Journal Entry #5

Describe your experience at your service project location. What were your responsibilities? How has your time there helped shape your definition of service?

When we arrived at the site, we received a welcome from Helen and an overview of our schedule for the day. The first thing on the agenda was a presentation by the children. They sang three songs to welcome us to Pinocchio Creche. Following their presentation, the staff asked us to conduct an icebreaker with the children. The selected activity was “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.” Following presentations and icebreakers, we assisted the staff with organizing an Easter egg hunt for the children. This activity involved filling all of the eggs with one piece of candy and hiding them in various places throughout the open field in front of the site. After all of the eggs were assembled, the children were broken up into two groups and given the opportunity to hunt for two eggs. Following the Easter egg hunt, we did station-based indoor activities with the children. There were 3 stations available: jigsaw puzzles (12 pieces, 24 pieces, and 36 pieces according to the child’s skill level), playdo, and blocks. Following the indoor activities, we transitioned to outdoor activities. The first activity was Duck, Duck, Goose, which was conducted by us as HUSSW students. 

Easter egg hunt with the children at Pinocchio Creche

Working on jigsaw puzzles with the children at Pinocchio Creche 

Following this game, the children were put into two groups to participate in gardening and athletics (i.e., running and racing). Once the outdoor activities ended, the children ate hotdogs for lunch. During lunchtime, we assisted the staff with maintaining order, washing the kid’s hands, and preparing lunch. Once lunch was served, we sat and talked with the children while they ate. When lunch was over, we assisted the staff with putting the children down for naptime. While the children were napping, we dialogued among ourselves about various topics including our experience at Pinocchio Creche, the U.S. education system, bullying in schools, and the impact of video games on child development. Following this discussion, we had a traditional South African lunch which was prepared by Ms. Maggie.  Lunch included spinach, mixed vegetables, chicken, beef, pap, and simp. Following lunch, we received a visit from Dean Crewe, Dr. Snell, Dr. Moss, and Dr. Linda Edmonds-Turner. Following the visit, dessert was served, which consisted of fruit salad and ice cream.

 Children engaging in athletic games at Pinocchio Creche

Children engaging in gardening project with HUSSW students at Pinocchio Creche

 Lunchtime at Pinocchio Creche

 Naptime at Pinocchio Creche

Over dessert, we discussed current events occurring in South Africa, which include the strike by postal workers due to low wages and poor treatment of employees and ongoing problems with electricity and power outages. Following lunch and dessert, we assisted the staff with cleaning and organizing toys that were taken out of their storage room. At the end of the day, we had the opportunity for reflection with Helen and Ms. Maggie. During this time, we were encouraged to express our feedback on the experience, both positive and negative. Themes across the discussion were related to similarities and differences between Pinocchio Creche and daycares in the U.S.; the eagerness of the children to interact with strangers and the need for staff to emphasize safety; relationship building with parents and challenges with getting parents involved; the desire to address the needs of the whole child (physical, educational, social, etc.); family structure and dynamics; and fee structures and funding for the Creche. We ended the day with Ms. Maggie emphasizing the importance of research and the role of social worker and group pictures.  

 Ms. Maggie serving us the lunch she so graciously prepared

 HUSSW students and Dr. Moss working during service day at Pinocchio Creche

Overall, this experience helped to shape my understanding of how we do service in the United States. While we often feel that we need an abundance of resources to make a difference in lives of people, I really came to appreciate how they find ways to take so little and make so much out of it. As a result of this experience, my definition of service has broadened beyond what one person or organization can do with financial means. I now understand that true servants don't wait for the resources to come to make a difference, they find ways to be an influence right where they are. Much can be done with little when you know other way and when there is a strong commitment to change, despite the opposition. Much like the staff at Community Women Action (CWA), Helen, Ms. Maggie and the staff of Pinocchio Creche were so giving of their time and resources. In many ways, I felt that the exchange was uneven. But, I was thankful for the experience, nonetheless.

 Ms. Maggie and I at Pinocchio Creche