Day 1

Technically is day two but we're not going to include Saturday as we were all very tired from the traveling! Today was our rest day in which we split into two groups, one of which chose to go shopping round Pretoria whist the other group went to the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa from which there are a selection of photos below. Tomorrow is our first school visit so expect lots more info and photos.

Day 2

Today was the first school visit of the trip. We visited Thakalange school and were greeted at the gate by a line of students all the way to the classrooms. After a warm welcome by the head teacher Mr Genadius Mangokoane and his team of educators we were introduced to the students in a rhythmic assembly. We spent the day delivering our planned lessons to the students of Thakalange who were engaging and very excited by the activities of the day.

Day 3

Day three we have spent at Ruabohlale. Once again we were greeted at the gate and guided into school by the student council. We experienced a wonderful assembly and were treated to a rendition of the South African national anthem and a selection of other songs by the school choir. We delivered lessons to various classes and exchanged cultural experiences.

At the end of the day we watched some exceptional cultural dancing by a charitable group known as Agape. Tomorrow we meet our third school Echibini.

Day 4

Day four and our third school visit. We have been linked to Echibini for a number of years but this is our first visit under the headship of Mr Tihapi which marks a new phase in our relationship. The school greeted us with a staff meeting and assembly in which we were formally welcomed with speeches and songs. We spent much of the day exchanging cultural experiences and touring the school.

We thank all three schools for making us so welcome and look forward to the remainder of the week and future partnerships. We have found out a great deal about Soshanguve and South Africa and in return provided information about the UK and extended a renewed friendship across the globe.

On our way back towards Pretoria we stopped off at Tswaing Crater, caused by the impact of a 50m chondrite 220,000 years ago.

Day 5

Today we had a break from the schools and journeyed into Johannesburg accompanied by the three head teachers of the schools and 3 of their staff. The teachers took us to the Apartheid Museum which focused on the struggle for ethnic equality in South Africa and the life of Nelson Mandela.

Students and staff really enjoyed the visit and it was wonderful to talk to the head teachers who lived through the Apartheid and have seen how their lives have changed through it.

We then went to an amusement centre for a bit of rest and relaxation, where we found an amazing candy shop! The African staff members then accompanied us back to the hotel where the pupils had the opportunity for a question and answer session.

Day 6

Today we went to the Lesedi Cultural Village accompanied by the teachers and head teachers from the African schools. During the tour we learned much about the various native tribes of South Africa and took in a performance of their dances and rituals. Lunch consisted of a huge buffet of many dishes including Ostrich and Crocodile!

Day 7

Today we travelled 2 hours to Pilanesberg Game Reserve set in the the crater of a long extinct volcano. We travelled on a 4 wheel drive truck around the park and saw springbok, rhino, elephant, giraffe, wilderbeast, zebra, warthogs, monkeys and mongoose amongst other things.

Day 8

Today we've visited a few places. We started off at the Voortrekker monument and museum designed by Gerard Moerdyk and built in 1914. The monument remembers the founders of modern South Africa and gives amazing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the top!

We then moved onto the Hartbeespoort Dam which provided some amazing views. While we were in the area we had to visit the nearby market place and enjoyed a few hours of hard hard bargaining to buy some traditional mementoes and gifts.

Day 9

A bit of a delayed update as we spent yesterday traveling back home. Monday was our final day in South Africa and on which we visited the Lion Park on our way to Johannesburg. There were many animals to see such as giraffe, ostrich, cheetah, hyena, meerkat and of course lions. We also had the chance to feed a friendly giraffe, and stroke some very cute and sleepy lion cubs!

We are now all back safe and sound in a slightly overcast and damp UK! I think all members of the group will agree that it has been an amazing trip that has allowed us the chance to learn about a country rich in culture and has given us some unforgettable experiences.

Thank you to all involved in both the UK and South Africa, we look forward to continuing our links into the future.