Hackney Quest take a trip to SA

posted by: Administrator

Nine young people from Hackney Quest and ten young people from Trafalgar High School and Stars of Tomorrow charity in Cape Town, South Africa spent nine days working together engaging in inter-cultural activities. Here Hackney Quest tell us about their experience: 

We have been working very hard over the last ten months to fundraise and prepare for this project, raising over £12,000 by running various fundraising events, raffles, completing a midnight sponsored cycle to South Africa House in Trafalgar Square, bake sales, bag packing at Tesco, car washes, car boot sales and more. The funds raised went towards the flights and accommodation as well as covering the cost for activities, meals and transport for the South African youth group to participate. 

We ran several workshops regarding intercultural dialogue with an aim to learn about different cultures and share the challenges and opportunities for young people in their areas. We also led a workshop around the issues of youth and sexual health which focused on young people feeling empowered to make the right and informed choices. 

We visited the New Cross Road and Nyanga townships to experience traditional African food and culture and made a documentary about their everyday lives which explored what it is like to be a young person in their countries, and their hopes for the future. 

Then we spent 2 days in the Langa township where we volunteered at the Ikhaya Labantu homeless shelter, supporting with child care at the shelter’s crèche, helping with the monthly food shopping and painting amazing murals on the walls of a classroom.

We formed unity and international friendships leading to in depth understanding of each other’s values, goals and aspirations. 

For more information about the Cape Town Project please contact Keeley Williams, Youth Participation & Volunteer Manager at Hackney Quest on 020 8533 5480 or keeley@hackneyquest.org.uk