AAF News
Tim Pickles South African Diary
15/10/2009
Local Business Owner (Tim's Garden Centre), Tim Pickles, tells a story of his experience as a volunteer in Africa, seeing first hand how the African Aids Foundation is helping people in Africa.
Download Tim's Diary (2.8MB)
Download Tim's Diary (1.1MB)
Take a look at the photo gallery from Tim's trip
Extracts from Tim's Diary
Sunday 7th June
What has been interesting is seeing the africans waiting on the side
of the road for a lift. These Toyota vans pick them up and they are full
of black faces. I've been warned to watch out for these vans because
their drivers don't obey road rules and they are often not roadworthy.
We did see one go through a red light.
It's also amazing how far the africans walk. Today was Sunday so
most would be going to church. They are all well dressed. We often
saw older men wearing suits as they walked along the highway. The
africans live in villages in tiny houses no bigger than a single garage.
We would often see these beautifully dressed people walking across
the paddocks.
Monday 8th June
Its pouring rain but we see school children walking along the road
getting soaking wet. They are all beautifully dressed. The high school
students are all tall and athletic looking, most have the bodies of
models. As we drive you can see the small houses they live in
scattered across the country side. They are neat and tidy with
corrugated iron roofs. They put big rocks on the roof to stop the iron
blowing away.
Tuesday 9th June
They are as quiet as mice when the teacher talks. Then they burst
into voice as the teacher points at letters of the alphabet on the
blackboard. They do English first, then Zulu. They are all looking at
the board and chanting out the answers.
About 10 kids got the job of pointing at the letters with a stick. When
the teacher asked for volunteers around 20 kids raced to the front.
Later it was time to do maths so she asked the children to take out
their counters.
Hands rummaged through pockets and bags to find rocks, bottle tops
and soft drink bottle lids. Kids who didn't have enough borrowed off
others. One child was like the bottle top king and at least 10 children
sought him out for counters. The teacher got the children to count
these out on the table until they had 10, in English first, and then in Zulu.
Bailey loved hearing the children do this and he even learnt some Zulu.
To read the full version of Tim's South African Diary, click on the pdf link above
Sydney Harbour Fundraising Cruise
14/9/2009
A lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon and help AAF raise money - Sydney Jacaranda Harbour Cruise. Our host, Graham Ross gives commentary on the history of the harbour and the Jacaranda. Afternoon tea is included.
Date: Sunday 22nd November
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Departing from: Wharf 6, Circular Quay, Sydney
Tickets are $59 for adults, under 12 years are free
Tickets can be purchased by calling 02 4658 0580
What's on in 2009
12/8/2009
