Back Row: Carrie Graham, Alyssa Hughes, Daniella Abelard, Cindy Bravo, Cynthia Tetteh, Maeve Maloney, Zuleika Candelaria;
Front Row: Chivelle Blissett, Leslie Rivera, Deborah Delianne, Eddie Woollacot

Welcome . . .

On May 10, 2013 ten eager students and their director Carrie Graham arrived in Cape Town to begin what is sure to be an amazing four weeks. The University of Connecticut’s Service Learning Study Abroad in Cape Town is designed to facilitate greater understanding of South Africa’s troubled past while providing opportunities to witness its vibrant hope for the future. While living, learning, and working in one of most beautiful settings in the world, students are placed at various service learning sites while participating in classes intended to help contextualize their experiences, expand their horizons and develop a deeper appreciation of what it means to be a global citizen.

As anyone who has been to Cape Town can attest, there are no words or pictures that can begin to adequately capture the beauty of the scenery or hospitality of the people here. Therefore, this blog is merely intended to provide an overview of the program and a glimpse at some experiences of students participating in this first ever 4 week "summer" program. Once again it is a privilege and honor to accompany a wonderful group of UConn students to a place I have come to know and love.

In peace, with hope, Marita McComiskey

Monday, June 24, 2013

Daniella on the sounds of Africa


the sounds of South Africa

Cape Town is filled with so much rich culture and heritage, ranging from their foods, clothing, languages, and my personal favorite music. Cape Town had such a rich sound of music. They has a real passion for jazz music. We had the wonderful opportunity to go to not one but two jazz venues to watch live bands perform. The first place we went to was Lounge 021 at Swingers. It was a cool atmosphere with the dim lighting and light up stage. We ordered food and drinks and watched the show in amazement. Some of the musician were from the local university. They probably around my age, but possessed so much talent. The jazz music was so calming and relaxing. It was nice just listening to the instruments play so beautifully together. The next jazz place we attended was Blue Chip Jazz Cafe, which had a similar atmosphere. Each venue had a live band that played incredible music. At Blue Chip there was a dance floor, where people would gladly get up and dance to the jazzy tunes. The best part about both places is that people were invited up to perform if they pleased. So audience members, one including Alyssa, were able to also showcase their many talents. The audience members were so gracious and nice and to every and anyone who wanted to perform. One of my happiest moments was going to the Barnyard Musical. I enjoyed this so much. I loved all of the performances and they even did an encore number which was so amazing and nice of them to do. It was such a lively space with wonderful music. I also cannot forget about the AIDS Awareness concert we attended on our final night in Cape Town. It was mind blowing. I secretly always wanted to be a dancer, and these performance just brought back that desire. Music is in a sense universal, because whether I am in the van listening to the radio, out on Long Street, or watching television I would always hear a familiar song that I've heard in the US. This was definitely a comforting feeling for me to know that we do have some music in common. I have to say that the people in Cape Town have to be some of the most talented individuals I have ever met. At City Mission Educational Services where I did my service learning hours, the students were amazing actors, actresses, dancers, and singers. I was always blown away by their talents. The music aspect of Cape Town will always stay close to my heart.

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