The Great Trek through Kwathema

Mood: Hurray!

Song in mind: Rihanna-Pon de replay

Location: Chess Park

Mission: Walk to all sites and present final product

It was finally here. The opening day. One would have thought that this would be a day for resting and reflection, but nope, this wasn’t to be. 07:15am was the time we were on site. We could have been earlier if only we didn’t have to wait for Khula for half an hour.

First thing’s first, fetch grass for the mound next to the chess board, whilst the others continue with the cleaning up and sweeping away dirt off the chess board to make it look presentable for the official opening. So, there we were helping to put up the tent, cleaning the chairs, etc. The launch was only to take place at 10:30am.

The walk began at the Beerhall Masimini where Ahaka and Guy introduced their paired project as well, which brought awareness concerning the need to keep the park clean and recycle rubbish. Then, it was Sifiso and gareth’s project where poles at the civic centre were painted. The Great Trek landed up along job Maseko at Kasia and Catherine’s project where recycled materials such as existing and old rocks and glass saucers were used to upgrade the tuckshop stand. Then, it was off to the Chess Park where apart from the official opening, plenty of event were lined up such as the human chess game, dancing, lunch was to be hosted at Chess Park.

From there some people decided to view one more project, which was a project done by Khula and myself at Entokozweni Primary School where a safe children waiting area was created. the idea was to also allow the children to draw a hop scotch on the floor and create hand prints on the structure to personalize the space. Before the structure, a major concern was the speed at which cars pass by the school where kids play and wait. Our idea was to create a safe environment for the children since it is a space where they love spending time after school in any case.

I feel that the day was very successful and I am proud of being part of such a project. The experience was exciting but at times frustrating. I think that we have created ever-lasting friendships.