First Day In Kwathema

Mood: excitement
Song in mind: Jennifer Lopez-feel so good
Location: Kwa-Thema
Mission: Meet Volunteers and site walk

This was the first day in Kwa-Thema and we got the opportunity to meet the volunteers for the first time and I was really looking forward to the project. Aspects that I like concerning the project are community involvement and interaction, and the fact that the project is real. Many of us have never been involved in projects of this magnitude before. I enjoyed meeting the volunteers.

We took a walk to all of the potential sites, but the one I found most intriguing was the space between the houses because I could not believe that a car could actually fit within that space. I was moved by the Chess Park site as it goes beyond architecture and begins to deal with the fulfilment of someones dreams and ambitions to create an environment where children and the community at large can come together and play. He showed us his plan for the site and my impression of the site is that it has a huge potential for growth and development. If one is to partake in this project, I feel that it must be designed as such.

We got together at the library to talk about the history of Kwathema and the type of interventions we would like to make at this stage from different points of view; councillor, resident, tourist, etc. the views that came out were inter-related and similar indicating similar thinking patterns. This discussion really helped to put my mind at ease as the levels of intervention on the different sites became clear.

I am really looking forward to the rest of the project.

12.04.2007

Today was our first day in Kwathema, we started off at the library where we met the volunteers. It was interesting meeting all these different people and finding out why they had volunteered themselves for this project. We then walked to the Chess Park, were we met Anthony Shoba. I thought it was interesting to see how much Anthony had already thought about the Chess Park, he even had a plan already drawn up! We then proceeded to the Indaba tree, and from there we went to the Beer Hall. The Beer Hall looked interesting and the history behind it was inspiring, but all the same I would prefer to work on the Chess Park. From there we went to other various places around Kwathema, Tseleng our liaison leading the way. Overall I am happy I chose this elective because at least at the end of the day we will leave something behind that hopefully the people of Kwathema will find of use…. I am a bit concerned about the budget though doesn’t seem enough to do everything?!

Our first day in Kwathema. Catching up after the tour through Kwathema