T.V. series Stellenbosch
In 2007 I had the lucky opportunity to go to South Africa for three months to work on the shooting of the T.V.-series 'Stellenbosch'.
To me it was an exciting adventure and a good way to learn more about South Africa. About its people, its culture, its history. I think it's a fascinating country and I was impressed by the vitality and flexibility of its people. It's a beautiful country for ones eyes but socially seen, it's very complicated and the wounds of history lay only just beneath the surface. I listened to the stories of the people I met, and I was shocked that almost everyone, white or black or coloured, has a story of loss through violence. Nevertheless the strength and the lively energy to make a new South Africa was both inspiring and moving to see. We came in contact with Sydwell, Wellington and Jhonson, living in a township called Mbekweni nearby Paarl. They helped us, finding locations inside the township and assisted us in finding local people to play in our series. After the shoot they invited us, the director assistant of the series, Willem Quarles, and I, in their hometown and they told us about their "Lukhanyo Youth Development Organisation". That was were we heard about their achievements and plans to help the children of Mbekweni. They are trying to teach them skills and give them shelter from an often violent life outside. I was very impressed by the work they were doing. They only have an empty space and some chairs but I saw the love and the energy with which they are giving those children a place to come to, to learn and play and dance. Sydwell , Wellington and Johnson, the men from 'Lukhanyo Youth Development Organisation' didn't ask for money but for a long term friendship and contact, more or less like a window to another world. What I recognised was the longing to get in contact and learn of worlds, different from your own. I think communication by exchanging information between different worlds eventually helps understanding one another better and will hopefully be able to break the isolation in which they are living. The reason that I raised 'Stichting Small Change', is because I felt the positive strenght and the passion of these men to change something for the good of the children in Mbekweni. They would be helped a lot with a little money to support their project and I felt this is right moment to do something for them. That's why we opened a bank account 1776. Because a little change can make a difference and a little difference can mean a lot. Thank you. Monic Hendrickx |