A core element of SAWIP was expressed through individual and team projects, on Saturday 8^th September 2012 at Marian High School in Cape Town South Africa. Reflecting on the orientation camp held in March 2012, the SAWIP 2012 team was informed that as a team towards the end of the 6 month program they should be able to put together their own community service project. They felt that the vision of SAWIP needed to be highlighted in their community service project. SAWIP’s vision- is of a South Africa with strong leaders who have a global perspective, who serve others with humility and integrity and in so doing inspire future generations to do the same. As a team they hold their communities and education close to their hearts. The team is passionate about empowering youth and giving back to the very communities they come from and being the seed of hope, leadership and positive change.

8^th September the SAWIP team of 2012 went out to do their community service project. This was held in Lavis Town, Cape Town at a girls’ school-Marian High School. The SAWIP 2012 team used their skills gained from various avenues and from the SAWIP events over the last 5 months. After much reflection on the SAWIP journey and engagement in Washington DC, debates, research, and many proposals the team drew on each others strengths and networks. They sourced help among themselves, community leaders and businesses. The process and planning building up to the community service project is aligned to SAWIP's beliefs and values being encouragement of personal and professional development through rigorous community service and outreach. 8^th September marked the 2012 SAWIP team’s community service project, the event started at 9am till 3pm at Marian high school. The team presented and opened a well stocked school library and reading room. They went on to deliver workshops for CV’s and business plan writing. Experts, prominent business women and men and team members from various universities and higher education training institutions informed the school learners and members of the community about furthering their education and how apply to these institutions and get funding as well. These community leaders together with the SAWIP team of 2012 also ran the skills development workshops offered on the day. According to research done in the community, often people do not pursue further education due to a lack of funding, understanding, guidance and poverty. We dispelled these barriers and instilled a positive mind-set in all those who attended our event. We showed them how to apply for funding and what is required to gain access into institutions of higher education. The culmination of the event took place in a form of an accountability discussion with people from Lavis town community where Marian high school is situated. Their thoughts, issues, pleas and suggestions were handed over to their local ward councilor. The SAWIP team and management, guests, learners of Marian high school and community enjoyed refreshing snacks and everyone was given lunch as the event ended. The team felt their community service project was the platform for them to be the seeds of difference in their communities and in their country South Africa. This brings us to the mission of SAWIP “successfully address transformation challenges in our post-conflict society in order to strengthen a sustainable, efficient democracy with active citizens”.

Everyday will not be sunshine and roses sprinkled with perfection. There are times you feel down, hopeless, and question why certain things are happening to you. While being faced with a challenging task over a period of a few weeks, the following steps helped me every day to better my mindset and outlook and most importantly my attitude. This resulted in a daunting task becoming an enjoyable, pleasurable one. I realized that if you going to accept a challenge a positive mindset among a few things is important. I share these 10 steps to help build your self esteem, to remind you to keep a level head and remain calm through life’s storms and curve-balls. I used the following 10 steps and shared this with my learners to empower myself and them though my 7 week teaching practices.

1. SEE YOUR GREATNESS- NOT YOUR WEAKNESS

You are special and unique with many talents and positive characteristics.

2. BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Take time to look after and be kind to yourself. You need time to rest and refresh yourself.

3.GIVE THANKS

Count the things that are good in your life. Many people don’t have the blessings which you have – you need to appreciate these things.

4. WALK TALL

Stand straight, lift your head and walk with confidence. Stay true to yourself and never compromise your values for anything or anyone.

5. LISTEN MORE AND TALK LESS

You only have one mouth but two ears. We all want to be heard. Take time to really listen to what other people are saying. Listening is a skill, master this.

6. KEEP YOUR WORD

Everyone likes someone who keeps a promise. These are the people we can depend on.

7. TELL THE TRUTH

Sometimes it is difficult to be honest. But if we tell a lie it soon becomes much bigger and then we have to create many more lies to cover for your first lie. “The truth shall set you free”.

8. HOLD ON

Always hold on to good values, such as kindness, tolerance, respect, love, obedience, punctuality and sharing.

9. LET GO

Get rid of all negative thoughts, like anger, jealousy and greed. Breathe… and let go, don’t allow anything to stand in your way of happiness and success. Be your own architect to building life as YOU desire it.

10. BE COURAGEOUS

The key is to do everything at your personal best- this is often a reflection of the type of person you are. Adopt a positive attitude; this makes life easier and its challenges more manageable. Dare yourself to try something new. If you attempt a new hobby, sport or activity you will make new friends/networks and learn interesting things about yourself. Trying new things is a journey of self-discovery, it broadens your horizons and also allows you to be free and let loose and explore new avenues.

SO GO ON TRY IT YOU WILL BE AMAZED

It always seems impossible ‘till it’s done- Nelson Mandela

Trying to reflect and select highlights of the entire DC experience has been one of the greatest challenges I have been tasked with yet on SAWIP, and at the same time, it’s a privilege to be sharing my SAWIP journey with you. I may be bidding farewell to DC tonight, but not to the valuable lessons and growth she has provide me.

Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed guests of honor, SAWIP board, management and Class of 2012, I greet with the universal greeting of peace unto all, Asalamua’laykum. Good evening, Molweni, Sawbona, Namaste, Shalom.

My roots lie in India, and I am the second generation proudly born in South Africa. I come from a large family where many of us find ourselves in business, but I am the only one in my paternal family pursuing a university degree. I am currently completing post graduate studies in Education, majoring in English and Economics at the University of the Western Cape. This is where I heard about SAWIP.

I recall starting my SAWIP journey on a Friday afternoon, the due date for all applications. It took approximately seven hours to complete my application form, and I was able to submit it just minutes before the midnight deadline. After a brain-picking interview, I was selected to attend the selection camp with twenty nine other students. Selection camp weekend was nerve wrecking, exhausting and frightening to say the least. It tested boundaries, patience and leadership skills to the core. I came home and immediately told my parents that I was not going to be making it this time round, the competition was far too tough. But when Claire told me SAWIP would like to offer me a position on the program, I thought it was too good to be true.

I have always been fascinated by America, where everything is perceived “bigger and better”. I was curious to see why she is labeled a “super-power” of the world. And today, I stand before you and have had my curiosity turned into a living reality.

I had always wondered why Google maps were invented. Coming here and commuting via Metro, I now know why. I’ve finally learned how to read maps and I bet many of our geography teachers would be so proud of all of us today. Our weekend in the Big Apple was probably my favorite memory. The New York Stock Exchange was an adrenaline-pumping experience for a young, thriving businesswoman like me and the other entrepreneurs on the SAWIP team. Caught between my drive for business and passion for education, my time in the US allowed me to explore both these avenues. Meeting young, successful professionals has been a huge source of encouragement and motivation, and I am starting to believe that I have the power to make my dreams a reality. I recall a conversation with Nondu’s host mom Gwen who said, “as youth we think we can change the world, and we are right.” Amandla- awethu (power to the people).

I believe this experience through these past few weeks not only exposed us to the work ethics of Americans, but also helped to develop our leadership skills. From our internships, we have gained valuable skills, relationships, networks and learned to transform our challenges into opportunities. Personally, I have been inspired to work as hard as Americans do and keep racing ahead. I feel we are ready to use these skills and invest in our future and the future of South Africa.

This summer I was privileged to intern at The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA). My boss, Ambassador Robert Perry, has tested and challenged my knowledge on both Africa and South Africa. His global knowledge on politics and business has made me a keen researcher, and I hope to continue to pursue this when I return home. Working with interns from both the US and China as well as staff from across Africa and the United States has made my daily work day something I always looked forward to. Basic things such as sharing diction, pronunciation and cultural exchanges over lunch time have given me insight into American, Asian and African cultures. My list of friends and colleagues has vastly grown and the lively office atmosphere will truly be missed. CCA became home for me over the past five weeks. Ambassador Perry, allow me to express my heartfelt appreciation to you and CCA for opening your doors and affording me this enriching opportunity. Your keen passion in transforming and gaining investment in Africa has made me ask what are we, as young South Africans, doing to invest in and enrich Africa?

On behalf of the SAWIP family, I also wish to thank all our host families for their hospitality and active participation throughout our journey. To my caring host mom, Catherine O’Brien, I thank you for welcoming me with open arms and taking great interest in my religion, culture and this entire program. Our discussions about history, politics and heritage until the early hours of the morning over bowls of gelato and dark chocolate will surely be missed. Living with Kay, who works for the rights of people with disabilities, has opened my world to new possibilities and I now look forward to heading home and trying to enforce the same accommodation for South Africans.

To the SAWIP board members the SAWIP team of 2012 wish to thank you for your kind support throughout our journey in DC and back home. Your support, motivation and belief in our abilities have ignited so much hope in us that we believe we can now achieve anything we put our minds to. We thank you for walking this walk of transformation with us and our beloved country South Africa. Claire, Kim, Dinika, Thuli, and team of SAWIP interns we’ve come a long way, your hard work, efforts, attempts in keeping us fired-up and ready for action is dearly appreciated. You’ve left us with unforgettable memories and tools we look forward to using in transforming South Africa into a developed country. We salute you all for your passionate commitment to serving South Africa as loyally as you do, thank you.

While strolling through Dupont Circle (a place the SAWIP team frequently visited), I came across a statue of Mahatma Ghandi and below it read “my life, my message.” I pondered about this quote throughout my journey in the United States, and now at the end of the SAWIP experience in the United States I leave you with my message: “let your life be your message and let that message be your service.” I thank you.

This day turns out more emotional that I had anticipated. I’ve finally become comfortable at my work station and have built amazing relationships with my colleagues, the NSL and WIP teams too. I am now familiar commuting via metro; I can find my way home without much reference to that metro map in back-pack. And now it’s time to sadly bid farewell to DC and today to my internship. The cultural exchange at The Corporate Council on Africa was not just only a learning experience but included an element of humorous daily conversations too. The friendly office and lively atmosphere is one that made me feel welcome since day one. The internship challenged my computer, research and communication skills. Today, I walk away with not just having met a team of fantastic, interesting individuals from the USA, Africa and China, but I walk away with knowledge and skill too.

The journey back home at this point is not one I look forward to. It is tough leaving once a bond has been formed. DC really feels like home to me now. I guess the real challenge lies as we journey back home. We have to keep our networks open and use what we have learned and experience in DC to help develop our leadership skills and South Africa- we need now to become active change-makers.

I believe this experience has harnessed us as the SAWIP team to become change makers and I believe the effect of this journey in DC will unfold as South Africa goes from a developing country to a developed one with young dedicated leaders like the SAWIP team.

Staring at the final page of our SAWIP DC curriculum, I can’t believe this life-changing experience is coming to a close. To conclude our topic for the week (Peace and Conflict Resolution) the SAWIP team will engage with the WIP and NSL teams tonight where we will be discussing international conflicts. Tomorrow we the SAWIP team of 2012 shall conclude our program with a discussion on Education of peace and conflict resolution by Daniel, Kgotsi and Saif as our facilators. Friday the 20the July will end with a farewell reception. The sad departure for many will be on Saturday 21^st July 5pm.

4^th July- USA Independence Day – a day never to be forgotten. Apart from the sky rocketing temperature of this day, two host families decided we shall begin our morning at the Cathedral- a friend and I turned down this offer almost the last moment and decided that we shall catch up on sleep at a later stage in life. Before we knew it we were at the most beautiful Cathedral we had ever seen. The entire service had this unexplainable atmosphere and people came in their masses in support of 4^th of July.

The difference between a US holiday of this nature and a South African one is that in the US there is a sense of community, events are happening that attract both young and old.

Later on we head to the Lynch family household for a traditional BBQ where all the host families, SAWIP, WIP and NSL gathered to celebrate American Independence day. Over this event we broaden our network, learn about American customs and culture and enjoy various discussions. The ceremony of reading the American independence declaration was done so by SAWIP, WIP and NSL students- we begin engaging on social and intellectual platforms and discussion the way forward for countries like Palestine and Israel with the NSL students.

The celebration continues and the American flags continue to wave. We head in masses to the National Mall for the most beautiful fire work display. The sprits are high and people are feasting and there are thousands of proud Americans uniting in celebration of their independence. I now begin to miss home and I wonder when South Africa will celebrate Freedom day like this. I feel this spirit of ubuntu and being proudly South African still needs to be harvest a lot more. I desire to see a South Africa that has a South African flag hanging from each household window just like I’ve witnessed today in Washington DC. I now begin to see the changes that we as youth need to bring about in South Africa.

Weeks of hard work, great efforts and sleepless nights in preparation have finally fallen into place. Our SAWIP big event at the Woodrow Wilson International Center happens today, Tuesday 26 June 2012.

The SAWIP event was an immense success. An amazing extended guest list including those from Embassy leaders, world’s best journalists, executives, politicians, youth of Ireland, to passionate and active believers in youth leadership to an enthusiastic group South African youth leaders gathered for a day of discussion and celebration at the Woodrow Wilson International Center. From general discussions, debates and panel talks to the finale with a proudly South African clip that moved the audience and got many eyes wet... The Honorable Nelson Mandela’s legacy was the final formal topic for the day. As youth and world leaders, we realize we have big shoes to fill and as South Africans we have the best role model to embody.

Watching how my SAWIP team-mates take over the stage and engage and air their views, I’m sitting on the edge my seat blown away at the thought of the future of South Africa, with young leaders as passionate, powerful and dynamic as these. Shivers down my spine, I sit here with such pride and I am filled with hope that South Africa is headed on the road of becoming a developed country. My only wish was that parents, communities and South African leaders we here and able to see the caliber of discussion and leadership that is housed here today.

Allow me to express my heartfelt appreciation to the entire team (staff, management, board of directors, volunteers, and the SAWIP team) for having put this event together and to all the guest for your devotion and your support to SAWIP. Without the continued believe and support of those around us we are not able to fully change our challenges into opportunities. One mans victory- a nations pride.

This event culminated in an informal dining session with proudly South African treats; wine; a live African music band that sent feet to create a dance floor and not forgetting a huge South African flag cake that was enjoyed by all our guests. The cherry on top of the cake for SAWIP team is our next stop being the BIG APPLE- NEW YORK CITY…

A sunny Saturday it is, and students are dripping with enthusiasm and energy, while some are sipping away on Powerade others are applying the coats of sunscreen; the smell of summer is here. Let the games begin!

A sport on the Mall morning was the SAWIP’s team’s first interaction with both WIP (Washington Ireland Program) and NSL (New Story Leadership). We were split into four teams where we played frizz- bee, soccer, rounders and the famous game of charades where many of us did really well. The events of this morning brought out the kid in every one of us. Sharing breakfast treats and thereafter having some crazy awards handed out to special players. Awards went out to the following people, the best dressed players; the social butterfly among us to the lady who played soccer in flip-flops (which happened to be me) it was really hot and I found it quite suitable to be playing in flip flops instead of sneaker; though till this day Alli Appelbaum does not understand how this is possible. With DC’s heat I’ve discovered no better shoes than that of comfortable flip-flops. New friendships were made here, new teams were created, and a bond was formed on this flamboyant Saturday. After a stick-sweaty session of fun-filled games and socializing we did the famous act of striking a pose…

Having breakfast with my host mom Kay and exploring Eastern Market and visiting a local library in DC is what most of my early morning entailed. I discovered that many young people in USA do internships over the summer, this is very different to what we as students in South Africa do over our summer.

Over breakfast I also discovered that “pancakes” are actually not the pancakes we eat in South Africa which is served with ice-cream but is instead flap-jacks which is only served with butter and golden syrup and no ice-scream. We headed home to drop off the shopping done at this beautiful market which offers great fresh tasting treats to arts, crafts and many other sorts of clothing and decorative stalls.

The heat continues… and my journey to discover DC does too. Walking to the Supreme Court and the Shakespeare museum was really exciting, and seeing the Capitol before me was a breath-taking sight. I was moved by the enormous structure of the Supreme Court and the burning desire to be a lawyer all came back to me the minute I set my sights on the beautiful court. A sprit inside moved me to walk up all those step on this hot sunny Saturday. My hands slowly move across the doors and pillars of the Supreme Court and I could feel how the blood within me begins to boil. I could only imagine what an honor it would be for a lawyer/advocate/judge to walk up these stairs and exercise justice within this building.

If the experience at the Supreme Court was a great one then I’m lost for words to describe sight of the Largest Library in the World- The library of Congress. The architecture and colors, and sculptures are a sight no picture can captivate. It was at this point that I wish that my eyes turned into a camera so that I am able to show my loved ones back home this entire experience.

It was time to rush back home and head to the “braai” at Ambassador Rasool’s residence. The walk to his home from the bus stop at the University was a fresh view with large houses and even larger gardens. A peaceful neighborhood on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Upon arrival we were tasked to sign in and warming welcomed by the Rasool family. Walking into the garden where the event was held, before me stood many guests, I didn’t realize that there would be so many guest present at this event.

It was hard to mix in the crowd and to do the whole networking thing professionals do in the city. I was lucky to find the supportive Thuli (one of our team managers and alumni of SAWIP) who encourage and guided me till I was able to get the hang of things. I soon found myself in the company of an interesting and friendly couple who work for the embassy and are from South Africa. We discussed the role of youth and education and later moved on to issues such as importing South African goods to the USA.

Two representatives of the SAWIP team namely Alli and Thamsanqa spoke on youth day and the role of youth in South Africa and globally. Their views and experiences were touching and thought provoking.

Rise and shine, up at the crack of dawn. I felt I’d slept for a couple of days. I feel rejuvenated. Back-packed and ready for an action packed day.

Once again my host mom showed me the way to The Hogan and Lovell law firm where most of our Friday discussions would be held. Excited to see the team, everyone looks professionally dressed and the location is extremely influential on our corporate outlook.

We have a quick debrief on our arrival and the few hours we spent in DC thus far and the culture shocks we’ve experienced. At this point it was early days for me and I had experienced none thus far.

The SAWIP DC program seems rather structured, fast-paced and action packed. Claire wastes no time getting us up to date with the program for the following 5 weeks. The feeling while she takes us through this program is so over whelming and all I want to do scream out of excitement. Some of the items on calendar seem so unreal and the places and people we are going to see and meet is more than just exciting.

After a traditional pot-belly lunch and baked Lays (chips I’m so fascinated by as we only have fried ones in South Africa) we head down for a tour at U street.

A few SAWIPers hang out at Bethesda and explore the area. We meet at a central point where we are collected and taken to our first experience of a BBQ at the Cantrel residence. I met the lively board member named Holly who is a very interesting character. Later she introduces me to my boss (Ambassador Robert Perry) at the internship I shall begin on Monday June 18 at the Corporate Council on Africa. I am told what is expected of me during my internship and slowing I’m starting to take interest in it. Engaging with board members and friends outdoors at the Cantrels’ was a great welcome to DC. I enjoyed engaging with the Wheelers too and their advice on reading certain entrepreneurial books got me thinking and excited. After our first full eventful day we were dropped off at the metro station and were expected to head home. I got home safe and sound and began thinking traveling via metro may be very different to what I am use to, it is tiring but it’s a lot easier than it looks.

I am happy to have most of my Saturday off and then head off to the South African Ambassador’s residence, Ebrahim Rasool where we shall meet professionals of the city and celebrate youth- day as well.

Examinations are finally over. No more deadlines, stressing and studying *huge smiles*
Often we find ourselves thinking that are lecturers and faculties are insane and unreasonable in their expectations from us, sounds familiar? Little do we realize that we are able to achieve anything we put our minds to. At the end of it all we do complete those deadlines, pass those tests and excel at the examinations.

I’ve taken the last stretch of this semester as easy as I could. I tried to remain calm and collective and literally took one day at a time and tried to maximize the work in every day. Ta-da I am still alive and the semester is over, and all the expectations have been met. On this note, and brief blog I wish all the readers a splendid weekend .And to those writing examinations and finding difficulty in dealing with deadline stress and studying, do your best, take each day as it comes and manage your time well. Take those procrastinating breaks (but not too many). Keep the end objective in mind, and remind yourself of how far you’ve come and how close you are to the victory line. You can do it! :)

I have never been a lady of few words. A silent me either means I’m bored; deep in thought or something is very wrong. I usually do not drag my when it comes to tasks I need to complete. The “wake-up emails” to start blogging has encouraged me to publish the following. Yes, you guessed right this is my first official blogJ I’ve been writing ideas and thoughts about the SAWIP journey thus far, and in brief (this time around) I’ll let you in on the following. Minimizing between this blog and a psychology essay is clear that I’m procrastinating. I’d do anything except that daunting essay but like Vygotsky suggests that assessment need not be done according to a rubric but needs to be altered according to what brings out the best in every student. So with that in mind i hope you not expecting a typical essay blog, but rather something personal and hopefully to the point and not much elaboration like the essay I’m “busy” with.

I am nervous and excited! There’s just so much happening in my life at the moment. For example, there are campus deadlines, SAWIP commitments and weekly discussions, the “daily drama” and the idea of “oh no what will my readers think of my first blog”. And then there’s my best friend called “Procrastination” accompanied by social media also.


I thought that I had this all planned: the year, the year ahead and this blog… but with SAWIP, it’s true what they say “Your life is about to change”. The passion towards my country is revived.

The SAWIP 2012 team-I haven’t said how happy or excited I am to b a part of the 2012 team. After weeks of liaising via meeting Whatsapping, emailing, tweeting and Facbooking (have I missed any other social media here, excuse me there's just too much to remember) the team have really become family. Yes, we have our differences, we like-minded too and commonality exists in the fact that we all desire to bring about change to our beloved South Africa. My family and peers have asked me countless questions about my experiences so far. For example they have asked, “How’s the team? Have you met the people that you are going to DC with? What are they like?” When this happens, I take a deep breath and my response is as follows, “we’ve met on selection camp and we had orientation camp too. This isn’t a free trip to DC, it is a 6 month program that entails a lot more I take deep breath and my response is as follows “we’ve met on selection camp and we had orientation camp too. This isn’t a free trip to DC is a 6 month program that entails a lot more Google SAWIP please as see what they all about”. My reason in response to them is to create SAWIP awareness and to encourage people to read and do research. To say the least the team for one is extremely smart and passionate diverse leaders in every way. The team represents South Africa.


As a young lady with big dreams and a few big passions, I am a business woman and I desire success as much as the next person. With a degree in my hand and a post graduate degree soon on its way, I begin to calculate the possible monthly salary. Reality smacks me hard on the township tour when I saw a lady with a degree living in the heart of Khayelitsha living to serve her community and make a difference. It was there that I saw a true sense of citizenship, a spirit of ubuntu and suddenly my desire to drive and own the BMW X6 made me feel so selfish. As a current entrepreneur and a driver of sustainable development and education, the township trip quickly ripped off the blinkers I had on but never knew existed. With the “little” I have, I feel so privileged and in those sad moments where you feel life owes you something I retract to this visit. My heart burns to return to the township. I wish to take more than just a simple soccer ball for their soccer club, how I wish I was a millionaire, and had more to offer. The place is filled with potential and so much needs to be done. There are hungry souls waiting for health care, children needing shelter, and recreation facilities that need to be equipped. Just imagine “if every man helped his neighbour then who would need help?”

I promised to keep keep it short, and I’ve been so glued to this blog I haven’t opened my essay, and its time I head back to complete it. I have big dreams, I know, it keeps me going at times. I use to have a long to do list and now that list is completed and those goals have been achieved. I now have a new 5 year goal list, I'm working on it and it is a personal journey with a holistic benefit that is always driven home. As much as I desire to go abroad to teach and be in business, my aim is always to return to SA and plough back into this country and create the change we all desire to see. If one man like Mandela could make a difference, then so can I and together with the SAWIP team the future looks bright. Every small change made is a stepping stone to our developing country say and like they say “Rome wasn’t built in a day”….

Enough from me for now, before I wipe my eyes out again it will be time for my next blog, so I’ve got to keep some things for my next update.

I leave you with this thought:

The power lies within you to create a society, a community and a country which reflects your ideals.