This morning we visited the NYDA. We learned about what the agency does and a number of interesting facts about SA. SA is a country of contrast. We are staying in Sandton, a very nice place but there is another city very close called Alexandria which is one of the worst slums. This is interesting to us because the roads we have been taking out of town have been through very nice areas and it isn't until we get outside the city when we start seeing the shanty towns.
The agency was formed from two existing agencies on June 16, 2009 in remembrance of the June 16, 1976 youth uprising. Youth is defined as ages 14-35. The age goes so high because the agency wants to help those who didn't have opportunity prior to 1994 during apartheid. The agency provides business mentors, job training, micro loans for entrepreneurs and much more. One of the challenges they is they face is youth heads of households due to disease and other social factors. Check out their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Youth-Development-Agency/177619079111
We also stopped by a market and loaded up on souvenirs. We thought we did a great job haggling until we got to the bus where there were a few more experienced hagglers that really got deals.
We are back at the hotel now but are leaving in a few minutes to a theatrical African show.
This is a picture of us on the way to the NYDA. We have been spending a lot of time at the front of the bus. You can see more from that seat! The other picture is of Prof Bunker telling jokes to entertain students on the long bus rides.
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