Shumbashaba Reflection 3 – 9 – 15

Shumbashaba Reflection 3 – 9 – 15

            On Monday, March 9, 2015 was the last for seniors to Shumbashaba. Previously, the entire team – 9^th, 10^th, and 12^th graders – stayed afterschool at AISJ to discuss future plans for our service project. We were discussing the expansion of Shumbashaba as a service project by providing other opportunities. Some new ideas we’ve proposed to the 9^th and 10^th graders whom will continue this project include: side walker skills, walking horses, fixing the barn, murals, technology lessons for staff, grooming skills, 5km fundraiser run, and equine therapy. A side walker is an individual to walks horse with the disabled individual. This is advanced responsibility, and we would take lessons on Saturdays with the farm owner to become certified to be a side walker. The barn has some minor repairs needed like painting, door hinges, media, loose nails, and cleaning windows. Along with painting, we proposed creating colorful murals like the African Ndebele tribe to excite the children whom visit Shumbashaba. A lot of the staff don’t have the availability to interact and work on a computer. Therefore, this is where the AISJ volunteers would step in to enhance their skills in basic computer programs. A journalist could also be part of this organization by writing articles for Shumbashaba’s blog weekly and keeping the Facebook page up to date. These are some collaborative ideas that are communicated and formed with the 9^th and 10^th graders to build on and to use to encourage others to join. I hope to pass on the knowledge I’ve learned in the past two years volunteering with Shumbashaba to the 9^th and 10^th graders.

            In conclusion, it was an honor to be part of the Shumbashaba team and to work one on one with the horses and staff. I have learned a tremendous amount of knowledge about working with large animals, that I will be able to bring forth in my future career, zoology. There this has benefited both Shumbashaba and myself. Therefore, I am grateful for this opportunity and will cherish these memories.