Red Cross Chat

Chris Bell, a volunteer with the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago, recently returned from a six week assignment in South Africa, following violence which broke out against foreign nationals in May. He was based in Cape Town and Pretoria where he was helping the South African Red Cross Society develop donor tracking and financial contribution recording systems.

Here are some of his reflections from his assignment:

One of the most memorable parts of the trip was my visit to an internally displaced persons camp where thousands of men, women and children had been living for two months. They were displaced by violence against them in South Africa because they were from other countries in Africa, mostly from Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe, Somalia and Burundi. Most fled with just the clothes on their backs, leaving all their personal belongings behind.

Stepping out of the truck, I first noticed the smell of smoke coming from the small fires in front of each of the tents. They appeared like suburban streets. Each tent was white and shaped like an airline hanger about 7 feet high, 18 feet long and 10 feet wide.

I was guided through the camp by Red Cross workers who warmly greeted everyone they met. The South African Red Cross was providing relief items, such as blankets, food, buckets and hygiene kits, and training in first aid and disease prevention in classroom sized tents.

Walking through the camp, I met one woman sitting near a small table with two telephones. Next to one of the phones was a small sign with the word “international” written on it. I considered calling American Red Cross Headquarters to give them a briefing, but I had to continue the site visit.

As I continued through the camp, I walked by a barbershop and hair salon, food stores and a power supply vendor, who was using a large car battery to charge cell phones.

There were many children in the camps. Some were in daycare, so their mothers could tend to family chores and their fathers can go to a job or look for work in the city. Older children were being taught on-site. I met one of the teachers, named Joseph. He was from Zimbabwe and had organized six other qualified teachers to care for the children. They, too, had all fled their homes with their families. Joseph thanked the Red Cross for providing some chairs, tables and teaching materials. He wanted to ensure that the youngest had every opportunity to maintain their studies.

His determination and focus on the next generation gave me hope. This situation is temporary and, hopefully, the children will soon return to schools and continue their education. I have hope because of Joseph.