We visited an affluent school in Somerset West today. It is about 30 minutes on the outskirts of Capetown. What a MAJOR difference from the township schools. The facilities were absolutely amazing (i.e. swimming pools, athletic fields, gym, a PRAYER room, meeting facilities, etc.). They even had AIR CONDITIONING and fully functional restrooms and ELECTRICITY! These may sound like basics to Americans, but here it is somewhat of a luxury. The major difference didn't lay in the government funding these schools more; but in the ability of the parents to raise money. The school is predominantly Afrikaans and in an affluent area. It's really shameful that the government allows these inequities to persist in a post apartheid South Africa.

Ironically, the staff and adminstration at this school had many of the same issues that the township schools had (i.e. inept government funding and leadership). Fortunately for them, their parents are able to make up for what the government isn't doing.

I would also add that much like the township children, these kids were enthusiastic about learning and very welcoming. Many of them had traveled to the US before and knew alot about our culture.

After we left the school, we traveled to Capetown. It is a very metropolitan city and kind of reminds me of some sections of NY (without as many people). We will be here for the rest of our trip and we leave on Sunday morning.