Fall 2010 Exchange with District 9320
Checking in quickly with a brief update of presentations completed recently: we presented in Waukegan on March 3rd, Glen Ellyn on March 10th, Northbrook on March 29th, Park Ridge on April 13th, and Evanston on April 26th.
Thanks much to the clubs who have hosted our recent presentations! The hospitality has of course been wonderful, and the enthusiasm has been high.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the District Conference!
When I applied to be a team member on the Group Study Exchange (GSE) to South Africa exactly one year ago, I had recruitment on the brain. Student recruitment that is. The Hadley School for the Blind is an international nonprofit organization and the largest provider of distance education to blind and visually impaired adults worldwide, serving 10,000 students in more than 100 countries. GSE would be the perfect vehicle to generate awareness for the school and recruit new international students to study with us, especially because while we have students from South Africa, we didn’t have any that lived in District 9320. So the vocational aspect of the trip to South Africa was very important to me and to Hadley President Chuck Young, who also happens to be a Rotarian.
I passed the first hurdle, I was selected as team member. Check. Now it was time to do some research. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting of the World Blind Union in November 2009, where I met the past president of the South African National Council for the Blind. He had contacts. Check. So I did my due diligence and found a number of organizations that were located in District 9320 that I could potentially visit. I shared those with Alicia Mentell and Lionel Health, the GSE Coordinators on both ends and they gladly used my suggestions. All four organizations I would be meeting with were soon on the itinerary. Check.
A year later, I am pleased to report that my vocational visits were extremely informative and productive. I had the opportunity to meet with the Nkosinathi Foundation for the Blind in Port Elizabeth, which provides basic independent skills training to blind and partially sighted individuals; the South African National Library for the Blind in Grahamstown, which provides very similar services to the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped here in the U.S.; the Students with Disabilities Unit at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, which offers extensive braille production and a host of other services to blind students on campus; and Re-Themelang School in Kimberley, a surprisingly well-funded township school serving blind, hearing impaired and multiply-disabled children. All the directors were excited to learn about Hadley’s programs and resources and were definitely interested in learning more. Check. Check.
One of the people I met with was the national braille consultant for the entire country. Her name is Pasha Alden and she is the lead authority on standardizing the various braille codes in South Africa. (South Africa has 11 official languages so that’s a lot of braille!). When we started talking, it quickly became apparent that she would be a great candidate for Hadley’s new Executive Leadership Institute, which is an intensive graduate level program for emerging blind leaders. We talked about the new program and I told her I would be recommending her upon my return home. When I learned that the second cohort of students was being recruited last month, I submitted her contact information. We then reached out to her and invited her to apply. She did so and was accepted! I also learned that Pasha had signed up for Hadley’s Elements of Poetry course. At the same time, I had been following up with the various executive directors I had met during the GSE. The South African National Library for the Blind has invited us to submit information to share with their members via their newsletter and website and the University of the Free State is considering Hadley courses as professional development training for its staff. Check!!
So all in all the vocational visits proved to be most successful for Hadley, and I look forward to staying in touch with the organizations I visited and recruit more students to our school. I also believe that doing some homework ahead of time was very helpful, and I encourage all future GSE team members to do the same to get the most of their vocational visits. I am grateful to the Rotary Foundation and District 6440 for making this trip possible for me and my teammates (Alison, Angie, Michael and our team leader Terry) and hope that the inbound South African team coming here in April has as positive an experience as we had. Thanks Rotary!
It’s officially well into the new year… Chicagoland is buried in snow… and our team is out on the road, giving presentations about our trip to South Africa to Rotary clubs in District 6440!
A brief rundown to keep things up to date: we presented in Carol Stream on January 18th, Winnetka on January 27th, and Long Grove on February 1st (literally hours before the Snowpocalypse hit).
Thanks much to the clubs who have hosted our presentations thus far. The hospitality has been wonderful, and everyone has been very enthusiastic about learning about our trip. We’re looking forward to more presentations later this winter and into the spring!
If your club would like to schedule a presentation, please contact Team Leader Terry Desmond at terry_t_desmond@yahoo.com.
In the meantime… stay warm!
A brief (late, but better late than never) post to note that our travels are over and we have all returned home safely! Terry and Michael arrived home on October 10th, Deb and Angie the following week (after spending some time in Kruger National Park), and Alison on October 26th (after visiting Kruger Park, Botswana, and Victoria Falls).
We will be preparing a presentation about our experience to share with clubs beginning in January. Note that we are not doing presentations prior to the holiday season.
If your club would like to schedule a presentation, please contact Team Leader Terry Desmond at terry_t_desmond@yahoo.com.
Neighboring clubs are encouraged to work together to choose a unified presentation date, as the sheer number of clubs in District 6440 will prevent us from visiting each club separately.
In other news, we had our first reunion of sorts earlier today (November 13th), when we attended the District Seminar in Addison. We wore shirts representing sports teams in South Africa, and it was great to see so many of the friendly faces we met before our trip!
We’re looking forward to visiting clubs in the coming months. Until then, we’ll leave you with another of our favorite South Africa-isms:
Go well!
And so it goes… the final stop on our GSE tour: I hereby bring you a brief account of our time in Kimberley.
Tuesday, October 5th
We arrived in Kimberley on Tuesday morning, after being dropped off by the Bloemfontein Rotarians. We began with a drive around Kimberley, stopping briefly at several notable spots (including a township pre-school supported in part by the Rotary club, a hangar housing South Africa’s first airplane, and a viewpoint over a former De Beers diamond mine).
After lunch, we split off with our host families for a relaxing evening.
Preschool in Kimberley
Wednesday, October 6th
Wednesday was given over to sight-seeing around Kimberley. We started with a visit to the Big Hole, the major diamond mine in Kimberley (which is no longer being actively mined). Happily, this site bears the title of ”world’s largest hand-dug hole.” (Thank goodness someone has claimed this distinction!) The site is very interesting, with a view of the hole, a visitor-friendly reconstruction of a mine tunnel (think the mine exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago), and a museum.
The Big Hole
After leaving the Big Hole, we traveled to Platfontein to view some excellent examples of rock art. Following a stop for lunch, we visited a local winery for a tour and tasting.
On Wednesday evening, we gave our presentation to the Kimberley clubs. (And with that, we can now stop listening to one another give the same explanations over and over… for which we are truly grateful.)
Wine Tasting
Thursday, October 7th
Thursday was set aside for vocational visits. Again, look for individual posts for the team about vocational experiences!
Lunch was at the historic Halfway House Inn (or “the Half” if you’re really snazzy), where at one point in time you could be served a beer without having to dismount from your horse. This strikes me as a very useful thing.
In the evening, we were treated to a musical evening, with entertainment provided by some students and teachers from the National Institute for Higher Education (check out my vocational post below for more details about the organization).
Friday, October 8th
After a lazy morning, we attended a lunchtime meeting of the Rotary Club of Kimberley South. Frank Baffoe, the District 9320 governor, was in attendance — so we’ve done our duty by making sure to shake hands with the governor!
After lunch, we headed out to Marrick Safari Farm (owned and run by Kimberley Rotarians Trevor and Hebre Datnow) for a game drive and final dinner. In particular, our team enjoyed having a chance to chat with two of the team members who will be visiting our area in April (Celine and Ivan).
On Safari at Marrick
Saturday, October 9th
Saturday (today) is our departure… I think it’s fair to say that we’re all sad to be leaving but excited to be moving on (whether to home or to locations farther afield). Special thanks to the Kimberley Rotarians who took time out of their busy schedules to host us these past few days: Wes and Ethne Papenfus, Trevor and Hebre Datnow, and Philip and Estelle Vorster (as well as others I’m sure I’ve failed to mention).
And with that… once again onward!
Leaving Kimberley
On Thursday, October 7th, I spent time visiting the Kimberley Music Academy.
Here is the background as I understand it — apologies in advance for any inaccuracies!
In 1994, during the government changeover following the end of apartheid, many changes were made to the national education system in South Africa. As with most significant changeovers, this reworking of the system included both positive and negative changes. One of the rather unfortunate changes was the removal of music and the fine arts from the official school curriculum. Many students thus found themselves without access to musical instruction, and many music teachers found themselves unemployed.
Following this period of change, two music teachers (Faan and Kim Malan) set out to open a music school in the town of Kimberley. The initial school was run from their home, but this didn’t last long. The music school (offering lessons and ensembles to all ages) became extremely popular, and it quickly overtook the space. The school then re-located to a larger house, which also was lacking in terms of available facilities.
The Malans then approached the local government, seeking some support for the school in terms of both space and financial resources. The timing turned out to be fortuitous, as there was already a movement afoot to start a new university in Kimberley. The organizers were open to the idea of incorporating the music school into the new institution (the National Institute for Higher Education), and the school was granted a building (one that needed quite a bit of work, but a building nonetheless).
The music school is now divided into three distinct parts. Firstly, there is an independent music academy in Kimberley, which offers lessons, ensembles, and music theory to approximately 500 students. Secondly, there is a similar music academy in one of the local township communities, where approximately 300 students are served. Finally, there is a tertiary program (akin to a university program) that allows serious students to earn a Bachelor of Music degree. This program, which currently has about 20 students, will eventually become a department/school within the new university at Kimberley.
Overall, I was very impressed with the operation. While many public schools have choruses as an extra-curricular activity (since chorus programs are, by and large, quite inexpensive to run), only the wealthiest and most privileged students have access to general music and instrumental instruction. The Kimberley school is thus offering an important service to the community. Students can take lessons in a full range of instruments and participate in a wind band, orchestra, and a wide variety of smaller ensembles.
The school has been creative with its physical building (which was originally constructed as a school and was then utilized by the military), including changing military-style toilets into small practice rooms (key step: remove the urinal). During a tour of the premises, I was impressed by the constant planning for the future (“We want to take out this wall and turn this into a performance space…”).
Most importantly, though, I was impressed by the fact that a few people saw a need (both in the community and for themselves), then essentially set about creating the type of world in which they wanted to live. The music school, though still lacking in terms of facilities, equipment, and funds, is clearly a place where students and teachers enjoy spending time. The passion and high spirits of everyone involved were clear in every tiny detail on the campus (and made me particularly homesick for my ensembles back in Chicago).
Many thanks to Estelle Vorster and Faan Malan for facilitating my visit!
Playing catch-up… now on to the post that will come closer to bringing us up to date!
Friday, October 1st
We arrived in Bloemfontein early on Friday morning (exceedingly early, as we’d left Colesberg at the ungodly hour of 5:00 AM). Our first stop, then, was a lovely breakfast at the Emoya Estate. Mark the day: the fruit salad that Angie, Deb and I all ordered was accompanied by a slice of cheesecake. A day that begins with a cheesecake breakfast is obviously one that will likely be very, very good. Also, a day during which you spot giraffes from your breakfast table is something to be reckoned with.
After breakfast, we visited the Cheetah Experience, a local facility that provides a home to cheetahs, lions, tigers, and other assorted cats, many of whom were rejected by their mothers in the wild for one reason or another. Though it was a bit strange to see such large cats bordering on domestication, we all enjoyed having the chance to pet a cheetah and play with lion cubs.
You Know, Just Hangin' Out with the Cheetahs
In the evening, we gave our presentation to the Bloemfontein Rotary Club.
After the presentation, we returned to the Leach home for a spitbraai — for which an entire sheep was roasted on a spit. For real.
In the competition for which club can offer us the most meat, Bloemfontein wins.
Saturday, October 2nd
Saturday started with a leisurely stroll through the Langenhovenpark Boeremark Farmer’s Market, where we wandered through row after row of stalls hawking crafts, food, and flea market items.
We then took a short drive to a high hill, from which we could see a view of Bloemfontein, then headed to lunch at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum.
After lunch, we took a short driving tour of the city to see the major judicial buildings. Saturday evening was spent at a rugby match (check out Michael’s post below). We all enjoyed the game, but were entirely confused by a rule that prohibited bringing beer into the stadium. We see a business opportunity here.
We are incredibly confused by the lack of beer sales inside the stadium. Incredibly.
Sunday, October 3rd
Sunday was a relaxing free day. Several of us wandered around a local mall, and Deb was able to use the day to visit with a Hadley student who lives in the area.
Fine weather was enjoyed by all.
Monday, October 4th
Monday was set aside as a vocational day. As per usual, look for separate posts from each team member about our experiences!
Tuesday, October 5th
On Tuesday morning, we departed Bloemfontein.
As has been the case throughout our trip, we very much enjoyed our time in Bloemfontein. Special thanks to Ezanne and Herman Leach, Louis and Lynn Goodhais, Antoni and Gosha Szubarga, and Allan and Annatjie Dickens (plus anyone I’ve inadvertently forgotten) for hosting us, feeding us, and playing taxi driver.
Onward!
We’re behind… we’re behind!
And now… a quick rundown of what we did in Colesberg (two stops ago… forgive us for our minor not-quite-up-to-date sins!)
Tuesday, September 28th
We arrived in Colesberg after an uneventful drive from Cradock (these days, we all fall asleep the moment we get into a car, rendering every drive entirely uneventful) and started out with a relaxing lunch at the home of Estelle Jacobs. After a relaxing afternoon with our hosts, we were treated to a braai at the Colesberg lodge.
Oh, how we are learning to love our meat!
Wednesday, September 29th
We spent the majority of Wednesday in the Gariep dam/town area, not far from Colesberg proper.
We started with a tour of the Gariep Dam, the largest dam in South Africa. (I don’t profess to understand the basics of civil engineering, but I think we all enjoyed our trip through the inner workings of the dam.) We had lunch at a lovely hotel with a fantastic view of the lake and surrounding area, then made a short visit to a local fish hatchery (where, unfortunately, no fish were currently a-hatchin’ — thus the short visit).
Gariep Dam. Epic.
The day finished with a sunset boat ride on Gariep Lake (after the boat’s captain was reminded… then re-reminded about his duty to show up and pilot the boat), then dinner at the historic Horse and Mill pub.
Don't we look stressed?
Thursday, September 30th
Thursday began with a breakfast at a riverside farm/lodge, followed by a short and entirely amusing excursion on ATVs. (Michael and Angie were good at this; Alison and Deb, not so much.)
Upon our return to town, we visited the local historical museum, then took a (surprisingly long and hot) walk down the main street to visit Coleberg’s historic cemetaries and war memorial.
After lunch, we headed out to yet another farm (our time in Colesberg included many drives on country roads), where we had an opportunity to go on a short game drive to spot a herd of Cape Buffalo.
After our drive, we gave our presentation to the Colesberg club over dinner.
No lying: these buffalo were actually a bit frightening.
Friday, October 1st
On Friday morning, we departed Colesberg…
I think I speak for the entire team when I say that we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Colesberg. Great people, great scenery, and great weather! Special thanks to Jackie Ramsey, Estelle Jacobs, Hanlie Rodriques, and Kobus Jansen van Vuuren for hosting us and carting us about (with apologies for anyone I may have inadvertently forgotten).
Onward!
Bidding Adieu to the Colesberg Crew
This morning, I had the opportunity to visit Re Tlameleng School which is a township school in the Kimberley area. The school has 138 students ranging from ages 5 to 19, most of whom are black. The school is designed to serve those with physical disabilities as well as students who are blind or partially sighted and deaf or hearing impaired. Thirty students here are blind or visually impaired. The largest number of students are deaf.
They have 19 teachers as well as support staff including 2 medical professionals. This is the only school in South Africa’s North Cape Province serving deaf and blind students. It follows a mainstream curriculum.
Students come to the school from all over the Northern Cape and travel a long distance to attend. They actually live in residential housing provided at the Elizabeth Conradie School in Kimberley, which is also serving students with physical and learning disabilities. The students are bussed to Re Tlameleng School every day.
The school was founded in 1993 so it is rather young. It was established with help from Lions International, which just happens to be based in Chicago and has worked with Hadley since the 1930s! The school is now run and funded by the Department of Education and the principal commented that she feels that the funding and resources are very sufficient. The school is tuition-free except for the cost of transportation which is minimal.
In touring the school, I was very impressed with the resources for blind and visually impaired students. They are equipped with Perkins Braillers (akin to manual typewriters), the same ones we have at Hadley. This is how the students write their lessons. They also have lots of braille and tactile books provided to them as well as audio materials from the Library for the Blind in Grahamstown, where I visited a couple weeks ago. There are 2 computer labs with various access technology including JAWS and ZOOMTEXT. The school has a very high-end braille printer that they use to make braille books as well as a printer for graphics and machines for binding the braille books — somewhat similar to what we have at Hadley.
Classes are organized by grade but there are also multi-graded classrooms. The school has both blind and deaf teachers, which was good to see in terms of providing role models. When I asked how the teachers come to the school, most are referred by the National Council for the Blind and also Deaf SA. There seems to be a good amount of teacher training in terms of workshops provided by the Dept of Education. Teachers are offered training in braille and sign language by their colleagues. The school also partners with area NGOs and meets each year with other schools for the blind and deaf in South Africa.
One of the things that I was both surprised and impressed with is that students are not using white canes to get around. Rather they seem to be very accustomed to the layout of the school and were even running through the hallways! There is one teacher who uses a cane but the others seemed very comfortable getting around without one.
I had the opportunity to share information about Hadley with the principal and, like the other organizations I met with, she too was interested in our courses for professionals. So I am hoping that we will see lots of news names from South Africa in our database in the future!
This is my last vocational visit of the trip. I am very glad to have had the opportunity to meet with these various organizations serving the blind in South Africa and I hope that new partnerships and new recruitments result from my meetings.
Cheers!
During our vocational day in Bloemfontein, I was hosted by the Centre for E-Learning at the University of the Free State.
I was particularly interested in learning about the university’s online ventures in part because much of the work I’ve done in my present position is in the corporate world — and while the company has been branching out into the world of education, it’s a subject that is somewhat wide open in my mind. I’m familiar with what a select few universities are doing — but not many!
Overall, my impression is that the online course offerings at the university are currently at a relatively low level in terms of design and complexity, which the department very much sees and understands. However, the department is small and the workload is large. For example, they have three Instructional Designers on staff — and each is responsible for some 450 courses per academic year. This means, then, that an ID can by necessity give a few hours of attention to each course. This clearly is not enough to try many new things or work at much more than a “get it done” level.
What’s being done, then, is mainly using an LCMS (learning content management system) to host study materials that are develped by a lecturer at the university (such as PowerPoint presentations or PDFs of useful articles). Essentially, online course design consists of cataloging reading assigments and lecture notes, and occasionally adding a basic comprehension-type quiz that is built within the LCMS.
The E-Learning department seems to be very much focused on supporting lecturers as they try to take their courses online (or, more commonly, a portion of their courses online — the majority of courses utilizing the LCMS still meet in person occasionally, with online materials used to take the place of some class sessions and/or make additional content available). With the workload the department currently has, they very much depend on tech-savvy lecturers learning to upload their own materials.
We discussed some of the challenges the department is facing (of which the team at the university is of course very much aware!), and we did a bit of show-and-tell wherein I demoed some courses CognitiveArts has recently created. We also discussed the challenges of bandwidth and language, both of which are very much not to be taken for granted in South Africa.
Many thanks to the Rotary Club of Bloemfontein for setting up the visit and to Waldemar Blanche and his team for hosting me and answering my many questions!
