All the drama of South Africa

Ashleigh Haymanof Presentation Secondary School, Tralee, Co Kerry, taught drama to children in townships in South Africa

'TRANSITION YEAR never seemed like a good option to me. I wanted to finish school as soon as possible. However, when the time came to decide, I had an extra reason on my list to say yes. I decided that TY might not be such a bad idea if I turned it into an adventure. So I wrote to my father, who presently lives in South Africa, pleaded with my mother and hatched a plan: I was going to spend six months in Cape Town - halfway across the world!

"After much negotiation, I boarded a plane last June and, 22 hours later, I walked out on the other side under a blue sky and blazing sun. Since then I've had a few of the most spellbinding months of my life! Before I arrived I had arranged to work with a drama academy teaching kids to act. As I helped Beth, the teacher, with her various classes, I noticed the startling difference between the regions. One of the primary schools, Mvula, is situated in the heart of a bustling township; for many of the students, the hot lunches handed out at break time are their main meal of the day.

"However, it is at Mvula that the kids are most enthusiastic and excited about their work and it's by far my favourite teaching spot. Although the majority of the kids only speak Xhosa, their acting ability and clear, lively expressions make their meanings and feelings unmistakable.

"It is not only in class that they shine either. At break time, their games and interactions continue to enchant me. From giving each other rides on wheelie bins, to making skipping ropes out of any bits of string they can find, they always find a new way of banishing boredom.

"Another joy at Mvula is the singing. Kids go from excited little children to astounding singers in seconds, their harmonising voices drifting right out into the streets. The students even gave me a Xhosa name - Numsa — while others still call me 'Actually' - their attempt at my name! On the other hand, I also teach in much wealthier areas where facilities are amazing in contrast - no broken panes or flooded classrooms and the kids all speak English.

"It is so rewarding to see the kids build up their confidence and go from not saying a word to bursting at the seams with ideas. They aren't the only ones, though; as the weeks go by I am doing more and more of the teaching and less of the watching! I'm also helping out at a local animal shelter, and have cleaned out more rooms (including the aviary) than I care to remember. Other duties at the shelter include feeding, walking dogs, answering phones, sorting out second-hand books for fundraisers, painting skirting boards, showing people around, catching cats so they can be tested for diseases and giving all the animals love and attention in any minute to spare.

"Finally, I also help out on the building site where 352 new flats for the poor of a Kommetjie township are being built. Not bad for only three months! As you can see, despite occasional bouts of homesickness, I don't regret my decision to make the most of TY one bit!"