Exploring South Africa Through Volunteering
Twenty-one year old Berkan Agar left his home and family in Germany to volunteer at a children’s home in South Africa at a township called Atteridgeville, the west of Pretoria. Brave! He travels by taxi and in the short period he’s been staying in Pretoria, he managed to visit many provinces in South Africa.
By: Letlhogonolo Ndhlovu
Berkan was kind enough to share his experience with ShowMe and this is what he had to say.
Please give us a brief background of where in Germany you are from and what you were busy with that side before you decided to volunteer in South Africa, Pretoria?
I’m from the city with the most sunshine hours in Germany. It’s called Freiburg and it’s quite close to the Switzerland and France borders. After doing my Highers in 2012 I worked mostly as a counterman in an Italian café. Until I decided to start an adventure by doing something useful for myself and also for the community by being part of social projects abroad.
Why South Africa out of all the countries in the world and Pretoria of the many beautiful cities in our country?
To be honest, my cluelessness about Africa and the will to learn more about the African cultures, traditions and lifestyle were the biggest factors. South Africa seemed to me the most interesting country in the continent, not only because of its inspiring landscape and its beaches, but also because of its diverse cultures and languages and its interesting history.
What is the name of your volunteering programme and how does it work?
It’s called AFS and it’s is a non-profit international exchange organization for students that operates almost all over the world. The main goal of the organization is to organize and support intercultural learning experiences by sending students abroad.
Run us through your day as a volunteer at Mohau Centre in Atteridgeville?
I’m volunteering in a residential care facility for HIV/AIDS infected, orphaned and abused children. My day at Mohau Centre usually starts at 8am and ends by 4pm. My tasks consist of accompanying the children to their routine examination at the hospital in the mornings, assisting them with homework after school, spending quality time with them or shouting at them when they misbehave. We’re also preparing a school holiday programme which includes for instance baking pizza or going on outings.
How long have you been volunteering for now and when will you be travelling back home?
I’ve been here for almost 10 months now and I’ll sadly be leaving in three weeks already.
How has a 10 months in South Africa changed you?
I think it’s impossible to notice your own changes during a small and eventful period like this. It needs people who remind you about how you are supposed to be. It could be that I became more open minded and talkative then I’m supposed to be. The “African time” maybe also affected my punctuality a little bit.
How do you find Pretoria’s weather, the people?
I feel so home in Pretoria. When you compare it with other cities like Johannesburg or Cape Town it seems very boring. Nevertheless it has a special vibe. I always say that Pretoria has the town with the most fashion gurus. The people here look and dress differently. Plus the sun is shining most of the time. What else do I need?
What are your favourite spots in Pretoria and why?
I like the State Theatre the most. It’s the meeting point of South Africa’s young and creative generation. I’ve been on very interesting events there and met very interest people.
Where else in South Africa have you travelled?
I’ve been to Mpumalanga, Durban, Drakensberg, Pietermaritzburg and other rural areas in Kwazulu Natal to visit other German volunteers. I’ve also been to Cape Town and Eastern Cape. South Africa has an incredible diversity of beautiful landscape and nature. It’s the most beautiful country I’ve visited so far.
What is the impact the experience of working with children has given you?
Working with children requires the ability of taking responsibility, especially when you are working with disadvantaged children. I can say that I became braver relating to that. Although it was an unforgettable and beautiful time with my children, it’s not the kind of work I want to continue with when I’m back in Germany. Indeed it can be very hectic sometimes.
What else have you learnt about our different cultures?
I already knew that you have 11 languages here, which is really impressive. During my stay I was told about the different cultures as well. But I mainly got involved with the Tshwana, Sotho and the Zulu culture. Our kids taught me a couple of Sesotho phrases. During my visit at the project of another volunteer in Umbululu in Kwazulu Natal, I automatically caught up on a bit Zulu.
Did you ever get lost travelling by taxi and what was your experience? Did you find it easy to get around?
Yoh! Maybe it sounds a bit weird but I enjoy travelling by taxi. That’s why a volunteer friend and I decided to travel around the country by using minibus taxis only. We travelled from Pretoria to East London, Port Elizabeth, Umtata, Jeffreys Bay, Knysna up to Cape Town and back .Only minibus taxis were allowed. It was an unforgettable journey and travelling in this way made it just more special.
What is your favourite South African dish?
I almost tried every South African meal. To be honest I’m not a fan of the way South Africans feed themselves. Every meal consists of heaps of meat and unhealthy carbohydrates and fast food. Fast food and an unhealthy diet is the main reason for diseases like osteoporosis and cancer. On the other side I love the pumpkins and vegetable meals here.
What must a first time visitor to Pretoria see here?
Sitting on the meadow at Church Square or at the Union buildings is a must for any visitor.
Where else in Pretoria have you toured?
I was almost everywhere in Pretoria except for Pretoria North. The sea in Hartbeespoort is one of my favourite spots here.
Would you come back to Pretoria?
Definitely!
How did you get into modelling whilst in South Africa?
Some other volunteering friends of mine told me about a fashion event which was going at the State Theatre. I was curious, so I tagged along. The vintage clothes I saw there impressed me immensely.
After the event I met the designer of the vintage clothing who asked if I would like to do a shoot for his brand. I agreed. I was recently representing the work of designers from all over Africa during the Retro Vintage Fashion Show. It was not difficult to feel comfortable in the clothes they designed. I enjoyed it a lot.
You are quite a handsome fellow; did you meet any special ladies in South Africa?
No, unfortunately I couldn’t find my future wife here!
The children’s home where Berkan volunteers, Mohau Centre is always welcoming donations of any kind. Mohau Centre cares for orphaned children whose parents died from HIV/AIDS related illnesses, those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS and terminally ill children.
Find Mohau Centre on Facebook for more information or contact Mohau on (012) 318 6762. Visit the children to give out a helping hand or to put a smile on someones litte face at Kalafong Hospital in Attridgeville, Pretoria.