Mount Madonna Students Discover ‘Ubuntu’
By Simran
Imagine if you could know what Archbishop Desmond Tutu values. That’s exactly what Mount Madonna School Juniors and Seniors will have the opportunity to learn this April.
On April 4th 2009, 18 MMS juniors and seniors and five staff members will fly to Johannesburg, South Africa as part of the AP Environmental Science and the Values in World Thought program.
Sadanand Ward Malliard is the teacher and creator of The Values in World Thought Program. Through a series of local articles he explained the importance of this program.
One concept in the ‘Values’ program at MMS Is ‘Ubuntu,’ It is a Zulu word which translates “I am who I am because of those around me.” It means none of us exists in isolation. When students visits other countries and experiences a basic human connection with people distant cultures they discover that care and concern for each other is the true basis of a civil society.
Desmond Tutu fought against apartheid in South Africa and he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. He was the first black Arch Bishop of the Angelican Church in Cape Town South Africa and has written 3 books. The Students will get a personal interview with the Archbishop Tutu.
Senior Leah Nascimento is hoping to be exposed to Desomond Tutu and his work. She says “This trip will open my eyes to what’s going on in the world through first hand experience.”
They are going to work for Phalani, started by Archbishop Tutu. Phalani helps children and families affected by AIDS. MMS is going to donate to Phalani 33 suitcases filled with school supplies and clothes.
Trevor Forry, a Senior “Hopes to help children and is going for the experience.”
If you are interested in learning more about how to help South African children with aids go to phalani.org
Science Teacher Lisa Catteral is also leading students on the trip. “Africa is a life long passion for me. It is a hard place and you see a lot of poverty.” Lisa lived in Africa in the past and since being at MMS she has been taking students to serve. She believes it is important to travel and experience foreign countries beyond (being a regular tourist) by giving and being part of a solution to the hardships there.
This year, students will visit Johannesburg, Cape Town, Soweto, and Robin Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. As part of the science program they will study the Savannah ecosystem and its animals by spending 4 nights in Kugar Park.
Senior Camille Schwartz says “I hope to learn about community and what it is to be a leader.”