Today we took a boat to Robben Island. Nelson Mandela was in prison there for almost twenty-seven years. He believed in an South Africa where everyone should be treated the same. Being equal was against the law. He stood up for what he believed in. After he was freed he was voted the president of South Africa. Our tour guide used to be in prison in Robbin Island too. His name is Sipho Msomi. Sipho was arrested by the South African police in 1984 when he was only 20 years old. He had a running scholarship to go to university in the United States. Instead he went to prison with five of his friends. They were getting young people together to stick up for freedom. Now he talks to visitors about an equal South Africa. I think Mandela and Sipho demonstrated perseverance. They kept working hard for a better South Africa. What other character traits do you think they showed? You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom. P.S. We also saw our very first penguin colony on Robben Island. They were a little far away, but I was still excited. Super Sevens and Great Eights
Seeing Nelson Mandela's cell in solitary confinement was very emotional. It is not hard to imagine how difficult it would have been for him to work endlessly in the lime quarry. In spite of how he was treated he continued to fight for freedom, equality, and peace. There are many freedom songs of South Africa, but I was moved by the poem Invictus by William Ernest Henley that Mandela often recited while in captivity: Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeoning of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds, and shall find me, unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. Link to an interview with our guide Sipho http://www.robben-island.org.za/stories
6 Comments
Nano
2/9/2017 02:21:17 pm
I've always thought you would have called me Sipho if we were South African (it means gift...like Nathanael). Robben Island sure is sobering! Love y'all and am waiting every day for these posts.
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Mom
2/10/2017 03:07:16 am
You know I love the meaning of names---thanks. Love you Mom
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Mrs. AB
2/10/2017 07:06:35 am
We are also very excited to see the penguins. They look very cute! Did you get to see any of them swim in the water? The water looks a little rough for them to swim in.
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Ray
2/10/2017 08:26:04 am
None of the penguins jumped in for a swim while we were watching. Yes we did get a tour of the prison. We went through a few of the cell blocks and saw Nelson Mandela cell.
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Mrs. B.s
2/10/2017 08:12:24 am
We think Nelson Mandela showed Empathy because he said it didn't matter the colour of your skin, we are all people, He showed Respect because he thought of other people. He showed Honesty because he was honest in believing what he thought. He showed Courage because stood up for the people. He showed Compassion because he cared about other people and he stood up to do what was the best for the people of South Africa. He showed Fairness because he tried to get all the people to get along together.
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Diane
2/10/2017 09:15:05 am
What a great understanding of good character. Great job Mrs.B's class😀
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