A trip to South Africa
Kiana Munshi, 12-C
From beaches to mountains, diamond museums to gold mines, lions to penguins, and theme parks to ancient culture and history, South Africa has it all! This summer, The Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet organized an incredible educational trip to South Africa, and sixteen fortunate students, accompanied by two teachers, embarked on this remarkable journey.
The first stop for the group was Cape Town. This beautiful city, nestled between the majestic Table Mountains and pristine beaches, captivated everyone. The students visited the iconic Cape of Good Hope, the southernmost point of Africa, and even spotted ostriches and penguins. Imagine seeing penguins in Africa! The first evening in Cape Town featured a remarkable tête-à-tête with Mr. Jack Swat, who served alongside Nelson Mandela during his prison years. His insights provided historical context and poignant reminders of resilience and hope, offering a comprehensive understanding of the man behind the name Nelson Mandela and his struggle—a small step for him and his brethren, but a giant leap for humanity.
Kruger National Park provided an unforgettable experience, with the group witnessing all the Big 5 (Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffaloes) on Day 1! The visit offered a unique perspective, with humans caged in vehicles while animals roamed free in their natural habitat. The group also saw a variety of wild animals and birds, from zestful zebras to impalas and vultures.
The school ensured that students not only had fun but also learned about South Africa’s culture and history. At the UNESCO World Heritage Site, ‘The Cradle of Humankind,’ students learned about human evolution. A special boat ride during this visit taught them about the discovery of natural elements and their significance to our ancestors.
One of the most memorable experiences was visiting the Phoenix Settlement, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi by his granddaughter, Ela Gandhi. The group had the honour of meeting her, and the Vice-Principal, Mrs. Amrita Chandra Raju, requested her to autograph a book for the school library. Ela Gandhi wrote an inspiring message about the school’s potential to become leaders who can transform the world.
Ela Gandhi’s message read: “To the staff and students of HPS Eagles – may your school soar high in this 100-year celebration. May you become leaders in your own right and transform our world into its fortune, glory of peace, tranquility, respect, and beauty.”
Her wisdom and inspiring message of peace, resilience, and truth, besides her advice to the students to focus on values rather than materialism and stay connected with the real world, left us in awe.
However, the trip also included a somber moment at the Apartheid Museum, reminding students of the atrocities humans can inflict upon each other based on skin colour. Here, they were reminded of the quote by author Munia Khan: “Wild animals are less wild and more humane than many humans of this world.”
The group also visited the diamond museum, learning about the 4Cs of diamonds: Carat, Clarity, Cut, and Colour. They even entered a gold mine, experiencing firsthand the challenging conditions miners face daily.
Overall, this trip was truly memorable for the students and teachers. If you’re wondering where to go for your next trip, make it South Africa.
