Once per year the academy invites the children's caregivers to visit the school for an event resembling an open house. But, this isn't like any open house I've ever seen. The caregivers live in the townships from which the children come. They are typically a grandparent, an aunt, a cousin, a friend, or someone unrelated to the child, but who cares for them when they are home on school breaks.
Craig, Addi and I arrived at the school a bit early, and waited for the caregivers to arrive, with some VERY excited students. The energy was quite electric.
At about 11:00 am (about 1/2 hour late, or as some said, "on Africa time"), the bus finally arrived amid shouts and screams from the kids. The caregivers and students mingled and had teacher conferences. The choir, drama and dance classes performed. Everyone was served a traditional lunch, and in the midst of it all, Craig managed to take photos of each student with his or her caregiver. At the end of the afternoon, the principal prayed for the students and visitors. As the guests boarded the bus to head for home, the students line the driveway on both sides to wave goodbye.
That evening, our little family drive to Cape Town, where we had a lovely dinner at La Perla and spent the night.
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