Working

So, I went on "vacation" and I have to work. Bad part: getting up in the sixes to be there at 8:30. Great part: working for Sibanye with the NGO director, Jo-lene. This organization does such great things and it really is the perfect fit for me. I am going to be helping the director out with some of the marketing activities at Sibanye including helping formalize the Sibanye brand, develop and refine grant requests, identify potential organizations for grants, and develop some collateral materials for their store. Lots to do in 6 weeks!

I was placed there with Marcy, another volunteer at CCS. There was a nice surprise when we got there in that 2 other girls are volunteering. They are from Scotland and London. Both are 19 (part of "the vicki's") but they seem great and have some really great ideas. So, that should be really fun.

Right now, I'm just trying to get my feet wet and understand the organization. I was so amazed at some of the goods that were developed by these local artisans. If you saw these townships, you'd think that nothing beautiful could come out of them. And you'd be totally wrong. I was. The website (sibanye.org.za) does no justice to the goods they've created and the store they've set up. It is so cute. Also, it is located in a government building right in the Khayelitsha township where there were local glassmakers, beadmakers, bagmakers, artists. It's like Williamsburg--but real (sorry to all you hipsters out there).

That's it for now. Going to head out tonight and grab some drinks with the ladies. See you soon!