Submitted by University of Michigan-Flint social work students Sarah Couturier of Flint and Breeyn Tinkle of Dansville. This July 2016 trip is connected with a University of Michigan-Flint International and Global Studies (IGS) study abroad course: Rethinking Social Development in Southern Africa.

Sarah Couturier at Table Mountain

Sarah Couturier: On July 12, 2016, we visited a school in the mountains of Africa. It was interesting to watch and experience the children learning about their own cultural ties and meanings. My teacher gives herself to her community and it makes me want to do the same in my own community. She is a powerful example to me.

I learned about cultural humility in another country and about providing resources like education, relationships, and nourishment to people in need without passing judgment. It is a good feeling to accomplish all of these things.

Children and UM-Flint students make a web with yarn to symbolize their connections with one another.

Breeyn Tinkle: Today, July 15, was the community celebration of the end of the week-long Ubuntu Arts and Dialogues in Diversity Program in the village of Healdtown. It was a bittersweet ending full of food and joy,  hugs and song, and goodbyes that hang in the air for too long. I was moved to see how deep and meaningful connections can be made across borders and language barriers in the short span of a week. All of the children were asking us when we would return and it felt unfair to not have any real answers.

All week long our travel group had hosted the community and provided food, but today we were hosted and fed. The elders praised us for our graciousness and service,  but it is all too easy to serve. I felt as though taking  the compliments was taking something that I didn’t have the right to. We have a lot to give, so we give. They did not have a lot to give and they still gave and even celebrated us in the process.

I have learned this week that it is easy to make connections but we are the ones who have to work to give those connections meaning. I learned more about humility and appreciation from the people of Healdtown than I have learned anywhere else. I know that I will think about the people there and our connection for the rest of my life, and it is my hope that they think of us too.