BRIDGES TO SWAZILAND RYAN WOLSKI 6 MAY 2011 CABRINI COLLEGE

WHAT HAVE I LEARNED ABOUT SWAZILAND When I first started this course, I knew absolutely nothing about Swaziland. After just one day, I knew this class was going to be an eye opener. Through readings and the movie The King and I, I learned all about King Mswati III, his wives, his money, and his lack of care and dedication to his people. I also learned that the population, due to the high AIDS rate, could be extinct in the next decade.

WHAT ARE OVC? OVC stands for Orphans and Vulnerable children. All do not have their parents and many are actually abandoned to be on their own. Examples are poor families who cannot afford to take care of their children. Death of parents Children who are sick and parents cannot take care of them.

WHAT IS THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM LIKE IN SWAZILAND? HOW DOES THAT IMPACT THE OVC THERE? The Education in Swaziland is a lot different than here. First, they do not have much supplies, which makes learning almost impossible. Also in order to move to the next grade, the students need to pass a test made up by an education board that sometimes not one student will pass. This impacts the OVC because if they do not have parents around to help take care of them and are left to be on their own, which makes going to school not a priority. Many are left to take care of their younger siblings as well.

WHAT IS SOCIAL JUSTICE? What is the difference between social justice and charity? Social justice is on going. Charity is almost a one and done. Social justice is when you stand up for a group as a whole. Charity is a basic sense of generosity.

WHAT IS MY PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION IN REGARDS TO SOCIAL JUSTICE? I feel every person who have dedicated their lives to teaching is taking part in social justice. Social justice is on going and each and every year, teachers inspire students to do something with their lives. Teachers have incredible affect on students and change lives for the better and that is what social justice is.

HAS OUR CLASS WORKED FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE? HOW? Yes, by making lessons for the children to learn. We are not only helping change their lives, but we helped the teachers as well learn new materials. The teachers also can continue to use our lessons to teach new students every year.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLEXITIES/PROBLEMS INHERENT IN WORKING TO EFFECT CHANGE? Money In Swaziland, they do not have supplies, computers, furniture, internet, and other materials that are necessities to teaching. It is tough to raise money for schooling in Swaziland when the children do not even have anything to eat, which puts education farther back.

HOW DID COURSE READINGS INFORM MY UNDERSTANDING OF SWAZILAND AND THE WORK TO BRING ABOUT SOCIAL JUSTICE THERE? We read both books to inform our understanding about Swaziland and what it is really like there. When reading these books, you almost cannot stop thinking about how blessed we are to live the way we do. I do not ever wake up hungry and think will I eat today?

HOW HAVE I CHANGED AS A RESULT OF PARTICIPATION IN THE CLASS? I became more aware of the situation in Swaziland as well as I am more appreciative of what I have. Growing up, I did not have much so I am already grateful for everything I have but this class was a constant reminder to stay humble. Anytime I think of Swaziland, I think of the man drinking dirty water out of a puddle and it reminds me to thank God everyday for what I have.

IN WHAT WAYS WILL MY EFFORTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE? I believe our class` efforts will make a difference in many lives in Swaziland. Our lessons will teach them certain things such as math and science that they had no idea about Also, just writing the letters we wrote brought a smile to their faces, even if it was only for a short time, we could have made someone`s day and that is important.

ARE THERE WAYS I CAN CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TO BUILDING BRIDGES? Coaching Community volunteer Bridges to Swaziland Club

ABOUT THE AUTHOR I am a junior Accounting Major Youngest boy of six Like to coach and play basketball, play golf, tennis, and hang with my family. I hope one day to work for myself and continue to play golf.