Archive for March, 2010

Fighting For The Rights Of Street Children

Another 6am alarm call this morning; breakfast and on the bus by 6.45am and down to Umthombo where we have our daily briefing meeting. It’s a quick meeting now we’ve all settled into our very varied volunteer roles; buddying the teams on their trips to local schools, timetabling the transport, confirming the match schedules and completing the epic task of washing and drying 100 football strips for the 2pm kick-off – there’s plenty of work going on behind the scenes to make this unique and joyous event run smoothly.

But today was different for me, if not for the street children I later met. As we were about to leave for a meeting to discuss Sunday’s closing ceremony a call came through from Tom; there was a tip off that street children were being rounded up by the local police. We joined Tom in pursuit of the police van he now had in sight in order to document and better still, attempt to prevent this action. We found the van pulled over outside a supermarket and as we approached the blue metal grill doors it was apparent that the eyes peering out at us were those of children. I took photographs as Tom spoke to the faces looking back at us ‘How old are you?’, you can hear the replies for yourself here. http://www.wateringcanmedia.com/clients/umthombo

As you can see the driver of the police van decided his best course of action was to speed off. We followed and he drove into an area we were prohibited from entering by other police officers. Eventually this ridiculous pursuit ended when the van entered a police compound. We parked up and entered the compound; about eight of us, mostly sporting Street Child World Cup t-shirts.

The defence of the police officer we spoke to was that these children were sleeping in old municipal buildings, they had therefore been trespassing. The police captains he told us, have orders from their superiors to ‘keep the streets clean of vagrants’. The children had therefore been awoken with tear-gas and bundled into the back of the vans.

It took the arrival at the police station of a South African radio journalist we had called to give weight to our request to release the children. Plainly concerned that this had the potential to become a big media story during the week of the Street Child World Cup the captain quickly went out to release the children. Six children emerged from the police van, one of them wearing a Street Child World Cup t-shirt – the daily uniform of all us supporting this unique competition. Yesterday the boy wearing the t-shirt had been cheering on the South Africa team and here he was less than 24 hours later, rounded up but now fortunately released.

Umthombo are working hard to improve the lives of street children and today I saw Tom, Mandi and Biza fight face to face for the basic rights of children. The Umthombo drop in centre, Safe Space for street children provides just that, respite for the children; Umthombo’s most pressing fight now is to ensure that the forthcoming FIFA World Cup does not escalate the round-ups of children and they are seeking resources from the city to enable them to extend their work.

Whilst the street children teams battle it out on the football pitch here this week, there are adults battling it out on their behalf and taking their fight to city representatives. It’s hard work and mostly met with shocking resistance, but thankfully there are people working to give children a voice and a happy life.

Karen

Published on: 18. 03. 2010 | Read more »

The Big Day

It could have been Robbie Williams taking the stage at Wembley or Man Utd emerging from the tunnel at Old Trafford. I had never heard a noise quite like it. Our bus had arrived at a school thirty minutes from the centre of Durban and this was the reception given to the Street Children of Brazil, UK and India as we all stepped out into the waiting crowd. The host schools went on to treat us to a festival of music and dance and offer the warmest and loudest of South African welcomes. Teenagers from different continents laughed and danced together and signed flags and books as gestures of mutual friendship. What a beautiful way to start a day.

At 11am we headed back into the city in readiness for the big occasion. All eight teams gathered at the venue for a quick lunch and a change into their brand new kits (courtesy of sponsors) for the opening ceremony. One by one they entered the arena carrying national flags; songs and anthems were sung, Gary Mabbutt gave us some well-chosen words. The tournament was finally under way.

The first of three games saw India overpower the host nation with a comprehensive 4-0 victory. The South Africa goalie played his heart out with a series of spectacular saves but the fierce shooting and the superb organisation of the Indians offered a clear statement of intent. They are here to do business!

The second match was closely contested between UK and Philippines and the goalless first half had the crowd on their feet with an end-to-end thriller. But who would prevail – the physically larger British side or the hard-working Filipinos? In the end it was UK that came out stronger scoring four goals in quick succession but their feisty opponents pulled two back in the dying minutes.

We were then treated to ten more goals in the final contest with Nicaragua overcoming Ukraine in a 8-2 victory. A total of 20 goals in just one day – what a fabulous feast of entertainment.

It has been a day that we will all remember for as long as we live. A historic day, often very moving, and a day that everybody involved came out as a winner. And even better news, there’s plenty more to come!

David

Published on: 15. 03. 2010 | Read more »

Competition Eve

Today was the first time all eight teams have been together for a full day! The competition is very definitely happening, and it all kicks off tomorrow!

It was also the first time all of the teams have seen the venue where they’ll be showcasing their footballing skills. Morning coaching sessions were held for the teams which were led by Gary Mabbutt and assisted by Coaching for Hope.

After lunch it was decided a visit to the beach was necessary, for everyone! So thats over eighty children along with all the staff and volunteers-not an easy task. Its safe to say it was warmer swimming in the sea in South Africa than it is back in Wales, which meant many of the children were reluctant to come out!

Once back at Star Seaside however, we were all treated to some Zulu dancing by some local children from a township, followed by a few brave souls attempting to learn some of the basic moves-with varied success! However then it was down to the serious business of the draw for the competition. In group A are Tanzania, Brazil, Philippines and the UK, which means in Group B are South Africa, Nicaragua, India and Ukraine.

I am paired up with the Philippines team who were particularly excited at the prospect of playing Brazil because no football team from Philippines has ever played Brazil, another reason why the Street Child World Cup is making history! The Philippines team have also had more publicity at home than any other football team from the country ever, this means they have their own media team following their progress while they are here, taking lots of photographs and capturing a great deal of footage to ensure what these children are achieving won’t be forgotten. Meanwhile as part of my initiation into the Philippines team I had my face painted by one of their team members with the sun and three stars from their flag. Face painting was one of the activities taking place after their evening meal, along with music, games and each member of the team contributing to a large drawing which symbolised what their home life meant to them. These activities brought an end to another busy day and the competition hasn’t even started yet!

However the waiting is pretty much over, so come tomorrow the competition will be well underway!

Nigel

Published on: 14. 03. 2010 | Read more »

I want to be a cameraman!

Have really enjoyed being a proper part of the event now almost all teams have arrived. The atmosphere is something particularly unique and I can sense the excitement building as the tournament grows closer. It’s great to see the kids really feel important and special. I’ve been helping out with the South Africa team, doing some coaching as well as helping arrangements and generally having fun with them. I love seeing all of them in their team tracksuits. They look so professional and they really feel like they are the centre of attention, which of course they are.

Today we went on a safari. The energy of the South African team was great to see at half seven in the morning and they lit up the whole bus with their singing throughout the hour long journey to the reserve. The safari was interesting and I personally was fascinated to know that an Ostrich can run at 60 km/h, something that definitely took me a while to digest when looking at them. After that we had a picnic and messed around in the pool they had down at the reserve. All teams contributed to the fun with the Brazilians and Ukranians demonstrating some nail biting flips into the pool and the South Africans showing up the volunteers in both a dance off and a spontaneous press up competition.

The best part of the experience for me so far has been something that has happened gradually over the few days I’ve been here in getting to know the South African team. I have been so impressed by their confidence and energy in social situations, both with me and the other teams (even when there is a significant language barrier to overcome). They genuinely do defy any negative stereotypes that many may have of street kids in South Africa. They are bright, funny, courageous and wonderfully outgoing.

The main reason for me volunteering was that I strongly believe in the ability of sport to create positive social change and everything about the attitudes of the South African kids has re affirmed this belief in me. The whole team has used the focus of this competition to instil great discipline, confidence and belief in themselves. All five of the children I spoke to in detail today are planning to return to education as soon as the competition is over and the whole project along with the amazing work done by Umthombo has given them great ambition and belief. Vincent, 15, is amazingly bright, perceptive and eloquent and told me today he wants to be an engineer and really take his studying seriously when he goes back to school. The way he said it along with his general manner and attitude since I have been here only adds to my confidence that one day he will be able to fulfil his ambition.

However my highlight of the day has been another of the South African kids, Dumiso, telling me about being a cameraman when he is older. He absolutely loves it and is constantly pestering the film crews tracking the event. He is in his element when they give him a go with the camera and spent a lot of the day filming various Safari animals. The last thing he said to me before I left this evening was: Rory, I want to be a cameraman. Not just any cameraman, the best cameraman!

Rory Campbell

Published on: 13. 03. 2010 | Read more »

One World

Today was a very busy day for everyone, it felt like the Street Child World Cup is finaly happening. Most of the teams arrived today in a flurry of excitment met by loud hooting noises, flags and a host of volunteers, Umthombo staff and other kids all whooping in the new arrivals direction. The new teams then walked through the tunnel of bodies and see their home for the next week, The Star Seaside Home. I met the Ukranian team from the Air Port which was most exciting. These kids had never seen the sea before let alone experienced these sorts of temperatures! They bundeled off the plane in winter coats that were quickly disregarded and whooped as we drove through Durban in the bus. My highlight was taking them to the beach, we were all flung around by the waves and they completly loved it. They were so alive and smiley in the sea, it was contageous. The nicest thing about today was the way in which all the Street Kids interacted, The Umthombo kids always up for a laugh welcomed all the teams with open arms and did Umthombo proud, all the other teams responded so well, and there was a true feeling of comradary and fun at the Star Seaside Home, the kids are really echoing what Chris keeps saying to us; ‘we are all from one world’.

Alice

Published on: 13. 03. 2010 | Read more »

4 teams arrive

Today was a very busy day for everyone, it felt like the Street Child World Cup is finaly happening.

Most of the teams arrived today in a flurry of excitment met by loud hooting noises, flags and a host of volunteers, Umthombo staff and other kids all whooping in the new arrivals’ direction. The new teams then walked through the tunnel of bodies and see their home for the next week, The Star Seaside Home. I met the Ukranian team from the Air Port which was most exciting. These kids had never seen the sea before let alone experienced these sorts of temperatures! They bundled off the plane in winter coats that were quickly disregarded and whooped as we drove through Durban in the bus. My highlight was taking them to the beach, we were all flung around by the waves and they completly loved it. They were so alive and smiley in the sea, it was contagious. The nicest thing about today was the way in which all the Street Kids interacted, The Umthombo kids always up for a laugh welcomed all the teams with open arms and did Umthombo proud, all the other teams responded so well, and there was a true feeling of comradary and fun at the Star Seaside Home, the kids are really echoing what Chris keeps saying to us; ‘we are all from one world’.
 
Alice

Published on: 12. 03. 2010 | Read more »

What’s cooking?

…us it seemed. Today it was extremely hot and we all caught the sun. The day started at about 8am when most of the volunteers headed to meet the Brazillian team and the Umthombo kids and staff in order to spend the morning at the beach. After the kids had selected boards or opted just to swim they hit the waves. Meanwhile the artists were hard at work down at DUT developing the workshops they would be using with the teams later in the week.

A small group of us spent the afternoon decorating the Star Seaside home and this included tying up several large flags of all the countries represented. We also drew up a timetable with as few words as possible and lots of pictures so that the kids could have a rough idea about what is in store for the week. Elsewhere the Brazillian team and the South African team got some practice in and played football together to beat the volunteers!

Phoebe

Published on: 11. 03. 2010 | Read more »

10 march – 1st team arrived!

Today again was a very busy day with everyone trying to make the last minute preparations at the kids accommodation for the arrival of the Brazilian team! This mainly involved cleaning, putting up posters and preparing the dormitories.

It was also a very important day for the volunteers football team who faced of against the Umthombo young stars in a match that took place in the sweltering heat in the middle of the afternoon. it was a very tight game with both sides putting up a very fierce fight. It really became close at the end of the second half as the lead that the volunteers had taken was starting to count for nothing as the heat started to really get to us. However we managed to keep it together just enough to squeeze in a draw of 8-8. However even this was not the draw meant that we would have to battle it out for penalties with the volunteers managing  to narrowly win by one goal!! However everyone involved felt this was an amazing game and was massively enjoyable for all involved (even if it meant the whole team sweated bucket loads!)

The day didn’t stop as we had to then rush over to the kids accommodation to await the arrival of the Brazilian team (which in true African style they arrived an hour late). Once everyone had greeted them and they had been shown to their rooms the SA team arrived to give them a true South African welcome which involved lots of handshakes, lots of dancing, chanting and even a dance off between the two teams! Though this was all in good spirit and both teams seemed to get along very well even with the language barrier. This made everyone feel really positive about the rest their stay as both teams seemed to be up for getting involved with everything from the word go! So all in all a very fulfilling yet tiring day that boded very well for the rest of time the teams will have here.

Published on: 10. 03. 2010 | Read more »

Tuesday

Another warm, sunny Durban day.  Some of us were able to spend a few hours on the beach.  Wesley even joined the Umthombo boys who came to surf and to train.  It was great to see how skilful they are, riding the waves, and how much fun they had with stretches, press-ups, etc.  The afternoon was busy with a variety of tasks including putting up banners, and working online with limited success, shopping and cooking the evening meal – a delicious curry.  It’s a tough life!

We welcomed both Jan and Chris during the day.  And the pool tournament first round is well underway between the volunteers who are competing not just for the honour of coming first, but for the celebrated Calvin Alice Cup.

Paul and Valerie

Published on: 9. 03. 2010 | Read more »

Of Face Painting and Press Conferences

Today was, like the last couple of days, both memorable and completely chaotic!  We awoke this morning and were all ready to leave at 8.15 to go to Safe Space.  Today was a key point in the build up to Street Child World Cup, the press conference.  Key people in the South African media assembled at safe space to hear what the Street Child World Cup is all about.

On arrival we were put to work, continuing the cleaning and office rearranging that begun yesterday, and preparing the rooms for the press.  It was great, like yesterday to see everyone: staff, volunteers, and street children getting involved and working together to help make it happen.  The conference was a success, giving the journalists plenty of material with which to tell the nation what we are doing.  The most amazing part for me was when Andile, the captain of South Africa’s team in the tournament, spoke.  He spoke in his native tongue Zulu, but even if I couldn’t understand the words I could tell he was confident and eloquent.  To see a street child speaking so calmly and clearly, and with so much to say sent out exactly the right message, that street children are not silent, they have a voice and they need to be heard.

Once the cameras and microphones had gone we remained at safe space for a little while spending time with the kids.  Sam and I did kick-ups with some of the kids, whilst other volunteers offered them the opportunity to have their faces painted.  The children even went to the beach and surfed with the paint still on their face!  So what began as a day where the media guys in suits came ended with some of the children running around with flags and animals painted on their faces.  I think it’s the kind of contrast we will begin to get used to!

Tom

Published on: 8. 03. 2010 | Read more »