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Plano siblings learn life lessons on African trip
Photo courtesy of Shane and Kayla Gallatin: Shane Gallatin, left, poses with fellow People to People International member Ted, right, as well as children Billy and Aviwe.
By Bill Conrad, bconrad@acnpapers.com
Thousands of miles from their Plano home, two siblings discovered how fortunate they are.
A People to People International (PTPI) trip to South Africa showed Kayla and Shane Gallatin that even without the latest modern technology and great living conditions, people can be happy and joyful.
"Before we got to South Africa, I didn't think there would be as big of a difference between the rich people and the poor people," said Shane, a senior at Plano East. "I also didn't expect the infrastructure to be as poor as it was."
"We worked with children a lot," Shane said. "A big part of the trip was playing with kids and helping them do puzzles, teaching them games and playing soccer. We also did some painting work at a day care center."
Kayla, a junior at Plano East, agreed that working with children was the best part of the trip.
"The trip was amazing, and I feel we definitely made a difference," Kayla said. "My favorite part of the trip was working in the township with the kids. They were so energetic and lively even though they didn't have much. They were very happy."
The trip was eye opening for both Kayla and Shane, who didn't know what to expect before visiting the children the first day.
"Before I went I didn't know how bad it actually was," Kayla said. "When we first got to the townships, we found out they were just in horrible conditions. That was a big wake-up call."
Even with horrible living conditions, Kayla said the sense of community among the townships was impressive.
"Everyone there is so warm and welcoming," she said. "Even though they don't have as much as we do and they are not well off, they are willing to help one another. Everyone knows everyone, and they seem to be happier than a lot of Americans. They appreciate what they have a lot more than we do."
The trip was not only filled with humanitarian work, as the group spent some time sightseeing. The places visited included Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, as well as Lesedi Cultural Village where they saw a multicultural dance show.
Before embarking on the trip, the students received advice from PTPI President and CEO Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of the group's founder, President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
"I encourage you to seize this moment," she told the group. "Use it to gain the tools necessary to build bridges of friendship and understanding in your community and with other nations. Then ... you will come to realize the vital role you play in our world today. You will learn that you can effect positive change ... thus shaping our world tomorrow."
Shane and Kayla took the advice to heart, saying that visiting Africa changed their perspective on life and what their future plans are. Shane said he wants to become a doctor and hopefully be able to participate in a program such as Doctors Without Borders. Kayla said before her trip to Africa she wanted to become an engineer, but now she thinks she wants to pursue another career that will allow her to travel the world.
For information on People to People International, visit www.ptpi.org.
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