The following is an article written by Millersville University student Franchezca Taveras on her study abroad experience in South Africa.
Summer 2008 was a life changing experience. I had the opportunity to study abroad in the University of
KwaZulu-Natal as well as work as a volunteer in Streetwise, a non-profit, non- governmental organization
(NGO) in Durban, South Africa.
Streetwise has been serving the community since December 1988, and for nearly 20 years has helped
street boys to rehabilitate from their life style in the streets. The organization offers the children humanitarian
aid, helps trace their families, life/social skills, and bridging education. The organization has also helped
impact national policy regarding street children, and informed communities of the problem by providing
families with prevention methods.
There are many factors that force children to make the streets their homes among these include, poverty,
sexual and/or physical abuse, parent’s drug and or alcohol addiction, lack of resources, neglect, community
violence and HIV/Aids (one of the main factors and still increasing.) In 2004 is was estimated that more than
10,000 children were living in the streets of urban areas in South Africa, however that number has more
than doubled in the past four years.
I participated in the first three steps of the program which are 1) to outreach by building trust in the
streets by learning the “street culture”, 2) to facilitate short term rehabilitation which includes basic
needs, social skills and medical attention, and 3) after care if the child is reconciled with his family and
community. I built close relationships with many of the children. However, it was not until I wondered
the streets at night that I realized how unique and strong these children really are.
I was impressed with their smiles and optimism. The older ones would assure the younger ones were
taken care of and would receive some food. There were many subcultures I encountered but one thing
they all had in common was the level of maturity and the reasons that brought them to the streets. That
first night I could not sleep, I even vomited various times thinking of the living conditions these children
were forced to live in. Next morning, when the children ran towards me back at the school, I could not stop
smiling, because I felt so proud of them….I looked up to them.
From that day forward I began seeing things in a new light. At first I could not understand how these
children were so brave to make that transition from the streets, how they smiled and laughed everyday
regardless of their hardships.They appreciated the small things we take for granted. Like school, food,
and love.
I thought I went there to offer my help and make a difference, but they did more for me than
I did for them, they gave me a new perspective to life, and motivation I never had. One of the things
some of the older children said to me when giving me my goodbye letters and hugs was to please finish
school.
For more information or interest in getting
involved visit www.street-wise.co.za and next
semester on February 13th come out and support
the organization. It’s for a good cause...the kids.
by Franchezka Taveras
