We travel not to escape life.... but for life not to escape us

The purpose of this blog is to show my friends and family what I have been up to in Cape Town and working for Grassroots Soccer. In the process I hope to shed light on common misconception about “Africa” and showcase the beauty and diversity of this continent.

As I am working for Grassroot Soccer, I will also be writing about my job in Coaches Development and the fantastic people who work for GRS.

Here goes…..

All I can say is WOW! My first week is Cape Town has been nothing but amazing.. although I have gotten lost a few times… I have realized that it is a great way to explore the city.

I keep having to pitch myself because I just can not believe that I am working for Grassroot Soccer and living in Cape Town for a whole year. I am still learning about the social dynamics of this diverse city, and as I am outsider it has been a lesson in how race, history and wealth can affect a cities identity.

Here are some of the highlights from this week:

Visiting the Football for Hope Center

We got the chance to visit the Football for Hope Center Khayelitsha which is a township about 30 minutes outside of the main part of Cape Town. As we drove away from the city center, the extreme wealth gaps between the rich and the poor was apparent. We went from seeing large houses and modern shops, restaurants and coffe shops to rows and rows of homes that were one room tin houses.

The football for Hope Center is a safe haven for the community. Children come and play soccer after school and GRS runs many of their programs at the center. The best part of my day thought was going to a Street Skillz session with the female coaches.

Street Skillz is a girls-targeted intervention, that combines an activities-based HIV prevention and life skills curriculum with soccer. The sessions are taught by incredible female coaches who empower these young girls to speak out about rape, HIV/AIDS, gender discrimination, self-esteem, beauty etc.

Watching these female coaches led discussions about such sensitive and taboo topics like periods, sex and drugs was just so powerful. I do not think words can do justice to how these coaches are changing young girls lives. I get goose bumps just thinking about it. Getting to know these coaches and seeing the work they do, I am even more driven to help them find jobs and employment skills.

Devil's Peak

On Saturday some of the interns and I hiked Devil’s Peak. I have been on many hikes with my family, but the view from the top of Devil Peak was breathtaking. We were literally right above the clouds.

Here is a picture from the view of where I live of table mountain.

There is more to come next week!!!