On the playground in Johannesburg
Submitted by: Lyndon Press
City Year South Africa
Coming to City Year I heard that I would be making a difference, but I was not sure how. I wondered: “How am I supposed to make that difference? Will I be able to do it?” I doubted that I could make a difference in my own life, and making a difference in someone else’s seemed like a long shot. Until I met the children, until I got to know them. The children at my school are completely different to what I had ever envisioned them to be.
A few remarkable children fell under my supervision, called the starfish group (grade 1 – 3). A learner by the name of Donovan stood out from the rest. From the very first day the City Year team stepped into Eastgate Primary School, Donovan was right there. Always wanting to be with us, help us, talk to us, anything really as long as he was with us. He had shared that he was having trouble at home and that obviously affected his performance at school, as Donovan was in a remedial class. Although he was a very special child, he was also very disruptive.
On this particular day Donovan was extremely disruptive and wouldn’t listen. I believe that he just wanted attention because no one else would give him that. Things became out of hand when Donovan pushed another learner by the name of Nicolas. Nicolas notified me immediately: “Lydon, Donovan is bullying me and it is lowering my self esteem.” I was left speechless. About a week before I had facilitated a lesson on self esteem. At that moment I did not know whether to reprimand Donovan or congratulate Nicolas. Moments later, Donovan apologised for what he had done. I had not even said a word, yet Donovan was able to recognise that he was doing something wrong and that it affected someone else.
On that warm afternoon, the two boys ran playing as if nothing had happened. I still stood in amazement. Thus far every little thing that happens I am grateful for. Learners influencing each other in a positive way - these moments leave me with a great feeling and two powerful statements: “I am definitely making a difference and, yes, I can do it.”
[Editor’s Note: Lydon is a member of City Year South Africa’s third class of young service leaders which provides mentoring and support to more than a dozen schools in Johannesburg. City Year made a commitment to expand its program at the 2006 Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting, giving a new generation of leaders an opportunity to make a difference in South Africa.]
July 19th, 2007 at 11:27 am
some times “small actions can have big effects!”; this story is very instructive on many levels: individuel as well as collective level; local as well well as global level. What it is interesting ; in my opinion, is that only by simple action as apologising , by using words, could eleminate harmful done to someone else. We human beings should discuss, dialogue, clarify our relations and sake common consensus, in stead of conflicting each other, because in this way every body will lose the game, either at short term or at long term…
July 19th, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Mr. Clinton,
I am so proud of you and what you are doing to help South Africa.
I love you and respect you immensley.
God Bless You and Yours.
Angela
July 19th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
<p>Dear President linton,<br />
Welcome to the world of on-line jornaling. I have supported you<br />
in both of your terms as president. On your fist run for the Presidency I served on the Clinton / Gore California Borad for Small Businesses, bringing awareness to the issue of nationalizing health care…. so important to our country today.</p>
<p>Your journey here has just begun. I wish you the best. Please keep me informed of your progress. I know you will succeed in your efforts to make a difference.</p>
<p>Sincerely,<br />
Robin Sherwood<br />
July 19th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
How wonderful for Nicolas to use the word “self-esteem” in his reply and to sense this trait is important for self respect. Congratulations on progress like this and the role modeling taking place amongst the students themselves. Children are especially so willing to grow to gain positive recognition.
July 19th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
I am very proud of the work you are doing in Africa. The people there are in good hands when they are guided by your hands. You were the greatest president ever. I tell my children and grandchildren about you whenever a phorto or news article is shown. The youngest refer to you as”our Bill”and will come running to get me if I am not in the room.I am grateful that I lived in times that you and Hillary are such a strong and positive force. Sincerely, Carolyn O’Leary
July 20th, 2007 at 7:56 am
Dear Lydon, thanks for your lovely warm and immediate writing. It is wonderful to hear how those little ripples spread and grow. Have a happy day.
Love Jen
July 20th, 2007 at 9:54 am
Salute,
I have always found the immediate feedback of young learners quite remarkable. The amazement felt can leave you truly speechless with the knowledge of the vulnerabilities of trusting innocence. It is Life’s work. Alas sir, I cannot fence. It is the beginning.
Thank God for such noble and righteous accomplishments.
July 20th, 2007 at 11:45 am
Dear Mr.Clinton
As a former teacher of elementary school children who taught self-esteem classes along with stress relieving techniques, I understand the importance of what you are doing and I applaud you for reaching out.
Without feeling good about yourself, learning and giving back to others cannnot take place. Keep up the good work with the children.
I always admired you as President and my respect for you has only increased.
Sincerely
Jane
P.S. Keep well and good luck to your wife!
July 21st, 2007 at 10:44 am
Thanks to you Mr. President, the less fortunate among us are getting the help that they need; in terms of AIDS drugs and the attention that they need from the globe. Your foundation is doing a tremendous job, especially in the remotest parts of Africa. Mr. President you make a difference in peoples lives. I live in minneapolis, and I have been following your journey since when you had the by-pass surgery and you have been doing a wonderful job. Thank you.
July 23rd, 2007 at 11:23 am
Job well done, Lydon:) It appears Donovan had a phase shift to higher level thinking just by the mere threat of your presence. I’ve had some experience with the younger, unruly crowd myself. Sometimes if you ask the small perpetrator of the shove if he thinks it would be OK if you made it a group rule that shoving others is perfectly acceptable or ask him what he would expect you to do if someone shoved him or better still have the group decide if they think shoving should be OK. Remember to end with a statement of understanding that he did not intend to harm his friend.
Enjoy them,
Lily Rose
July 24th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
There are lots of educated people in South Africa. Giving them money will only buy them the necessities. The money we give them today will only last today. We need to give them direction as well as money. They need industries like China and Japan. First they must have better education programs “better school and colleges”. I know that takes millions, but a few of the graduates can find a way to start businesses and then network and build up the communities. Then they could trade goods and services with the rest of the world. We want them to become independent. I am proud of President Clinton. He was a great president and is a great man.
July 25th, 2007 at 4:15 am
Mr. Clinton,
Taking on a task to see change in Africa, you have yet again showed African leaders your unselfish commitment for the continent.- indeed, a leason for African leaders.
July 28th, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Thank you Mr. President so much for your global interest in your work.This is an immense challenge and since no-one will take it on, you have done so with a tremendous passion.I admire you and your work and I wish I could be part of your team.If you need hands -on help, I am quite willing to do so prn since I am still employed as a nurse.I am an African and I am very grateful for your interest in this continent.Love you.
August 8th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Dear President Clinton,
On behalf of those people you have selflessly and sacrifially lifted up in Africa I say a big thank you. I feel privileged to live in these times. As you go about blessing people God will Minister to the needs of your whole family The Bible says the Rightous is never forsaken and that those who waters others will be wattered. We pray every day that God will give you long, healthy and continued fruitful life. You are such an inspiration to usOur warmest regards to our next president.
Tons of love
Sade