Let me first say that I am really quite in love with indigenous people due to their strong sense of culture. I suppose as an 8th generation German descent Canadian who's family came to Canada is 1752, I feel a strong sense of admiration for people who still practice their cultures. As you may have noticed for example I do not speak German and do not own, or can even spell, Laderhosen.
I particularily love the various cultures of the Black South African tribes. It really amazes me that they have managed to keep such strong roots to their history and ancestors despite the Apartheid regeim.
My friend, and Gcinsize's younger brother is called Stumo and he is such a glorious person. Stumo just turned 20 years old and I really do love him like a brother. I was speaking with him on the phone a few days ago and asked him about the bush. Stumo has been asking to go to the bush for 2 years but Gcinsizwe and others have told him that he is too young and that he must wait a few years.
Now for those of you who do not know what I am talking about, Stumo is Xhosa and in his culture a man must go to the bush in order to become a man. It is really quite an incredible ceremony where a boy is circumsized by a traditional doctor and then goes and lives and survives in the bush (the woods) for between one and three months. I have just skimmed over the custom, there is much more to it. It's pretty amazing though.
So in talking to Stumo the other day I asked if he was going to the bush this year and he said very excitedly yes! He is going in December, sadly though I am going to miss it, I am arriving in Thembalethu in late December and he goes to the bush at the beginning of the month. I begged him to wait till I get there but he said "Catherine I wish I could but I cannot wait, I have to be back in time to go to school in January".
Say what?? Yes you heard it right, Stumo, a beautiful incredible strong Xhosa man fell victim to the intensity of his surroundings and as a result dropped out of school in grade six. He lost hope for the future, lost his way and had no respect for his abilities. He was born before the fall of Apartheid and grew up being told by outsiders that he was not worthy of anything good. After decades of this, as well as living in chronic poverty, he dropped out.
Until now, and do you know why? Stumo is on the Youth Leadership Football Team that I started with the Themba Development Project, after months of the community asking me to do so. The people of Thembalethu never ask me for anything so when they do I know that it is essential, well through out and effective. I didn't have the money to start such a team but after Drum, Dance, Celebrate! I finally had the $250 necessary to start the team and supply them with proper uniforms. In order to be on the team the guys must volunteer in the community focusing on the elders and other at-risk people in the community. As well, everyone on this team must return back to school. These guys amaze me, they are beautiful, strong young men and I know they can accomplish anything they want to in life, with help. I will go down fighting so that these boys have a good future. As of today all the boys on this team have re-enrolled in school, including Stumo!
Although I am terribly sad to miss this life changing event in Stumo's life, I am so pleased to know that it is because he will return back to school. Thanks to the school supply program he will even have the dignity of having both food and school supplies so that he can focus on school and not on poverty.
$250, amazing what you can accomplish with so little!!!!
Catherine
