Quartalsbericht Nr. 1

Eine weltwärts Vorgabe ist, alle 3 Monate einen kurzen Report zu schreiben.

1. What was your highlight in the last 3 months (personal/in project context)?

In my first three months in Cape Town, I can hardly think of a single highlight. I would say I have mostly enjoyed the diversity of all the types of work I can do at Dance for All. Being able to work in the fundraising section, writing proposals and contacting foundations, but also joining the ballet training and going to townships to be involved in dance classes for children, has always kept me busy and gives me some kind of balance. I have learned a lot in both sections. On the one hand, I got to know the whole process of how an NGO is working and the background of Dance for All specifically, and on the other hand, I've had the chance to be physically active and join the ballet classes of the senior students. Philip Boyd, the CEO of Dance for All, teaches the classes and has been a great inspiration to me. He has helped me to relax in the beginning and encourages me to always do my best.

2. What kind of challenges did you experience?
(How did you deal with them? What other options do you see to deal with them, for achieving a positive learning experience and a win-win situation for all involved people?)

When I arrived at Dance for All, I found it quite challenging to find out where my place in the organization will be. I worked a lot in the wardrobe in the beginning, but was not satisfied and then found it much more interesting to focus on fundraising. I worked together with the head of the fund development and started by establishing relationships with German foundations and translating proposals. I still help out in the wardrobe, at events and with little things that come up, but I feel like my major work is more efficient and important now. Yet, this brings up another challenge, as I came here to mostly do dancing and have to decide where my focus is going to lie in the next months. Another challenge are the ballet classes. Although a highlight every time, they are professional and hard work. I sometimes struggle with exercises, and always go out of the class being exhausted, but I also already notice that I am improving and adapting to the style of the classes more and more. I just have to keep going and try not to be discouraged or disappointed when something does not work out the way I want it to be.

3. What are your learning goals in the next 3 months (personal/ in project context)?

My very personal goal is to get to know all the different South African cultures better and to learn Xhosa. Many of the staff members at DFA speak Xhosa, and I already started to understand words and sentences. I consider it quite important to show interest and respect for their culture in order to establish real friendships. Being able to speak some words of Xhosa will also be very helpful when I teach my own dance classes in Khayelitsha and Nyanga. I aim at doing a good job with that. I've already taught ballet, but in a completely different context. I am hoping to learn how to teach ballet to children ranging in age from 4 to 10 who of course are at very different stages. Some of them take it quite serious already and show much commitment and eagerness, while others just come for a fun activity in the afternoon. I will be in the position of managing those differences, and I don't only want to give everyone a good time, but also teach the children valuable skills.