Adapters!

Can those who borrowed socket adapters for South Africa 2013 please return them to Mr. McCallum. If anyone bought their own and no longer have use for them, feel free to donate. They can be used with future trips. Again, hand them in to Mr. McCallum.

Thanks!

'Nothing will prepare you for the experience'

Six years at Gillespie's builds up to South Africa. Constant fundraisers throughout the year remind you of the importance of the project. However, no matter how many pictures, stories or video clips you see, nothing will prepare you for the experience of going yourself. You will have no idea of the difference the project makes until you are able to see it in person. Although I have seen videos of the greeting you get in the arrivals of Durban Airport, the intensity of their voices cannot be put across.

I always knew that the students at both Dloko and Zwelibanzi were far from privileged but taking a walk around the township truly showed how little some of these students came from, yet they come to school everyday in pristine uniforms, ready to learn and better their lives. The hope of becoming a doctor, a lawyer or a police officer drives them towards this. It is inspiring and it makes you realise how selfish you are every time you miss class because you can't be bothered.

It is personal stories that truly brings home the importance of the project. A man who was part of the project 10 years ago told us himself that without Gillespie's he wouldn't be where he is now. The gratitude that is both spoken and unspoken is overwhelming. 

Emma Hoskins

'Absolutely loved it'

South Africa 2013 was undoubtedly the time of my life so far. The people I met and the things I saw in Zwelibanzi, Dloko, Charles Memorial and the Sisco Project were unforgettable. Even the staff working in the restaurants and many locals we simply talked to about us being there, were so kind and welcoming and treated us like one of their family. Before I went I was kind of sceptical about how well I would get on with people I had never met, but from the moment I stopped to talk to them I was at ease due to how unbelievably friendly they were, and how keen they were to make friends and chat to you. It's amazing how people that have so little can be so positive and happy. They are so much more focussed than us, without the support and attention that we get from school and our parents. It was really unforgettable. I absolutely loved it.

Ethan Gillies-Denning

Better late than never!

It's bizarre to think that a week ago we were returning from South Africa. The trip was absolutely fantastic and the pupils were a credit to James Gillespie's High School. Things are now getting back to normality and this is the first opportunity I've had to post.

I'm aware that there was a lack of communication whilst we were away. Unfortunately this was down to time restrictions and an horrendous WiFi setup in our hotel. Some pupils began writing pieces but didn't manage to get them finished.

Now that the trip is over, it doesn't mean our experiences can't be shared. If anyone who was on the trip would like to write about anything that was significant to them, please do. You can hand it to me (Mr. Carstairs) on paper or via USB and I'll get it up on the blog.

Similarly, I'm still looking for any photos and particularly videos from the trip that you may have. These can be used to promote the trip with the younger year groups and give you something to help reflect on your time away. Again, if you could bring these to the PE department on USB or SD card, I can copy them to the school hard drive.

Once all the photos have been collated, I'll look in to making them accessible for everyone.

Thanks

Mr. Carstairs
PE Dept.

A Room with a View

And here's a little taster of what we wake up to...

Now back to work. Urgh.

Arrived Safely!

So, after 12,000 miles worth of travelling we have arrived safely in Durban! The flights were very comfortable and the organisation between airports was incredibly smooth. A moment of slight hysteria hit us at Glasgow Airport as Charlotte Briggs spied her childhood heroes 'Sam and Mark'. No lack of confidence from the Gillespie's pupils in approaching said heroes!

We received a remarkable welcome from pupils of the Zwelibanzi and Dloko High Schools who had drawn a huge crowd with their singing and dancing in the main concourse of Durban Airport. Our pupils responded in kind with a can-dance, highland dance and rendition of 'Flower of Scotland'.

After a brief 'meet & greet', we travelled to the 'Beach Hotel' on the beach front. Now that we've settled in, Saturday consists of sorting through all the donations we brought over, a venture down the beach and spending time with the Sisco street kids project, then dinner along the harbour at Zack's tonight.

The pupils have been fantastic and a real credit to the school. By the standards set so far, this is going to be an amazing week.

More updates to follow.

South Africa 2014 Parents' Information

Here is the presentation used by Mr McCallum to give information about next year's South Africa trip. >>>Download Link<<<