Life Orientation
The interpretation of this subject, for me, is to equip learners for the future. Teach them life’s lessons. In my opinion those lessons can only be learned through experience.
I do however want to share an experience that every learner can be on the lookout for.
As it is the custom in Uvongo the locals have a flea market over the weekends. When I first heard about this I thought this is exactly what I will need on my week long holiday!
I love the idea of shops in the open air. Buying stuff you do not really need. Prepared with comfortable shoes to do a lot of walking and enough money to satisfy my retail therapy needs I eagerly looked at all the stalls. It was my intention to take my time, assessing everything that was offered for sale.
I saw the old plates' silverware and novelty spoons. Something wasn’t right here. Why are they selling antiques...? Now I am really excited I absolutely love antiques in any form. I took a step closer and as I stretched out my hand to touch a set of teaspoons the lady behind the counter spoke...
I looked up and the smile on my face froze. In front of me stood an old lady with short grey hair and a friendly voice, on her face, the expression of acceptance. The terrible truth of it all rushed through me. She is selling her last prized possessions to make a living. I stood there. As she asked me about myself and I automatically answered. Tears started running down my cheeks.
One realisation kept on going through my mind, one day this could be me. I did not make a sound but kept on listening to her as she told me how she misses hearing people speaking Afrikaans. How she enjoyed learning the language as a young girl. I bought the sterling silver spoons for a mere R150. How long will that last...?
I felt the sickening feeling, of money in my purse meant to be spent on useless items, building its nest in my stomach... another person’s prized possession.
How does one teach the lesson of compassion? How do you...