The Garden Route

Stephanie at the Cango Caves.

The crew at Cango Caves

Conservation Safari-A family of Giraffes.

The Garden Route.....

For the long weekend, I will be taking some time to enjoy the sites of the Western and Eastern Cape.  Stay tuned for more exciting details.......or at least amusing stories.

The Load

Role Play

            On Thursday, I finished my forensic assessment training.  After going through the schedule for the office, several of my co-workers and I crammed into a small office to practice our in-take skills.  One co-worker pretended to be a caregiver while each of us facilitated a forensic interview. 

            Overall, my interview captured the needed information from the pseudo-client.  I went through the confidentiality agreement and gathered information on the family and abuse.  I was nervous at first, but I became more comfortable as I asked the questions.  The more practice I can get the better.    

Casework

            Today, June 15, I was handed my caseload.  I spent the day familiarizing myself with twelve different client files.  I set up appointments with each of the client’s caregivers for next week.  It took all day to make appointments.  I contacted the caregivers by phone or by sending out letters.  My calendar is filled with meetings, events, and forensic interviews.  Now, I just need to find time to debrief….

All I can say is thank the world for Stephanie, Kristen, and Taylor.  My helping professional support group.  Without your support and our round robin debrief, I would not be sane right now.  

Finding a Balance

            It is difficult to find a balance between work and a personal life.  Many young people I have met seem to easily understand where the line between workaholic and human being is drawn.  I have yet to find this elusive balance.  Like many social workers or helping professionals, I find myself giving more to others than to myself. 

            During my time in the Masters of Social Work program at University of Michigan, I was placed with the Detroit Initiative.  Though I learned a lot about community work, grant writing, and teamwork, I found myself isolated.  Sometimes I would get lost in my work, but other times I found myself dealing with heavy experiences alone. 

            I continue to struggle understand what it means to live a balanced life.  Currently, I am beginning to realize that I need more than a career, exercise and healthy eating.  I am beginning to realize I need to find and tap into my own support system.

Forensic Assessment Training

            Safe Line has recently received an increased number of referrals from hospitals, the police, and schools.  With so many new cases, I have been asked to begun conducting Forensic Assessments with the client’s caregiver before referring the client to a staff therapist.  Continuing to follow my mantra of “going with the flow even when it’s bumpy”, I agreed to help.  Today, the director hosted training on Forensic Assessments.  The training was similar to other trainings I have attended, but I was thankful for the refresher before I start taking on my own caseload.  We reviewed interview techniques, the Children’s Act of 2005, person in environment maps, kinship charts, and SWOT analyses. The training could have been more in depth, but I felt that it reviewed needed information and answered all my questions.  Hopefully tomorrow, I can practice my in-take skills before my first client on Wednesday. 

            Though I am content to learn in-take skills and therapy methods, I wonder what part of my placement connects to my professional development as a community organizer?

           

The Politics of Language

        South Africa is a nation that is considered to have one of the most progressive constitutions.  The constitution was formed post-apartheid during 1996.  As the citizens rushed to find their place, the many different political parties came together to write a constitution that everyone could stand behind.  After a long year of debate, the new constitution took affect in 1997.  The constitutions recognized children’s rights, defined human rights, and approved 12 official national languages.  Children even sing the national anthem in three different languages.  South Africa’s constitution has been raved as being clear, fair, inclusive, and pushing for a culturally pluralistic society.  Unfortunately, implementing the constitution has not been as successful as making it.

            At my own work place, I can see the everyday tension between groups due to language, socio-economic status, or power.  I see a divide between the IsiXhosa speakers and Afrikaans speakers within Safe Line’s office.  Every worker has devoted her or him self to working with or for children who have been sexually abused, but find it difficult to connect to coworkers outside their ethnic group.  I find myself observing and playing a part in the larger social issues pushing down on each South African.  Yes, the constitution preaches pluralism and human rights, but implementing those ideas into action and into social structures takes time.  The fight for equity and acceptance is going to be a long struggle in South Africa and everywhere else. 

           

Working for Others

ACVV- Visiting a Child protective Service Agency

            On Friday morning, June 10^th, Tahira took Stephanie, Taylor, and I to visit a Child Protective Service agency that serves inner Cape Town.  We arrived at the agency around 9:00 am to meet with a social worker.  The agency’s office was above an inner city educare.  Jonathan, the community social worker, met us in the lobby and took us to his office.   Jonathan described his job responsibilities as conducting community work through programming, receiving in-take calls and conducting intake interviews.  He told us he receives 15 to 20 calls a week that require a follow up interview.  One of his co-workers said that her caseload is between 100-150.  With so many cases, I was surprised that one social worker would have so many job tasks.  After his introduction, we discussed the roles of a social worker and the misconceptions of social work.  In a room of American and South African social workers we came to the conclusion that we are in a highly needed, skilled, and under appreciated profession. 

Workshop

            After meeting with the ACVV intake and community worker, I returned to Safe Line to conduct my rescheduled workshop.   With my bag full of crafts supplies and examples, I convinced several of my co-workers to attend the workshop.  I set up a table with my supplies in the lounge and arranged biscuits on platters for the attendees.  As everyone settle into a seat, I began the workshop with the “Who am I?” Flower activity.  My co-workers each created picture of a flower with one identity written inside each petal.  For example, I might write my name in the middle of the flower with the identities of Social Worker, Peterson Family member, American, Woman and Student on the petals.  The staff finished their flowers and presented their identities to the group.    Then I lead them through a few activities and crafts.  The group particularly enjoyed the “Make your own city” activity.  I was happily surprised by how the staff engaged in my workshop.  Each of my co-workers jumped into the craft and activities with open hearts.  They were all interested in learning from me and I was excited to gain their feedback.  After reviewing my evaluation forms, I determined that the workshop was successful and the only thing that would have made it better was more time. 

A (Half) Day at the Beach

Planning & Community Work

            On Wednesday, June 8^th, I spent the early morning planning for my upcoming Parent Support Group and re-working my rescheduled workshop.  I also attempted to assist the community workers in hosting a Parenting Program in Bontiville, but no parents attended.  The workers and I waited at the identified church for two hours with only one attendee.  The community member that recruits women for the program reported that no one was coming.  On Thursday, June 9^th, the community workers and I returned to Bontiville to host the Parenting Program.  Patiently, we waited for the parents from the community to arrive.  Eventually we began the group with around 15 women.  I introduced the program and facilitated an icebreaker before beginning the group activities.  After a few days of parenting programs, I am beginning to wonder if Safe Line has a place for me.  Almost half way through with my internship and I feel stuck.  I want to be professionally challenged. 

Cape of Good Hope

            For our last day with Scott, we took a day trip to Cape Point after placement on Wednesday.  On the drive, we jammed out to Scott’s garden route mix of classic rock and old school rap.  Kristen, Scott, and I sang the lyrics loudly as our van drove through the ocean side towns of the Western Cape.   We eventually arrived at Cape Point.  I took in the breath taking scenery before beginning the hike to a mini piece of paradise.  Kristen, Stephanie, Becky, Scott, Bethany, and I made our way down the trail to the aqua water and sandy beach.  For the rest of our short time on the beach we ran around, took pictures, and took a moment to appreciate each other and the connection we all had. 

            With each joke and conversation, I thought about how much I was going to miss Scott.  How much I was going to miss everyone. I also thought about how rare it is to find people who understand my sense of humor, my frustrations, and everything else in between.  I hope that my family and my friends know how much I appreciate the validation and support they give me.  I also hope they know how much I miss them when I am gone.  There are days where I wish I could carry you all with me, but in a way I guess I already do. 

PS. See you later, Panda. Safe Travels.

           

Reflections on being a Social Worker

Social Work

            My favorite part of being a social worker, particularly a community organizer, is never having the same day twice.  Everyday, I have something new to think about, plan for, or implement.  The work challenges me everyday to think in a different way. It is a profession that allows me to work with others towards positive social change on an individual, community, and policy level.  It also relies upon my own strengths of creative critical thinking, reliability, kindness, and patience.   I know that many times I can find myself writing and reflecting on the difficulties that come with working with other humans, but I can’t see myself being anything other than a social worker. 

            As a young social worker learning in both the national and international field, I would like to share some of the lessons I have learned.

Flexibility

            Flexibility is one of the most important aspects of social work.  As a social worker, I am responsible for supporting and empowering individuals and communities on their own terms.  Of course to do this you have to have time, money, support, and consensus.  Therefore, I work to balance the roles of accountant, therapist, planner, administrator, and advocate.  I have to jump into to any role at anytime to meet others needs.  I strive to meet organizational and community needs in Detroit and in Cape Town.  But where is the line drawn between being flexible and being taking advantage of? 

            Within many of my conversations with Stephanie and other social workers, we talk about where the line is between flexibility and inefficiency.  At my placement, I have worked hard to support Safe Line’s programs and meet their requests in a timely manner.  In contrast, I have run into difficulties finding the same support from Safe Line.  I do not expect to be lead by the hand, but I do expect to be informed of events or meetings like any other staff member.  Through self-initiated communication, I have navigated a schedule for the next week and laid out my expectations for clear communication. 

Communication

            Communication is another key aspect to social work.  Whether working with clients, co-workers, or other agencies with out communication nothing can move forward. 

            For example, Safe Line requested a full day work shop on Group Work this past Monday.  I planned an in depth work shop on creating a group work logic model, using icebreakers, and incorporating art and music therapy into groups for the staff.  On Monday, I set up my workshop and ushered people into the meeting room to begin.  A few moments later, I was told that the staff was going to start the morning off with devotionals.  An hour later, the staff had finished with devotionals and the director had called a staff meeting.  I left the day having lead only 40 minutes of my full day workshop. 

Professionalism

            Professionalism is another aspect of social work that I have found meaning in during my time in Cape Town.  In the few weeks I have been challenged by my own and others cultural view of professionalism.  Though cultural difference is an asset, I find myself frustrated by the South African work ethic.   With so much need, when is it ok to expect staff members to finish paper work, attend meetings, and arrive on time?

 Just some thoughts. 

Recovery

Brunch at Cocoa Chai

            After a long Saturday, our remaining group members needed a break from the hectic house. We met up with Scott (aka Panda), another volunteer staying in Cape Town for a few extra days, to sooth our stress over brunch. Cocoa Chai, located in Observatory, is a sunny café that offers a delicious brunch for cheap.  My two favorite eaters, Scott and Kristen, joined me in trying various options on the menu.  After fulfilling our appetites, our load felt a little lighter and our heads were better able to take in the day. 

Holistic Fair

            Following brunch, we headed off to a Holistic Fair held at the Observatory Community Center every month.  We walked in the sunshine until we came upon a small grassy park filled with vendors, food, and children’s games.  I wondered around the fair commenting vendors to my friends.  While my friends wondered, I found a woman who was creating intricate Henna tattoos.  After watching her squeeze the dark paste-y dye into beautiful designs, I asked her to choose a design for me.  Kristen and Scott watched happily as she delicately covered my arm with winding flowers and leaves.  As she created, she told me about her sons and about Deaf culture and education in Cape Town.  I eagerly listened to her story about how her son was not allowed to sign in school and the lack of resources for children who are deaf.  I also shared with her more about Deaf culture in the United States and the push for sign language to be considered a valid language.  As she finished my arm, she handed me her card and I thanked her. 

Table Mountain

            With beautiful weather and a need for some stress relief, Kristen, Scott, and I decided to climb Table Mountain.  We switch backed our way up the two to three hour trail in one and half hours.  We stopped from time to time to catch our breath on the up mountain trail and appreciate the view.  As we found our way through the fog or “table clothe”, we reached the top of Table Mountain.  As the fog cleared, we made our way across the table to view Cape Town.  The view was breath taking and indescribable.   I stood with Scott and Kristen and watched the sun set on Cape Town. 

How do you say goodbye?

A Bittersweet Experience

            One of the most bittersweet realities of the Cross Cultural Solutions program is that you will have to say goodbye.  You will have to say goodbye to everyone at your placement, the CCS staff, and your fellow volunteers.

            At first, I thought that I wouldn’t fit in with the volunteers because of one thing or another, but two days into the program we had all bonded.  I found myself wanted to play games after dinner, going to others for support during difficult times at my placement, and looking forward to group adventures.  As a person who lives alone and could be labeled as a “workaholic” for a majority of the year, I began to feel a sense of balance seep back into my life.  I had formed deep attachments with the people I lived with for only three weeks. 

            As with any CCS program, it must come to an end and you have to say goodbye to the people you have only begun to know.  Of course, you have their contact information and promises to see one another again, but you also know you’ll never have this feeling again or this experience.  The first group of five was set to leave on Saturday. 

            To honor our last night together, we devoured Miss K’s  delicious marshmallow cupcakes and went out together.  We went to Mama Africa’s restaurant to enjoy the live band and each other’s company.  After Evelyn’s dance off with the house band’s lead singer, great conversation with Cal and an over all amazing night, I ordered taxis to bring us home.  On the way home, while listening to Carlos talk up our driver, I looked out at the city lights.  The pricks of light covered the cape as far as the Atlantic.  I imagined crossing the Atlantic to where my family is and where my friends would soon be. 

 I imagined my own last night in Cape Town two months from now. 

Saying Goodbye

            On Saturday morning, our crew dragged each other out of bed to have one last meal with one another.  We all piled in two different taxis and went out to the Old Biscuit Mill for a 9:00 am breakfast.  Kristen, Scott, and I enjoyed our usual smorgasbord. We each tried bites and sips of veg pies, lassis, smoothies, and an unbelievable made to order peach crepe.  With full stomachs, we wondered around the over priced shops and avoided any discussion about saying goodbye.   

            When we returned from Biscuit Mill, we greeted the new volunteers arriving from the airport.  Overwhelmed, our group, along with their luggage, found refuge in Stephanie and my room.  Piled on bunk beds and beanbags, we spent our last few hours together.  One by one the group staying behind said goodbye to the five people leaving.  With sad hearts, I hugged Cal, Carlos, Meghan, Evelyn, and Kelsey goodbye. 

           

Repeated Loss

            At the end of a long emotionally taxing day, my roommate, Stephanie and I laid quietly in our beds thinking about the friends that left or would be leaving.  As we listened to the sounds of the new arrivals wondering the halls, she turned to me and said, “We are going to have to do this every three weeks?  We are going to experience this repeated loss?” 

Context

Group Planning Work Shop & Planning for a Care Giver Group

            Over the past few weeks, Safe Line has grown more confident in my abilities as a social worker and community worker.  I am fluttering around the office planning a children’s group, caregiver group, activities booklet, updated their brochure, and a staff work shop.  Though I feel stretched, I am really enjoying the opportunity to incorporate my own ideas into the group work. 

The District 6 Museum

            The District 6 Museum is located on the edge of the almost barren former location of the sixth district of Cape Town.  The museum was formed to commemorate the destruction of an under served, but well connected community under the apartheid government.  The policies passed under the apartheid government lead to the destruction and displacement of a historically connected community based on skin color and hair texture.  These families were moved miles out of Cape Town to various Town Ships or informal settlements. 

            The goal of the museum is to attempt to capture what has been lost as well as give those families the opportunity to share their experiences both good and bad.  When you first step into the museum your eyes go to the canvas map of the community on the floor.  On the edges and streets of the map there are family names, addresses, poems written by former community members.

            Around the community map, the walls of the former church are covered with aging snap shots of families and friends who lived in District 6.  The photographs, street signs, and artifacts depict a vibrant and real community.  There are photos of women cooking together in kitchens, a bride, a man shaving, and other captured pieces of daily life in lost community. 

            As I wondered, I came upon a photograph of a family who lived in District Six in the 1950’s.  In the photo, each of the members holds a content smile and stand in a cobble stone street.  Under the photograph the capture reads, “The Petersen Family”.  

Quotes of the Day

 "It's like a bungy jump in my mouth."
"Licking through the pain to euphoria"
- Scott on the Charley's Bakery's cupcake & brownie. 

Carlos:  "That's Qaitlin-y"
Me:  "How would you define me in verb form?"
Carlos:  "Ummm...I don't know kind of like a cute, artsy, hippy thing?"