IT'S TIME FOR AFRICA!!!! Cape Town 2012: DAY THIRTY ONE:

Today was probably one of my favorite days here. For class this morning, we had guest speakers from the program Reading Rebels, which is probably one of the most amazing organizations I have ever heard about/been a part of. Basically, the objective of the program is to go into the worst schools in the country and find the worst criminals, the gang leaders, the individuals filled with hatred and disrespect, and pull them into the program. They ask them to read a book a month and in return they receive money. These kids, who are leaders but leading the masses in the wrong direction, are enticed by the money, so agree. The program has them read books about business, success stories, inspirational read that are relatable to these kids situations. Over time these aggressive, criminals kids begin to change. They stop fighting and start taking school seriously in hopes of achieving their dreams, as the characters in the books. It becomes less about the money and more about getting themselves out of their current situation. And yea, all this sounds awesome but how much of an affect could a book really have on a gang leader?? At least that's what I was thinking the whole time, but then we had the chance to hear from some of the students that are involved in the program, and their stories are amazing!!! They went from being in and out of jail, bullying, fighting, stealing, to getting good grades, becoming role models, getting scholarships to go get further schooling... all because of the affect a book had on them. I will never take reading for granted again. Through the money that I paid to go on the trip, Global LEAD is single handedly funding the Reading Rebels program in Sir Lowry's Pass... unbelievable. After class, I went to high tea in the Nelson Mandela Hotel. Which, honestly, was one of the coolest things that I have done all trip. I don't really know why; I guess because it is just something that I never imagined myself doing. The hotel was beautiful, like 10 stars. We got to sit in the sun room, overlooking the gardens. The afternoon tea included unlimited teas, coffee, and hot chocolate, and buffet (little sandwiches, quiches, fruit, and desserts on desserts)! SOOO many teas!!! It was really fun; we all felt so important! After high tea, we went to this restaurant called Bombay Bicycle; it had an awesome atmosphere with crazy decoration and hats. It was so fun! I was supposed to go out after but still a little sick so maybe tomorrow!