Inspired by these words of Nelson Mandela, and by his own experiences connecting with South Africans in their own language, Craig Charnock is organising a XHOSA LANGUAGE AND DIVERSITY AWARENESS DAY in Graceland, Khayelitsha on SUNDAY 30 MAY 2010, 10h30 - 14h30, as part of his work with the Mankind Project and UBuntu Bridge.
“It’s definitely going to be FUN, and it’s definitely gonna teach you some stuff and it’s definitely gonna oil a cog in the machine that is a happy, integrated, peaceful South Africa.
These types of things aren't happening very often, and its going to a wonderful opportunity to connect with something inside you, others and what is precious, special, valuable for you about living in SA. All are welcome. Bring your family and friends. Please RSVP though.”
The Xhosa Day programme will include:
- A very basic but fun Xhosa lesson with useful vocabulary for daily interaction, presented by professional ‘titshalas’ (teachers) – (1hr15). With almost 100 people currently confirmed, the emphasis has now changed to making use of free online learning resources, videos and audio files, provided by Craig’s company, UBuntu Bridge. What people learn they can practice on the day and have clarified in the lesson. But the day is very much about people practicing. The xhosa Phrase-A-Day emails and the online learning environment can be accessed here:
- A "getting to know Graceland" tour (45 mins), including taxi rides to Lookout Hill.
- A diversity check-in circle, an opportunity for people to optionally share briefly their feelings on the experience of the day and living in a multiracial country(1hr)
- A traditional Xhosa lunch/braai - mamas will be cooking us Mngqusho (samp n beans) served with (most likely) chicken). Sheep heads and tripe optional!
- A street party with retro Township music.
Need to Know:
- Date: 30 May 2010
- Times: 10.30am-2.30pm.
- Ages: All ages welcome
- Cost: A donation of R50 for adults/R20 for children is requested (not mandatory) twd venue, food
- More MUST READ info: facebook page:
- RSVP: Email Craig Charnock at craigieji@gmail.com
Mankind Project is an organisation that helps men look at the issues they face in their lives. What is working and what is not. It is based on three principles of honesty, integrity and accountability.
The Mankind Project is committed to multiculturalism and healing the damage of South Africa’s racial history. We are organising a day in Khayalitsha end of May to sit together with men of other cultures, races and incomes.
There are open men’s circles monthly in Cape Town that men can sit in to see if the work is for them. There are weekend trainings in Cape Town and in JHB in October.
UBuntu Bridge is a Xhosa language and culture teaching company whose mission since 2005 has been to bridge culture, language and class gaps in South Africa through inspirational, humorous, well-designed and convenient language lessons and language tools as well as cultural immersion experiences.
