Cape Town: Tuesday, Dec. 8

Day 9: How do they do it?

Visiting Robben Island was sadly a bit lackluster for me. After seeing real prisons, Robben Island was much to “shiny” and well-kempt for me to truly understand how Nelson Mandela lived. There were no paint chips on the walls, the floors were buffed and waxed, the bathrooms were clean – all things that didn’t apply at the various prisons and detention centers we have visited. Nevertheless, it was powerful to see where and how Mandela lived for 18 years of his life while fighting for a cause in which he so strongly believed.

We took a bus tour throughout the rest of the island, which was neat. There is now a community on the island including staff and former prisoners who decided to stay (not sure I could do that). They have a church, schoolhouse and other amenities you would expect in a small community. One of the parts of the island I found most interesting was the military area that was used in World War II, which includes a small city about 20 meters below the ground with tunnels connecting the various buildings. That would have been cool to see.

Khayelitsha YMCA

Met David, the executive director of the Khayelitsha YMCA – a full-time volunteer. He works a regular job so he can help financially support the YMCA. His staff is made up entirely of volunteers. They work out of a run-down building with a “gym,” which looks like an empty warehouse.

Their funding comes from the government, the social development arm, I believe. Here’s the most amazing part: Annual operating budget is $35,000. That is what they have to run programs all year long. Wow. My YMCA has a $30 million budget, so I’m not sure I’ve really grasped the concept of running a YMCA and making an impact the way they are on less than my salary. I knew the YMCA staff/volunteers were amazing, but I had no idea until this moment how truly dedicated and selfless they are. I think every single one of my group members walked away from David and the Khayelitsha YMCA with a new perspective on our positions and working with “limited resources.”