Today I went with Barbara [affectionally called "Auntie Barbs" by everyone] to the Early Learning Center [ELC] in Slangspruit, where I did my first round of home visits exactly a week ago with Jilleth. ELCs are like pre-schools in townships, serving children around the ages of 3 months to about 6 years. Many of the children are OVCs, even in households that are under Thandanani's care, and do not need to pay to go the ELC-- other children only pay R50 a month... that is around $7.50. That's amazing.

Tags: slangspruit | ELC

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I walked outside for 5 hours in 34 degree [93-degrees F] weather in the township of Slangspruit, outside Msunduzi. It was hot, it was humid, it was hilly, and occasionally a cow, goat, pig, or chicken would kick up some dust to stick to my balmy skin. A lack of adequate sleep and a mild case of dehydration made this a hard 5 hours, but it didn't mean I liked this experience any less.

Tags: housing | slangspruit | home visits | facilitators | volunteers

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