South Africa Trip Report
Form V pupil Safia Walker reports on the recent school trip to South Africa.
During the February half-term, fifteen of us embarked on a long but highly anticipated journey to South Africa, where we had the incredible opportunity to stay in Tiger Kloof School. Tiger Kloof is a historic boarding and day school located in Vryburg, in the Northwest province of South Africa. The school holds deep historical significance, having endured the effects of the Apartheid, making it a powerful place for learning and reflection.
Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the students and staff and we enjoyed a wonderful dinner together, setting the tone for the week ahead. From the very start, we felt a strong sense of community and were eager to immerse ourselves in the cultural and social experiences that awaited us. Throughout our stay, we had many memorable interactions with the students, who were eager to share their culture and traditions with us. One of the most memorable moments was learning and performing traditional South African gumboot dancing and marimba playing. Though our dancing skills were far from refined and our marimba playing was slightly offbeat, the experience was filled with laughter and joy. The sound of our enthusiastic yet imperfect performance echoed through the stunning church, creating an unforgettable moment of cultural exchange.
In addition to participating in cultural activities, we attended classes with the students, which provided us with valuable insight into their education system. While we noticed many similarities in subjects and teaching methods, there were also stark differences in student life and daily routines. This experience allowed us to appreciate the unique challenges and opportunities faced by students at Tiger Kloof, deepening our understanding of life in South Africa.
We didn’t just interact with the students. In the nearby township we visited a centre for disabled individuals. We read books, danced and also did some colouring with them. Afterwards we headed to the soup kitchen which was set up by the Warden and where the Tiger Kloof students volunteer twice a week. While we were there we aided in cooking food, we cried a lot while cutting onions and we played football with the local children. This was a very moving and rewarding experience to help those who are not as fortunate as us yet still were full of joy.
As our week was coming to an end, we drove to Pilanesberg National Park to do a safari tour. We were lucky enough to see rhinos, elephants, hippos, giraffes and lions, as well as countless butterflies. Looking back, our time in South Africa was an extraordinary journey of cultural immersion, personal growth, and meaningful connections. We left with a newfound appreciation for the kindness and hospitality of the people we met, as well as unforgettable memories that will stay with us forever.
