Each One Teach One

We will try to complete this post without sounding too much like Clark Griswald.  Look kids, Big Ben, Parliment.  Well, if you guys want to miss the world's largest ball of twine...

Ok, got that out of my system. 

Both Roman and Mabret asked if their classes will get to see this post.  Thanks again to Kevin Kromko and Jen Valerio for making the boys feel connected while we are away.  Hopefully, there is some useful info below.  

Today was the first traditional educational day.  Of course, there is nothing ordinary about Nelson Mandela or visiting Robben Island where President Mandela served 18 years of his 27 year prison sentence.  The spirit of those political prisoners who were banished to Robben Island is alive in every square inch of Robben Island.  Their message is clear that they wish the Island to serve as inspiration to their country and the world that freedom, democracy and the human spirit will triumph when the course is stayed. 

This sign greets all who visit.

Shortly after disembarking the boat that took us to Robben Island, we were met by a guide who would give us a walking tour of the many prison buildings.  The Island has been maintained as a World Heritage Site and was born from the dream of those prisoners who were held captive for fighting to end apartheid.  The dream of maintaining Robben Island as a beacon of hope and forgiveness was born in 1995 when former prisoners including Nelson Mandela held a reunion on the Island 

Below is a picture from that reunion. 

Our guide, Ndanto, was a political prisoner on Robben Island for 8 years.   While he describes his experience in stark terms which include torture, isolation and illness, it is clear that he harbors no anger toward those who abused him and fractured his country.  Ndanto believes in the message of Mr. Mandela that anger and resentment will damage their country and their children's children.  Mabret listened to the talk intently and when it concluded he said, "if the people stay angry it will just start all over again."

Below is a picture of Ndanto, Mabret and Roman.

Below is a picture of Roman standing outside of Nelson Mandela's cell.

Below is a picture of a small garden that was created by Nelson Mandela and is maintained as it was when he was imprisoned on the Island.  Mr. Mandela kept one of his early manuscripts for "Long Walk to Freedom" hidden in the garden. The manuscript was found shortly after a second copy was smuggled off the Island.  

During the final part of the tour we visited the Lime Quarry where prisoners did grueling days of labor in blazing sun. The quarry also housed a small cave that was known as Robben Island University.  It was in this cave that the future leaders of South Africa would meet to debate and discuss important issues and began drafting what is now the Constitution of South Africa.  In addition, when young prisoners arrived lacking the same education as those who were already highly educated, the more educated prisoners taught the less educated.  Nelson Mandela shared their slogan in Long Walk to Freedom - "Each One Teach One"   This phrase which describes what happened in a tiny cave in South Africa should send a message to the world that we all must learn from one another.  Each One Teach One appears in the Constitution of South Africa.

A picture of Robben Island University is below.

In short, Robben Island was humbling.  

Below is a picture of Roman and Mabret as we are leaving the island.  Table Mountain is in the background.

Below is a picture of the boys and Kathy standing in front of a globe near Nelson Madela Gateway at the Victoria & Alfred  Waterfront.  Roman located Addis Ababa on the globe and it can be seen just over Mabret's leff shoulder.  

We finished the day with a traditional Ethiopian meal at a restaurant named Addis in the Cape.

Tomorrow we hike to the top of Table Mountain.