tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.comments2009-10-19T01:47:13.889+02:00Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06340267061387518816noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-22941132608261566832009-10-19T01:47:13.889+02:002009-10-19T01:47:13.889+02:00Ryan, your blog thoughts are quite wonderful and are as relevant on this side of the world, in my late 50&#39;s as they are in your world in your late 20&#39;s. It is always such a mystery that wisdom usually comes at the expense of youthful years. But the wisdom feels so much more comfortable and comforting, that most people would not swap it for youth, at least not permanently. But, oh, just longing for it sometimes, makes one wonder what we would do if we only knew...<br />Looking forward to reading more of your blog. Marie Thompson, Cookeville, TNMariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00622157543804310389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-29752857423632510092009-10-07T07:57:22.308+02:002009-10-07T07:57:22.308+02:00I love this. Such a reality check and important reminder about really living.Jillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07439468934662261250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-78127099921892555062009-09-07T04:24:30.611+02:002009-09-07T04:24:30.611+02:00Hello there,I found your blog very interesting. I&#39;ll link it into my blog.shizukanastudiohttp://shizukanastudio.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-79862848614578169652009-09-05T08:03:15.794+02:002009-09-05T08:03:15.794+02:00Hello....Is it possible to volunteer in Cape Town. I am a Canadian teacher currently in Asia. I have Jan and Feb off work and would like to volunteer in Cape Town. I would like to do someting with street children or aids work. Do you know of any groups I could work with?<br />Greg (greghaynes99@yahoo.ca)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-19513121714613602332009-09-05T08:02:36.250+02:002009-09-05T08:02:36.250+02:00Hello....Is it possible to volunteer in Cape Town. I am a Canadian teacher currently in Asia. I have Jan and Feb off work and would like to volunteer in Cape Town. I would like to do someting with street children or aids work. Do you know of any groups I could work with?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-39081989481886583672009-08-23T18:50:08.520+02:002009-08-23T18:50:08.520+02:00What you wrote there Mr brown it&#39;s nothing but the truth, every man and woman from all four corners of mama (Mother) earth would agree with you.<br /><br />Some of us think it&#39;s the system that put us at this situation of live to work till you pension then suffer and die. <br /><br />Every Third World Citizens will score you 100 out of 50. Good questions my brotha. i say fuck the politicians and everyone should invest in his or her futer more than anything under the sun.Malixolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00931345312665424121noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-40602240559461353112009-08-18T13:15:03.552+02:002009-08-18T13:15:03.552+02:00Ha! yeah, its my own definition. ;)Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06340267061387518816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-12895075282408756422009-08-18T12:20:22.457+02:002009-08-18T12:20:22.457+02:00Wow, is that your own definition.... because it is so true!!SWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05211873022961368986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-49269224587005105912009-07-12T09:48:10.555+02:002009-07-12T09:48:10.555+02:00so true! keep the posts coming!YouthOfSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914299567283274463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-22516289563647188012009-07-12T09:46:48.658+02:002009-07-12T09:46:48.658+02:00hopw tha you continue to teach. Giving young people real values is so important!<br /><br /><br />http://youthofsa.blogspot.comYouthOfSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03914299567283274463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-54738042554663180252009-05-16T09:52:00.000+02:002009-05-16T09:52:00.000+02:00When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.Yours is a wonderful blog! Nice Post!ROGER BASTIENhttp://www.clickhappiness.com/elife-magazine/happiness.aspnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-86847583541011853182009-03-15T11:29:00.000+02:002009-03-15T11:29:00.000+02:00Nice Blog<BR/>I enjoy this blog<BR/><BR/>Pls visit my blog at:<BR/>http://dalvindoorlando.blogspot.com<BR/><BR/>Best Regard,<BR/>OrLaNd<BR/>@@@ INDONESIA @@@OrLaNdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02209519251692756584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-89198602818462324852009-02-15T21:02:00.000+02:002009-02-15T21:02:00.000+02:00Hi Ryan, <BR/><BR/>Ley me know if you did not solve the school issue. As Gerald said have good contacts at City Mission School, and they really walk the road, however long!<BR/>LeoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-89458471078041014212009-02-14T08:15:00.000+02:002009-02-14T08:15:00.000+02:00My heart hurts too! He's just a little boy even if he has caused trouble. I hope Gerald's idea works out. Otherwise, I may have to move to South Africa and tutor him myself!!!! This one has really gotten "under my skin"!!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16523909167293722624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-86726038124684956262009-02-09T23:47:00.000+02:002009-02-09T23:47:00.000+02:00Hi Ryan!<BR/><BR/>Have you considered school of hope for Lee? I think that the program would suit a guy like Lee dont you think? They are also very developmental and deal with situations quite well. We have alot of the boys from Khayelitsha going there and its quite integrated I think. Nathan is the guy to speak to and if it helps tell him you know leo who has very strong links with them. If not that if he is in Grade 4 I think that he might have a chance at The BEST centre which I told you about they are quite full but im sure trying wouldnt hurt and he would go into level one...and last time they said they still have room in this class. The BEST centre is in Durham road at the old Wesleyan college. If you go speak to Desiree and tell her that you a fried of mine it might help the cause. i think he can make it through with your support.<BR/>Give it a try.Geraldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04044757379223060597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-6466305943914599372009-02-06T21:42:00.000+02:002009-02-06T21:42:00.000+02:00yeah, i was REALLY close to just taking him home with me!Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06340267061387518816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-19101747061161205102009-02-06T19:28:00.000+02:002009-02-06T19:28:00.000+02:00These are the kids that break my heart, the ones who are so completely alone. That's when I don't miss you quite so much because I know that at this time your place is there bringing what help you can to those little fellas. I just want to scoop them up and squeeze them and tell them how important they are, but I know you are doing that for me. Thanks!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16523909167293722624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-10929803621071189832009-02-02T17:39:00.000+02:002009-02-02T17:39:00.000+02:00Just for the record, I'm Brown's mom!Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16523909167293722624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-73123330897144914472009-02-02T10:34:00.000+02:002009-02-02T10:34:00.000+02:00The behaviour you are modelling for them is so much more important than maths. These kids are lucky to have a teacher like you, and their kids will be lucky that they had someone to show them how to care. The impact of your actions will go way beyond your classroom because each of these kids will take small bits of your loving kindness with them. Even though I have no idea who you are, I'm pleased you are a teacher.klintohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16191984028673434615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-3775870560405242272009-02-02T07:55:00.000+02:002009-02-02T07:55:00.000+02:00a really beautiful post setting out an incredible calling. Thank youPaulCpthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01252683401032918313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-25250907576277018682009-02-02T01:50:00.000+02:002009-02-02T01:50:00.000+02:00i wish all teachers had this approach! i am 100% positive if they did then i woudl not see as many children on the streets here!Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06340267061387518816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-33670611715856547132009-01-28T16:30:00.000+02:002009-01-28T16:30:00.000+02:00a big WOOOOF WOOOOOOF to that! ;)Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06340267061387518816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-29112039135914996472009-01-26T12:06:00.000+02:002009-01-26T12:06:00.000+02:00Yes lovely post Ryan. I am not giving up on these kids. Have been busy doing something, Have set up a meeting with the top SAPS guy, have province bringing different departments to our working group meeting on the 17th, spoken to various people in the City and am making a submission to HOMAC, have spoken to the CCID and doing some other research. Gonna keep on knocking on doors until something is done.PaulCpthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01252683401032918313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-69793871155913811322009-01-23T19:52:00.000+02:002009-01-23T19:52:00.000+02:00In my opinion forced removal is the only way forward with these kids. Drug addiction in children is a very complex problem. It will not work to wean them or take it slowly, because with the abuse of such drugs you are already running against the clock.<BR/>The ideal would be a programme that catered specifically for the needs of these youth, preferably outside the city. But if that is not an option then go for the next best thing. Then if it is felt that Lindelani is not meeting their needs enough then that is something that can be worked on. These kids are going to be unhappy and angry where ever they are placed, but they need to be there long enough for rehabilitation.<BR/>There are organisations that work specifically with youth from the same circumstances, it would be interesting to contact them and ask them for their advice and experience. Just because South Africa does not house such a programme does not mean that we cannot access expertise.Leonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3832566911947880918.post-80990826913881279862009-01-23T12:29:00.000+02:002009-01-23T12:29:00.000+02:00I would usually like to think that every idea needs to be tried out before I would say that its not going to work but I'm not sure if Lindelani is an option. While working at the CCID, we considered this as an option for Bonani already. Lindelani will only accept boys who have been sent their by the courts and who have commited a crime. Bonani was there just over a year ago for breaking into a car. He spent a few months there and returned immediately to the streets once he was released. I'm not sure how much addictions counselling he recieved while he was there but he certainly hadn't managed to kick any of his drug habits, or perhaps it was because he felt that when he got out the streets was the only place he could go.<BR/>The focus of these discussions is on a very small group of boys at the moment who are beggin in long street but there are plenty of other older boys and girls (lets not forget about the girls) out there facing similar crises. They have grown up on the streets and are just as drug addicted and probably much more involved in crime, spending thier lives going in and out of prison. They've passed the point of the kids being discussed and are in just an as hopeless situation. They're not as visible but equaly in need of an intervention that deals with their addictions, poor sense of self worth and allows them to realise thier potential. <BR/>Its way past the time for an entirely new solution to be developed and I believe that these boys and girls need to be part of developing the solution. We need to start trying other approaches to see what really works. And a good place might be to start by looking at all the approaches that have already been tried and why they didn't work. <BR/>Let us not undermine these people. Thinking that we know better than them because we are older, more educated or have more money. The people with the answers to this problem are the people who are facing these challenges and struggling through them and ofcourse there are many who have already done so. Many of us have valuable insights and good understandings of what could happen but we need to be talking to the people we are trying to help. They need to be a part of developing the answers to these difficult questions that are being asked. Only then will we find a solution that they also believe in and has a greater chance of success.klintohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16191984028673434615noreply@blogger.com