Faces of the CCC: Project Volunteer
Water soothes her, deep house fuels her, and children’s growth inspires her. Asiphe Galada is a bubbly, approachable volunteer brings radiant energy to the Cape Cultural Collective’s Children’s Arts Group. While she had initially intended to pursue studies in economics, the Xolani Primary School teacher found her calling during orientation week at Rhodes University and decided to pursue a career as an educator instead. She shares some insights into the person behind the friendly face seen at the sessions at Bridgeville Primary School on Saturday mornings.
Q & A
1. Describe yourself in three words.
Bubbly, friendly and approachable
2.Tell us about your journey into working with young people.
I enjoy every moment of working with the, especially being able to help them with behavioural changes. I love learning about different children’s way of life and seeing them teach each other about their cultures.
3. Which superpower would you like to channel, even just for a day?
I would like to be able to control the child’s mind. I feel like some children cannot mentally remove themselves from poverty and it affects their performance, even though they are naturally bright.
4. What song best describes your personality?
ROCK3T (Rocket) by Mi Casa. But any deep house music will do…
5. What’s the most memorable project you’ve been a part of?
In the past, I used a higher methodology approach to teaching but soon learned that some learners in our community never attended preschool or even Grade R. With the help of various workshops, I learned to take a more elemental approach. Understanding and knowing my learners’ backgrounds helps me know how to teach them. I would say that the Children’s Arts Group has by far been the most memorable project I’ve been a part of.
6. How do you get inspired when you feel stuck creatively?
I go to a place with water. Water calms me down and makes me think out of the box.
7. What’s one thing you wish more people knew about CCC?
The CCC is about more than the arts. They bring people of different cultures together and help you to learn more about other cultures and their way of doing things.
8. What’s one piece of advice you received as a young person that still guides you?
Fake it till you make it. A mentor of mine said that even on bad days you have to fake a smile or energy until it naturally comes to you.
