Gap Year: working with adults who have mental and physical health problems and learning difficulties in a charitable residential centre in Johannesburg (Joburg)
In 9 weeks time I will be at Edinburgh airport bound for South Africa and the start of my year long adventure.
I am still busy with fundraising activities and now that my final exams are over (yippee!) I will have more time to concentrate on upcoming events.
I have recently been learning a bit more about the project in which I will be working. It is on the southern outskirts of Joburg and I will be working mainly with adults who have mental health problems or learning difficulties helping with day to day care as well as organising recreational activities. I am sure this project will give me a much greater understanding of the problems faced by people with disabilities in a developing country today.
I have heard South Africa is an extraordinarily diverse country and I look forward to managing some exploring during my holidays as well as immersing myself in a totally different culture. Although, I must say I am slightly apprehensive about the stories I have heard about the rate of violence in its cities.
I realise what an amazing opportunity I have been given and will be sure to make the most of it. I realise there will be challenges along the way, but am mainly feeling very excited at the prospect of getting out there and getting started.
