It's hard to believe our time in Durban is coming to an end. On our third and final visit to the Westville Prison we were greeted with smiles and excitement from the male inmates in Medium C who were so happy to see us returning to spend one more morning with them. We were fully integrated into the Life Skills Programming today. Benjamin started the gathering off by leading the group in a boisterous round of "Boom Chica Boom". Imagine the prison filled with a sound not commonly being heard from inside those walls...25 plus grown men singing and laughing at the top of their lungs! The dingy prison walls seemed to glow with all the bright smiles. Benjamin said this group gives the kids at Camp Kici Yapi a run for their money in terms of participation and sheer volume!
Sthe allowed us to each facilitate our own segment of the program today. Benjamin lead an exercise on health and self awareness while Lisa's activity focused on values and prioritizing those in life we each personally value for self improvement. The session ended with each of us taking time to thank each participant and it was at that moment the impact of the work the YMCA has on the lives of these young men could truly be felt. One of the inmates said he felt that he had been touched by an angel and others asked if the YMCA could please do another session of Life Skills Part Two because they felt it was the most valuable thing they have in the prison. Sthe was so happy with our facilitation he said it was like we had always been a part of the group. This only solidified what we already know in that the work we do at the Y is so similar and that the impact of programs focusing on Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility can be felt throughout YMCAs around the world in all settings.
Upon returning back to the Y, staff and volunteers from the National Office were coming to us to say their goodbyes and it began to sink in that we would be leaving soon. We fortunately were able to share in one last dinner with Paul and Sanele reflecting on the goals that we had accomplished up to this point and brainstorming ways to further collaborate in the future. Upon leaving the restaurant, we walked past a stone wall with mirrors with the words "please don't go" etched in them. This couldn't have been more reflective of the thoughts and feelings on all of our minds that night.
As we said our final goodbyes, tears flowed as we truly felt the connections as family but also because we were so thankful for our time together. We cannot thank the YMCAs of the Greater Twin Cities or the Durban YMCA leaders and staff enough for this life changing opportunity. The hospitality and love we felt made this quickly and effortlessly our second home and family and we all agreed to remain committed to continuing this invaluable relationship.
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