisa Happiness Mambuka and I am a go-getter,
not a loser. I am 17 years old and a learner at Walmer
High School. My Hobbies are netball, travelling, spend-
ing time with friends getting to know how they feel and
just being happy.
I joined Walmer’s Own in March 2011 because I was in-
terested in writing and I liked every magazine that Wal-
mer’s Own had produced. I was their best customer.
Every time they sold a magazine, I always bought one
for myself. I had a dream that one day I would be part
of the Walmer’s Own crew – and I had confidence
enough and worked on my dream.
It was on a Wednesday when I went to Masifunde’s of-
fice to meet with the Walmer’s Own facilitator,
Racheal, telling her that I wanted to join the Walmer’s
Own staff. She asked: “Why?” My answer was that I
was interested and willing to play a big part in the
magazine. Then I was selected. I was very excited to be
a part of Walmer’s Own. I joined because I wanted to
do something that would keep me busy avoiding wast-
ing my time doing nothing during my free time and I am
expecting to learn more about journalism.
I have experience in working with a computer, I have
typing skills and know how to google when you need in-
formation. I know how to keep eye contact with an au-
dience when you are dealing with presentations. You
must make sure that everyone is be able to hear you,
don’t be shy, have confidence and do your best.
There are many changes that have taken place in my
life. I know how to manage my time working with a
team, how to interview people, how to share and listen
to their opinions. I have self-confidence, computer
skills, writing skills and presentation skills.
Since I have been part of Masifunde, I have learnt how
to show respect. I am giving my peers respect, so that
we can work together as a team. I am blessed to be
part of Walmer’s Own.
WALMER‘S OWN
AND ME
Personal
A PERSONAL ACCOUNT ON WHAT THE JOURNALISM TALENT
GROUP “WALMER’S OWN” MEANS TO ONE OF ITS MEMBERS
By Gcobisa Happiness Mambuka
I 11
THE SETTING
The Setting
ADVERT
Once again, Masifunde has managed to take the kids on a seven-day summer
camp. This year´s camp, which is the 5th
of its kind, was held at Zuurberg
Mountain in Addo. So as usual, “Walmer´s Own” Magazine was on board and
interviewed one of the coordinators of the Summer Camp, Zingisa Sofayiya.
She said, the camp site was chosen because it has eleven sleeping facilities, it
is surrounded by nature, has got huge sport fields and could accommodate
an army. It was also chosen because it is not far from home in cases of emer-
gency.
In the camp, the kids were divided into three groups: the juniors, the inter-
mediates and the seniors. Each of these groups were divided themselves
again into different workshop groups. “With the juniors we wanted them to
develop interpersonal skills and to teach them how to work within a team.
They are still kids and do not have much experience with that”, Zingisa said.
“With the intermediates, the grades six to eight, we trained their self and
time management skills. We also teach them about peer pressure so that
they would be able to cope with its challenges.” The seniors were taught to
be leaders, to share their knowledge, to be able to stand in front of crowds
and to implement what they have already learned.
So far all has gone according to plan with a few challenges here and there
but nothing that could not be handled. “We expect the kids to return home
with knowledge. We know that all work is process, but we expect them to be
on the right path and not lose their time management and self management
skills”, Zingisa concluded.
By Bongiwe Chuna
THE PERFECT VENUE
12 I
More than 145 Masifunde learners showed their talent
at the Summer Camp talent show. They were enjoying
themselves in Addo last week and it was impressive to
see them shutting down the stage. The talent show is
an annual event at each summer camp and this year
the usual suspects were present. The road to success is
long and big talent is often spotted at such small
events.
Talent is the ability to showcase the creativity of the
mind, body and soul. It is imperative for the young stars
to show their talent in the society because it might re-
sult in the development of a future career. Masifunde
started the talent show because they wanted the kids
to show their talent and abilities and to work on their
creativity using their strength. The talent show started
at last year’s summer camp. Before there was a talent
show, there was another show that happened outside
the camp at Walmer High school.
Msikeleli, Kwande and Siphe organized the talent show:
“this talent show boosts the learners’ confi-
dence because they manage to stand on
the stage alone”, said Msikeleli. The show
featured a variety of acts from the gum
boot dancing by Thobela and Abongile, to
the beautiful singing of Sarah and some of
the hilarious comedy acts by the facilitators
too.
Here Bhajo tells his story about his dance talent:
“I started dancing when I was 10 years old in 2006 be-
cause I was watching dance shows like ‘You think you
can dance’. So, I got interested. I started to develop my
dancing skills when I joined a group called ‘African An-
gels’. Khanyi Mbau also gives me power, she inspires
me a lot. Every time I see her on TV performing I just go
mad. Every time I dance, I picture myself in Los Angeles
dancing for Beyonce. Dance gives me strength and it’s
like exercise for me. It helps me with my body shape
and my muscles get active and healthy. I like to work as
a group because we share moves for the dance. I don’t
have to think alone, we all come up with different ideas
and views.”
By Samkela Myoyo
THE YOUTH‘S VERY OWN
ROCKING TALENT SHOW
OUR
TALENTS
Our Talents
‘You think you can braai?‘
‘You think you can di
va?‘
I 13
OUR
TALENTS
Our Talents
‚You think you can sing?‘
‘You think you‘re funny?‘
‘You think you can d
ance?‘
‘You‘re quite a poet, aren‘t you?‘
‘You think you can act?‘
14 I
SPORT
What a day, on the 14th
of December. The sun was shin-
ing, you could see the clouds smiling, the trees gave
fresh air and the kids went into the pool on the camp-
site of Zuurberg.
Swimming is one of the enjoyable sports which took
place at the Summer Camp 2011. Gunar was the facili-
tator in charge of guiding the kids and teaching them
how to swim.
The Summer Camp is not only about learning it also of-
fered sports as we all know that sport is the most im-
portant hobby for kids. The kids enjoyed being in the
swimming pool and they liked swimming. They played
netball, pool and also racing which they enjoyed a lot.
The life savers were there to watch over them.
Kinga is one of the outdoor facilitators who facilitated
yoga sessions. She started doing yoga nine years ago
and in the past three years she has been doing it every
day. She enjoys it because it is important for her to do
yoga as it helps her body to be relaxed and fit.
Keeping fit with fun
yo
games
Sport
I 15
SPORT
Yoga is the body exercise where you stretch your body
and bend it in different positions. Most of the kids had
a chance to see how flexible they are because they did
not think that everyone could be able to do yoga. They
thought that only flexible people could do it.
Summer Camp gave enough space for yoga and the kids
do not get a chance to do yoga at home. Some of the
kids did not know that they are flexible and that they
can stand on their head. Kinga is glad that the kids en-
joyed it and her next step is to continue with yoga at
Walmer Township.
Sport is important and Masifunde has given us the
chance to play which is good because it helps your
mind to be fresh, to think positively and your body will
be relaxed.
By Gcobisa Mambuka
yoga
obstacle
course
hiking
es
Sport
16 I
GLOBAL WARMING, CLIMATE CHANGE, OZONE LAYER, RAINY SUMMERS AND
MILD WINTERS? CAN YOU FOLLOW THESE BUZZWORDS WHICH ARE CON-
STANTLY ON THE NEWS? SESETHU ZIDE BREAKS DOWN FOR US WHAT ALL THIS
“GOING GREEN” IS ABOUT AND WHY IT IS IMPORTANT FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
PAPER OR PLASTIC?
Paper or plastic?
Nobody is too small to help”, the summer camp coordi-
nator Zingisa once said. Play your part: do not litter. By
not littering you could make a difference. You could ful-
fill your responsibilities. We only have one earth and if
we destroy it, where will our children live? So be wise
and remember that the paper you throw on the ground
could destroy the world.
Rights go hand in hand with responsibilities. We all have
a right to life but do we know our responsibilities? The
previous generations fulfilled their responsibilities by
ensuring that we have a place to live. Global warming is
an international crisis affecting all of us. With more than
130 people at the Summer Camp we can make a change.
Have you ever thought about how the paper or rubbish
you throw on the floor could destroy the world?
Global warming is the destruction of the ozone layer,
which protects us from harmful sunrays. The paper you
throw on the ground can take years to decompose and
disappear from where you tossed it. When companies
manufacture paper or plastic they use chemicals which
can destroy that protective layer. When the sun heats up
the paper you threw away, all the chemicals which were
used when producing it, go back to the atmosphere de-
stroying the ozone layer.
Earth, our planet, is about 4500
million years old. We have nine
planets in the universe and out of
the nine planets Earth turns out
to be the only planet where ani-
mals and human beings can sur-
vive. Earth is not only a habitat
but also a heritage site. The peo-
ple who lived before us were
clever and kind enough to make
sure they preserve this precious
place for us.
Some of us might wonder what is happening to the
world. The seasons are changing, the weather is chang-
ing. We either have a very hot summer or a cold sum-
mer, sometimes a freezing winter which is not supposed
to happen in this region. The reason for that is the cli-
mate change which is happening because of global
warming.
When you throw one paper on the
ground, you are destroying the world.
We have to remember that an injury
to one is an injury to all. Your actions
will not affect only you. It is not only
your life at stake but the people from
Walmer, Port Elizabeth, South Africa,
in fact, the whole world.
By Sesethu Zide
PAPER OR PLASTIC?
I 17
Starting from the grade 3´s up to the senior group, the
spotlight to shine hung over everyone.
Lights, Camera, Action! - It was Presentation Day in
Zuurberg!
After all the hours spent on workshops and sweating
from learning all day, the presentation day was at
hand on this 15th
of December 2011. This was the day
for the different groups to showcase what they have
learnt and also share the information they had gath-
ered from the workshops they had attended.
By Lihle Kutase
At the end of the presentations,
Mr. Jonas Schumacher, who also
became known as “grand
daddy”, shared a few words of
appreciation to the facilitators
and everyone for being part of
“the best Summer Camp so far.”
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
PRESENTATION DAY
These presentations were
not done the old tradi-
tional way. Some groups
took acting to express
their creativity and others
also incorporated singing
into their presentations.
The grade 3´s to 5´s which
were learning about
teamwork in their work-
shops put together a short
song about their working
topic. Whilst the grade 6´s
to 8´s presented a mini
talk show to spice up their
presentation for the oth-
ers.
PRESENTATION DAY
Pressentation Day
18 I
A week filled with joy for the grade 3-5. All the young
minds were assembled at the Addo Zuurberg Resort, all
with a common goal. To find a useful tool in life, to be
able to work in a team.
A person can be beautiful, but that is not all that counts
in life. Most of the things that we do in our daily life re-
quire team work. They use the talent of each member
to the best of its capabilities. There are so many teams
like football, rugby and cricket teams. We also have a
powerful team, which are our bodies. Each of the or-
gans somehow depends on another to function prop-
erly. For instance, if you want to move your legs it is
one of the brain muscles which transfer the message to
the leg to move.
The children focused on different things to make sure
they achieved their goals and work in a team. They had
subtopics and to mention a few, they dealt with 5 ele-
ments of cooperative learning, 5 stages of team work
and goal setting.
They also had an activity called Mine field which re-
quired them to work as a team. They were divided into
pairs. One was blind folded and the other had to guide
the blind one through the obstacles without touching
the mine (the objects). The activity required trust be-
cause your safety depends on your partner. They really
were a team. Msi, their facilitator said that they have
accomplished their mission and they worked well to-
gether.
To bake a good cake you need a good recipe. To make a
successful team work you also need a recipe. Here are
some of the ingredients. I learned from the grade 3-5’s.
1. Use the best skill of each member
2. Remember that you have one common goal
that you can only reach together.
3. Be aware of each other’s differences
4. Work together and not against each other
5. Solve conflicts without insulting each other
The grade 3-5 worked together throughout the camp
and yes, the recipe really did work for them even when
they did obstacle courses. If the youngest group on the
camp did it, why not learn from them and be united.
Team work
TEAM WORK
Team work
a team catches you when you fall…..
By Sesethu Zide
I 19
TEAM WORK
Team work
a team puts all the pieces together
a team m
akes it w
ork!!
and every member counts
team members support each other
20 I
and they decided to help the
kids group by group to keep
the work going and in order.
In life we have different things that
we are good at. When you are good at some things you need to
show it off. The Masifunde Arts Group showed what is called
Art. Art is a form of expression, its production is fine work. Art
has some value in society like to appreciate life and the way of
living and discovering more in life and about yourself.
At Masifunde they decided to start an Arts Group. Actually,
there were Learn4Life kids who were asked to help paint the
hall at Xolelanani Youth Centre on a holiday in December 2009.
Many of them enjoyed painting and making drawings so they
said they would like to do more of it. Then Masifunde decided
to start an arts group because there were kids with artistic
abilities and they should not be left behind by Masifunde.
These kids had talent and Masifunde wanted to foster that tal-
ent. “We wanted their dreams to come true”, said Jonas
Schumacher, and there were two international students who
helped a lot to start the group.
PAINTING THE CAMP
YELLOW
THE MASIFUNDE ARTS GROUP LEAVES THEIR MARK
By Samkela Myoyo
THE ARTS GROUP
The Arts Group
The Arts Group did a wonderful job during
this Summer Camp where they created t-
shirts with everyone. Starting on day two
the t-shirt workshops became a daily rou-
tine. The arts group did the t-shirts be-
cause they have wanted to show off what
they have and it was their plan to do
something nice for the other groups at the
camp.
It took long to make the t-shirts because
there were 135 shirts that needed to be
painted. How many t-shirts were done de-
pended on how many people were help-
ing. The Arts Group has got nine members
I 21
Many people believe that colours and pictures can describe
someone´s emotions and feelings. Some use their favorite
colour when they are happy in order to show so. “The colours
I use depend on my mood,” explains Zanele. Sometimes we
use certain colours when we are proud of something and we
want to show it: “I used the South African colours because I
am proud of being a South African. I admire my country,” said
Amanda.
The Arts Group also has got regu-
lar lessons and they work on a
topic every term. Last term´s
topic was self-portraits. “The idea
came up with one of the learn-
ers”, said their facilitator Xola. As
a group they discussed and
agreed upon the topic. Xola ex-
plained that “we came up with
this topic because we need kids
to look into themselves and to
describe to the world who they
are in pictures.” The topic took six
months to complete. “It was in-
teresting and changed the kids´
life, behaviour and personalities,”
said Xola,” It is great when we
work together, because then we
are at our best.”
THE ARTS GROUP
The Arts Group
The t-shirts are yellow in
their basic colour. To cre-
ate the drawings they
used paints, pens, stencils,
sponges, brushes, stamps
and paper templates with
drawings. Most kids liked
the red paint because
many of the t-shirts are
painted in red. When do-
ing the shirts they first
painted it and then put it
in the sun to dry. After
that they ironed it to
make the paint stick be-
fore the first washing.
They came out as beauti-
fully printed t-shirts.
By Samkela Myoyo
22 I
Snap shpts
SNAP SHOTS
I 23
SNAP SHOTS
Snap shots
40 Main Road l Walmer l Port Elizabeth 6070
Office: 041-581 2543
www.masifunde.com
THE FIRST OF ITS KIND, THE FIRST IN NEWS & THE FIRST IN WALMER
