A Reflection on the Iowa Experience #4-2

I'm trying to stick with the habit of updating this daily, but with my schedule it is almost impossible! Tonight I got home at about 21:00 SAST after we (Rotary and Rotaract) had met with Child Welfare to discuss the 90th Anniversary Gala Dinner that we're planning. Afterwards we had opportunity to talk with Rotarians over dinner and the outcome of that, I think, was quite positive. I was referred to a Rotary-funded project / scholarship for post-graduate studies in the United States in Peace and Conflict Studies, so it is something that I'll have a look at!

Tuesday evening we came home at about 21:00 as well, Steven and I (as student representatives) had a leadership training evening at the University, followed by soup and 'networking'. And last nigh we had the bi-weekly family dinner, which was at Steven's grandmother's house (as it alternates between our house, Steven's brother's house or his grandmother's house). It is usually a fun evening in which we just catch up with the going-ons in the family and so forth.

Tomorrow evening, thank God, will be the first evening we're home! But tomorrow is also a busy day for me, as I am on campus from 8:30 - 16:30! On a Friday, yes! I have no life! haha

I last ended with a reflection of Wednesday, 9 July but failed to discuss the magnificent dinner we had at Drs Semakaleng and Robert Mazur's house, so let me get straight to that.

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I think the evening at the Mazur's house as part of the Africa Forum Dinner was one of the highlights of the week and something I was looking forward to. As I was constantly at pains to explain to the Americans I came across, South Africans are very social and outgoing people (at least within a select group, if that makes sense). So socialising, or what we call kuiering (there's no English word fit to describe all its majesty! Sorry! hehe), forms a big part of our social interaction, and even, daily lives. It was therefore something to look forward to, the opportunity to meet a few American South Africans!

But before I get into that, I must post a photo of Shadow - one of our cats at the Symons's Residence. He'll never forgive me if I don't...

I really loved Shadow! <3>

Well, first of all, I was very happy to further meet fellow South Africans (after having met Dr Sipho Ndlela earlier that day) and I think it was a very heartwarming experience to be welcomed into the house of someone that can relate much better to your own culture and the context, the milieu, in which you grew up and continue to live. Of course I can imagine that we grew up in very different times, and had to face very different political realities, but over-all we all know what we talk about when we say words such as braai, creme soda, and of course, biltong.

Eating, drinking and being merry!

As one can expect, the food was amazing! the company was really good (as Alastair remarked, he'd been convinced that everyone in Ames walks around carrying a PhD in their pocket!) and the atmosphere and ambience was not only friendly, but strangely and amazingly familiar. So much so that when the evening was over, we had "bonded" so much that I (and my fellow youth ambassadors) couldn't resist, couldn't help ourselves, and had to give Drs Leah and Semakaleng hugs! Big, real, true South African (as Joey calls them, I think) bear hugs! We were with family, and it felt good!

Dr Robert Mazur taking photos of the crowd.

I was surprised, however, by how quickly dinner (in my opinion) was served! It was kind of awkward, for me initially, to walk in and wait a few minutes and have dinner served! It was very unlike what or how we do it in South Africa - yet again, in my experience and in the social sphere I operate in. Usually we'll have a very long time to socialise and drink, chatting and waiting even hours for dinner to be ready. I must admit, and I have observed, that alcohol is not that much of a regular in American dining and socialising... as I was constantly remarking, alcohol in South Africa is quite readily available and almost always present at any event where people are getting together. We'll get to the legal drinking age in a minute!

Mandisa, Kauther, Dr Ndlela's friend and Phumlani's back-head!








Mandisa and Dr Semakaleng Lebepe-Mazur




Dr Barbara Woods, one of my favourite people at the event, and great company! Having shared her insights in American social life, social organisation and politics! And also a "view from the South."


I was absolutely drawn into the discussion with Dr Woods, besides looking rather upset here! I'm not preparing a rebuttal, really!

Dinner then, as I am sure you can imagine (and as those who were there will tell you, I hope) was amazing and it was really an experience to share in the house and home of fellow South Africans. Better yet, however, was the interaction among people who know Africa, who share a passion for and tie to the continent and it was an experience in which I gained a lot of insight and information.

I think the highlight of it all (besides Semakaleng's good food that was so very un-American, and thank goodness for that!), was the opportunity each and everyone of us had to share our experiences with "the other side." We spoke about our experience in and feelings toward the United States, and the non-Africans did the same about our continent, and where applicable, our country. I believe it is always good to hear it from an "outsider", someone not necessarily as much attached to it, either emotionally or in any other way.

And as such I would like to thank Robert and Semakaleng again for their incredible hospitality and for their work and effort in making the event such a huge success and such a memorable experience for me. It will never be forgotten. But, it would be unfair to leave out those who were instrumental in executing the evening successfully, including Leah, Semakaleng's family and all the others involved in the logistics, but also every single person who attended and contributed to the richness, depth and diversity of the evening! Thank you very much everyone!

We, the younger ones (no offense!) decided to "hit the town," if it could even be called that! Note: Ames is a college town (what we would call a university town... *cough*), we were there in Summer, with the result that, by 10:00 that evening the town was, for all intents and purposes, dead! Add to that little fact the matter of a legal drinking age that does not agree with me (or my age, or even our own laws in South Africa) and you can imagine the outcome!

No, it was actually great to get out and see the town (albeit in summer) at night and have a feel for it! Okay, I had tea (and I had to smoke 50ft away from anything civilised or moving) and we were in a Coffee Bar type of thing, but the company is what mattered most, right? hehe

Wait! I must first illustrate how insulted I was by the means of serving tea! I ordered Earl Gray, but it arrived in a mug about 12in tall! By my standards that is a jug, and serving tea in a jug (without milk and sugar) for anybody that can trace his / her origins to the British, is sacrillege! But, I survived to tell the tale! And corrected their very bad tea etiquette when we went there again a few days later (when I actually had describe a proper tea cup and how to serve it!)

Anyway, the evening ended (or the morning began, depending on how you look at it) with Basil and Nathan dropping off Martha and I at hour respective homes at about 1:00 after we enjoyed an hour or two in (what I would call) a smoke house type thing! The whole evening (bar the strict and comprehensive anti-alcohol and anti-smoking legislation, the lack of tea etiquette and our experience with super dogs!) was very much reminiscent of home and was a great experience! An opportunity to casually engage with people over dinner, and then go out with our peers and just relax! It was, as mentioned, one of the highlights of the Iowa visit!

Oh the irony! In front of the entrance to the Obama Campaign Offices (now the Story County Democratic Party Campaign Office). Seems like Iowans are struggling just as much in adapting to the new legislation!

For those of you who would like to know, and do care, I haven't smoked since we left Atlanta, in keeping with my promise and statement that I do not smoke at home.

Education and Political Participation in Creating a Better Life for All.

Sometimes I need to remind myself of why I am doing what I do, what my self-defined goals and purpose in life is, and of where I see myself heading and ending up in the future - albeit a rough outline. I therefore need to constantly give myself a pep talk especially as what I intend to achieve has been, and probably rightly can be, defined and called "over-ambitious".

Yes, I tend to be an idealist (in the Wilsonian tradition, really) and I tend to keep adding to my work load because (1) I think things need to be done, and (2) I'm a perfectionist so I prefer over-seeing or doing those things myself. Yes, it's a flaw and I am trying to work on it!

I bring this up because it was stirred up in the previous post (and in my experience that day at ISU) in which the stark contrasts between Western and African societies were highlighted, not only in terms of socio-economic development and progress, but also in terms of values, perspectives and socio-political organisation. Even in my interaction with my fellow youth ambassadors was it vividly brought to my attention that even in South Africa there are two very different worlds, a dichotomy comparable to that of the North-South divide, falling very much (in South Africa at least) along racial lines.

I know that this is not an exclusively South African phenomenon, although it may be much more pronounced here. It is a phenomenon that is witnessed and cuts across the entire world, with the majority of the world's riches concentrated in the hands of an elite minority who ultimately benefit from that abundance. Yet again, I can go into an extensive discussion on the International Political Economy, the legacy of Colonialism (and Apartheid here in South Africa) and even what some have called neo-Colonialism, but I think it defeats the purpose. I don't like pointing fingers, and as we all know, whenever we point one finger at something or someone, there are always three pointing back.

Maybe I am ambitious, over-ambitious, because I want to change the world for the better. Maybe I am an idealist because I believe in cooperation and interdependence, mutual understanding, but most importantly, the Enlightenment idea of the progressive nature and role of Education. This idea - and particularly Enligthenment philosophy in general - formed and continues to form the basis of American society (in my opinion) and explains the high value placed on Education in the United States.

Getting back to this desire I have to change the world though... Leah sent me a quote early this morning (South African time) that made me think about the over-ambitious nature of the endeavour!

"It takes a small group of committed citizens to change the world ~ indeed its the only thing that ever works" - Margaret Mead

I tend to agree, I think changing the world is a project that has to have its roots at the very base of society - the grassroots level - should be centred around you, me and the most basic unit of society - the individual. Therefore believe this is a responsibility that rests on the shoulders of each human being.

My role in the grand scheme of things, I believe, is in education and politics. Yes, within these two seemingly antagonistic institutions is where I know my role in changing the world lies.

Educators are tasked with a special responsibility in that they have the opportunity to affect, touch and change so many lives by imparting and sharing knowledge and experiences. This is a real grass-roots position in which to inspire true social change by merely changing attitudes and perceptions. I believe that we need to change the world, but the greatest challenge is rather in changing minds, mentalities and attitudes. In this regard there are three quotes that I think educators should take to heart, remember and live by:

"After all, what is education but a process by which a person begins to learn how to learn?" Peter Ustinov, Dear Me 1977

"Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one." - Malcolm Forbes

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." - W.B.Yeats

In a contemporary age in which we have witnessed the gradual decline in prestige and status of teaching, I think we need to reclaim the profession as an honourable enterprise and one of the highest civic virtues or duties, proclaiming that (contrary to the popular expression) "those who can't teach, do."

Education, the process of educating, however, goes well beyond mere chalk and talk lectures, class room discussions and debates, or all forms of teacher-student interaction. Education is a process that, in my opinion, is an ongoing, ever-present and undying process that involves the internalisation of and reflection on information, experiences, observations, interactions and encounters. More importantly, because of this interactive nature of education, it is a reciprocal process in which the teacher teaches, but should also be taught. It's a process that, whether good or bad, is intertwined with human existence as we try to make sense of the world and therefore I think that I have a role to play and responsibility even in politics.

It relates, I think, more to the Athenian democratic and Roman republican idea of the active citizen and active citizen participation in the every day organisation of social and political life. More specifically to the idea of developmental republicanism which holds that through participation in the community and its affairs, we develop and nurture our abilities as human beings and shape our destiny. If man is by nature, according to Aristotle, a political animal, then politics is central to our lives and essential in realising our full potential, not only because politics is present in every aspect of social organisation, but because it is an educating process in itself. Thomas Jefferson said: "Information is the currency of democracy," and democracy - especially if we're trying to consolidate and strengthen a new democracy - needs to be built on a solid democratic political culture base that involves active citizen participation and the free flow of debate, discussion, differences and information. But, above and beyond the virtue of political participation, is our civic duty and responsibility to participate. As the Teacher at the Mosque in Ames, IA said: "Silence is consent, and through consent we become partners in crime."

Education is key to society's advancement, something as true today as it was during the Enlightenment period, and as Oprah says: "Education is Freedom". Education is emancipation from mental slavery, and one of the building blocks - if not the cornerstone - in constructing a better world, a better life, for all.

A Reflection on the Iowa Experience #4-1

Well it's the second week of my last semester as an undergraduate student (at least in the South African 3 year Bachelors programme) and I have quite a busy week ahead! Despite the commitments during the day, I also have evening engagements from Monday - Thursday and even on Saturday morning. But it's good to be back and busy, and I have found that the busier I am the more I get done! Weird how that works out.

I'm teaching my first two tutorial classes (to first years) tomorrow in Comparative Politics (my potential area of speciality) and it ties in well with the module we're doing on Democratic Studies at the third-year level. I find it incredibly interesting, especially when we discuss Jefferson, Madison and the like - even more so because I was in DC and saw the actual home of democracy... Okay, an effective democracy. I've also been reading through the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights - you can find a great resource for that at Charters of Freedom.

Steven and I attended the Pretoria East Rotaract Club (it's the Rotary for 18 - 30 year olds) meeting this morning and we were sort of thrown in the deep-end! We're jointly tending to the International portfolio and the club is currently planning a fundraising dinner gala event in celebration of Child Welfare's 90th birthday. I'm really excited about the Rotaract Club and will engage in active recruiting so that we can be chartered - we need about 2 - 4 members (just to be safe) to do that.

My parents also came over for lunch today and I had an opportunity to give them their gifts from the States and share with them my experiences and what I have learned. It's still quite cold here in South Africa, the temperature ranged from (as was forecast) between 41 - 71 degrees Fahrenheit. Yeah, I know, it's not that bad, but it sucks for us here in South Africa!

Let's get back to Iowa, shall we?

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Wednesday, 9 July 2008 was an incredibly busy day and we had a full schedule... thanks to Dr Leah Keino! We did, however, kick off the day approximately 30 minutes later than planned, and having had a look at the schedule I could not help but protest the absence of "mandatory Union tea and smoke breaks!"

It was a full day and we were on the Iowa State University campus from about 8:00 to 17:00, and had a dinner later that evening as well... but I'm running ahead of myself, again.

Dr Leah Keino, member of the ISU faculty, started off the day with the introduction and it was also largely due to her efforts that the day was as successful as it turned out to be. Mainly because of the relevance of the speakers she invited and their knowledge in their respective fields or experience in the specific topic.

Jess Crawford and Teresa Atkins's (above) presentation on community service and service learning, based upon their recent experiences in Rwanda (with Dr Keino) was particularly enlightening and informative because it provided us with a student-centred perspective on the topic. But more importantly to me was the stark contrast between Rwandan and American, even South African, public and private schools. I was astonished to see how many Rwandan students begin their day and what they have to endure to get a school qualification. What impressed me the most, however, was their dedication and their firm commitment to obtaining an education - something I have seen fade away from younger generations of South Africans.

The group with Drs Klonglan, Smith, Woods and Keino.

Next on the agenda was Drs Richard Smith and Gerald Klonglan's presentation about their community project in Tanzania with regards to health, education and water. As a citizen of the most developed nation and largest economy in Africa it was yet again interesting to see how people in other parts of the continent go about their daily lives and the difficulties that they overcome.

It was also quite a welcome relief to meet Dr Smith and hear something a bit different (and more familiar) than American English!

Dr Woods and I engaging in conversation over Leah's Kenyan tea!

Before lunch we were addressed by Nathan Swanson and Basil Mahayni, specifically on the topics of youth community involvement and the student-life of Iowa State University. The discussion soon shifted to politics and revolved around American politics and the 2008 Presidential elections! Not that I expect anything different in a room with eight South Africans of which half study politics!

Lunch was taken at the ISU Cafeteria (right?) Yet again, huge portions! But it was good to see healthier alternatives available! We also had an opportunity to trek across the ISU campus and get a feel for the atmosphere (despite it being summer break) and I admired many of the beautiful buildings and the well kept grounds!

Lunch was followed by a shocking - yeah, it was sort of - presentation by Dr Francis Owuso (a fellow African) on sustainable economic and population growth and development. The presentation laid bare the excesses of western societies and we were concerned over his safety having to share that information in a Western University! He assured us that he was safe and that he will continue fighting the good fight! For more information do not hesitate to contact either Dr Owuso or Dr Keino at the relevant pages.

It was also a pleasant surprise to be addressed by Dr Sipho Ndlela - a fellow South African - and to hear about his work in reseach in bio-fuels (particularly bio-diesel), and his experiences of and knowledge about the United States from a South African perspective, especially graduate studies and adapting. Dr Ndlela's presentation was followed by Nick Lauen sharing his experiences as a member of the Peace Corps in Cameroon, specifically in teaching at Cameroonian schools.

The day at ISU was ended off with a tour of their Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching (CTLT). This stood in stark contrast to what we're used to in South Africa, especially when seeing Apple Macs all over the place, complemented by state of the art teaching instruments. I think this was a good experience for Andile and Phumlani as aspiring and future educators in South Africa. It's just sad to think that South African students will not - for many years to come, at least - be able to match this kind of quality education. I can, of course, go into a lengthy discussion about the international political economy and intellectual property rights (particularly within the structure of the WTO), but will refrain and save you all the agony!

Photos from the tour of the facilities.

I think we were all better informed as the day drew to a close, but also very happy that it did - eventually - come to an end. It was a very informative day filled with, as mentioned, relative relevant information from well-informed individuals and experts in their fields.

I am, and I'm sure the group is as a whole, grateful for the time and effort put into organising the day's events and presentation and appreciate the dedication and commitment of the individual speakers, particularly their willingness to meet and share their work with eight foreigners! Thank you very much for showing us real Iowa spirit, and a particularly heartfelt word of thanks to Dr Keino, Leah, our African mother in America, for her hard work! Asante sana. Also to Joey and Jeremy for enduring it all and for enduring us!

The group with Mama Keino!

I will end off this post tomorrow evening with a reflection on the dinner at Drs Robert and Semakaleng Lebepe Mazur's home, as well as our night out on the town! (I thought this post was getting a bit long...)

As I'm sure Joey was saying: "Check you later!" haha