Amelia's adventurous week

Last week I had the opportunity to facilitate a Human Rights Education workshop with some of my colleagues in Delft. It was only us interns conducting the workshop so it was a bit nerve-wracking because we’ve never done it fully alone before. The audience was young adults from the surrounding areas of Delft and Belhar. Amongst the several conversations we had, one of our most interesting topics was when we were discussing vulnerable groups and one of the men tried to explain why he believed they were considered one. It was an interesting discussion because as the we as sympathized with his point that society has unrealistic expectations and pressures for men, which causes them stress amongst other things, that doesn’t make them a vulnerable group. It was difficult for them to comprehend this idea but at the end of it they realized what we were saying is true as we talked about the several discriminations and exploitations women, children, disabled, and minorities face. I always enjoy these workshops because it’s an opportunity for me to go and interact with people from these communities that people are so “scared” to enter and see what they are truly made of.

I also got to experience a bit of the touristy side of Cape Town as I went to Kalk Bay and Muzienburg for the first time. It was one of the nicest days we’ve had in a while so the beach was swarmed with surfers and swimmers from all over the place.  This weekend was emotionally taxing for me as I had my own personal loss so it was nice to take some time to relax on a beautiful beach.

I also had the opportunity to do something that’s been on my bucket list since I was 15 which is skydiving! I honestly forgot I was doing it until the day before so I was surprised how nervous I felt on the way there. However once I got into the sketchy small plane I knew it was too late to turn around as I volunteered to be the first one to jump. It was an amazing experience because I saw all 3 peaks of Table, Devil’s Peak, and Lions Head right before I jumped so it was a magical experience.  When I do things like this I’m always reminded how blessed I am to be in this country and to have the opportunities I do.  Even when I was up there I was thinking about what my parents did to send me to college and what I’ve been doing with that privilege and how I can continue to use my opportunities and privileges to make this world better. I haven’t completely answered that question but I think I’m getting closer to doing so every day.