On Wednesday 9 Mei 2012, students and staff accompanied staff of Meals on Wheels in one of their community outreach actions.

As we headed off to the specific location the students were singing and laughing as they were excited about what was to come, eager to help but not really knowing what they led themselves in for. On arrival students were instantly taken aback by the poverty and circumstances that people from this area live in. While waiting for Meals on Wheels to arrive our students had the opportunity to absorb the vibe of the environment through all human senses.

Meals on Wheels arrived with buckets of rice and stew, ready to serve the community. Mr. Louw (from Meals and Wheels) assigned all the students to a specific spot where they would dish up food to the people. While our students found their spots, the residents form the area started to line up for their meal.

We made a prayer, started dishing and within 30 minutes everyone was enjoying the hot cooked meal. On our way home, the students commented that this by far was the most humble and eye opening experience to date. It was a great pleasure and honour working with Meals on Wheels. Their passion and commitment to serve the community is outstanding. We can’t wait to work with them again.

Some of the students’ comments tell it all:

Pauline Cloete (SRC Chair), said that we as young people should open our hearts and pockets to those in need.

Henau Hellmuth (Community Outreach Head): “This was such an eye-opener and something that we are not used to. It was AMAIZING saying prayer before eating.”

Ujama Swartz (Hostel Prim): “This was an eye opening experience. One often hears that one should be thankful for what we have, never mind the quality or quantity but still we want more. I can now understand this statement as I have seen those without quantity, never the less quality.”