Testimonials

George Drye: Team Member

“I came on this project to try to make a difference and give people of the townships some of the opportunities that I have at home. With your drive and determination we have achieved so much more than I first believed was possible. The project has been amazing and life changing and I hope to return to see the changes in years to come. Thanks for the opportunity of a lifetime.”

 

Jonathan Hooper: Team Member

“This project has exceeded all my expectations, words cannot express how much it has had an impression on me. I shall never forget it. You have a friend for life in me.”

 

Patrick Harris: Team Member

“I would like to thank you for this opportunity of a lifetime. It has been an eye-opening experience from before we left english soil, attempting to comprehend what must be done, to now, when we can see what the hard work has produced and can produce. Thank you for giving us this chance and guiding us through it and for being there when help was required.”

 

Michael Peacock: Team Member

“This project has been two of the best weeks of my life solely because it hasn’t been about me. Seeing the generosity in those who have nothing has awakened my faith in humanity. Being able to see something which would not be if it were not for me has had a profound effect on me. For that, and for showing me a side of life I didn’t know was there, I am eternally grateful.”

 

Ed Byrne: Team Member

Traveling to South Africa in 2007 was an experience that I am so grateful to have been a part of. The project was hard work and challenging but I was never alone. I am privileged to have met and worked with the people I have in South Africa. Selfless, friendly and enthusiastic they didn’t hesitate to embrace us as family. Even those who I had encountered for a brief moment have left a lasting impression. The project gave me confidence, ambition, and the willingness to help without expecting. I have made the greatest friends from the greatest experience and have many fun and fond memories of the trip. Four years on and I feel blessed to have had such an involvement so young and am fortunate to still feel the rewards of being part of the team that traveled to South Africa in 2007.

 

Annie Robertson: Team Member

“On arriving here I had no idea what to expect, but I never thought I would have been able to experience what we have done over the last few weeks. Thank you so much for introducing us to the Calabash Trust and enabling us to share such a wonderful experience with you. Watching the opening of Emafini’s playing field, and the unveiling of the plaque, made me realise what a difference we are making, and can continue to make.”

 

Chris Howard: Team Member

“I would like to thank you for taking us on this project. It has been a fantastic experience. I have really seen the difference I can make just being here and how accepting the community is, so thank you. I have also been able to appreciate how much the Calabash Trust means. and seeing what can be achieved by us and them. Thank you again for sharing this lexperience with us.”

 

Sina Zanjani: Team Member

“I wish to thank you for the past two weeks, as even though this project was not about myself, everything I take from it is about me, but everything I leave, is not. In this project I have seen that no matter what, people are still people, and I have seen that I am capoable of tasks I did not think I was. Most importantly I have seen qualities in p[eople that I want to emulate in myself. The generosity of those we have met, the dedication and commitment of everyone involved and your personal perseverance and vision. This trip did not only open my mind to the existing townships in South Africa but also opened my mind to who I can be in the future and there is one person to thank for that, and that is you. So once again, I thank you Duncan for what you have given me.”

 

Jerry Ross: Team Member

“An education is a fortune a child can never spend” – Andrew Reed
“These wise words were taught and valued through my education. My time in South Africa with the Calabash Trust, teaching in the townships of Port Elizabeth, made me realise just how true these words are and how important education is. But my time in South Africa was not about me, or any of my peers, it was about the children of South Africa and their future; their education. When we were younger we were taught to aim high because anything is possible. Becoming a doctor or lawyer can be a reality instead of a dream in a more privileged society like our own. To the youth growing up in the townships of South Africa it is a distant dream. With our help and support through the Calabash Trust, we came one step further to making their dreams a reality.
Whilst out there, I met some extraordinary people who touched me greatly. These people opened my eyes to the contrast between my world and their own. One moment in particular has remained with me. On my first day, teaching English, one teacher told me and my colleague that she had learnt something from us. We had no previous experience with teaching. Despite their lack of funds and facilities I have never met more intelligent and eager to learn children anywhere else. The children of Port Elizabeth wear their uniforms with pride; they not only understand but KNOW that education is the future and the only way to make their lives better. I still keep in touch whenever possible with those who touched me most through the Calabah Trust. They have inspired me to continue such work, particularly in South Africa and I will continue well into the future helping wherever I can.
What we accomplished in two weeks was just the start, a stepping stone to a possible future. I know you will say that we did all this ourselves and we had the choice to come, but honestly, we couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you so much, I really feel I have taken something from the opportunity and will be coming home a changed person.”

 

Olly Gibbs: Team Member

“It started off last year, with a fantastic experience and when I returned home it hit me how much the impact of PE and the whole experience had on me. This year has been no different, with a push from you throughout allowing me to work to my best ability. I know that when Emafini was opened it was a great emotional moment for all of us who went last year and I hope that the others will experience the same if they return. So once again thank you for organising this and helping me to be more independant and more confident.”

 

Nick Hodson: Team Member

“I purely came on this project at first to prove that I can make a difference to others and make myself and parents proud. I now feel that I have succeeded in my goal and I hope to carry on back home. Things like getting into drink, drugs etc.. just like the children in South Africa are tempted into from an early age. Changing all these bad decisions in my life wouldn’t have been even nearly possible without this trip and of course your words. For this I can only congratulate you for changing my view of life for the best. I have never met a person who I can understand so well from the words that you have spoken.”

 

Raife Breton: Team Membe

“Well done, and thank you. This project has certainly opened my eyes. In my ignorance I thought that there would be a lot of despair in the townships (mainly due to Oxfam adverts). However, my view has changed completely as I saw people in the poverty trap alive with energy willing to better themselves.”

 

Charlie Lansdale: Team Member

“Going to South Africa with the Calabash Trust was one of the most worthwhile experiences of my life. My thoughts before the trip were mostly concerned with going to a new country and seeing new and exciting things. However as soon as we arrived and fully understood the need that existed my focus changed. Our work in the schools consisted of teaching lessons and turning an uneven scrap filled playing field into a flat safe place for the children to play. It was suprising how welcoming and generous all of the teachers were and this motivated us to complete our work and make sure it was done to a high standard. The main thing I have taken away from the trip was a massive sense of achievement after we had finished and the understanding of how different people live their lives in what most people would consider to be appalling conditions.”    

 

Adam Falshaw: Team Member

“I’m not going to thank you, nor am I going to say well done - yet. As you said to me about my coming out for a second time and my part in the wall painting - it doesn’t need to be said. I would like to think you know my thoughts on you and your efforts. That said, I don’t believe in praising a job well done until it is finished - the larger job at hand - the bigger picture- is far from over. So what can I say? I hope very much to see you again, further down this road you’ve led me down so far.”

 

Michael Entwhistle: Team Member

“When we arived in P.E, I had no idea what to expect, but I knew I wanted to see the real South Africa as wellas making a difference. This project with Calabash has been one of the best experiences of my life and none of it would nhave been possible without your determination and passion. So much has been accomplished in the building of the playing field and the vegetable garden. I am really proud to have been a part of this group. Tjhrough the teaching and your inspiration I hope I have changed and made a real difference to someone’s life. However, the children are what really matter!! I have been amazed by how happy and welcoming they have been despite their impoverished and disadvantaged situation. Finally, thank you for this fantastic and life changing experience.”

 

Jack Revell: Team Member

“It’s so hard to put in words what this trip has meant to me but I’ll start with; it’s been a fantastic experience; an eye opener into a culture that I feel is one of the most welcoming and warming I have ever seen. I have had the pleasure of working with such a great man who can not just talk but also put it into action. Most of all though this project has given me the opportunity to succeed, meet new people, and take me to a new level of achievement. It’s been a cracking 14 days as well and I will miss you greatly as a teacher, but more as a figure of true inspiration.”

 

Roderick Stedman: Team Member

“You have given me an experience here in South Africa that other people wouldn’t have been able to have. It is hard to purchase an object that represents the gratitude I feel, I hope knowing that you have helped me develop into a better person and man is a feeling that will hopefully do the trick. This project that you have organised is really something special and I congratulate you for this. You will never be forgotten and my life would not be as it is  without you. You have made a project that for me has no negatives and I only hope you will do the same for others.”

 

Katie Skilton: Team Member

“I believe I grasped a unique experience in the course of 2 weeks, from learning how to use pick axes to being ableto teach and control up to 50 children for 50 minutes. I learnt the art of working as a team and what inspired me to challenge myself was when we opened the Emafini playing field. To be honest I was too naive before I came out to South Africa about the levcel of inequality that was going on in the townships. For you to offer such a heart-felt, life rocking experience to all of us I thank you so much as you have opened up all our eyes to the reality. This is not the end for me, it’s ponly the beginning of what more I can give.”

 

Joscelin Lester: Team Member

“This has probablty been one of the most amazing trips I have been on! I will take away so much more than what I came with. I believe that everything happens for a reason and that you were meant to bring all of us here and help you make your dream a reality, it may sound corny but it’s true. I will remember everything you said to me and I hope you realise just how much you have changed our lives.”

 

Morgan Roberts: Team Member

“Upon arrival we were greeted with the warmest of welcomes, from hugs to joyous singing and dancing. After visiting the township of Port Elizabeth the next day the euphoria disappeared and the reality of where we would be working set in. Having only seen a township on television, standing in the heart of port Elizabeth, I initially felt removed from what my eyes were witnessing.

Only after a few days of working in W.B.Tshume Primary School both building a playing field and teaching in the classroom, did I understand why I was there. Not for the adults, but for the innocent children who have been born into poverty. Over the two weeks it became obvious that life at home is beyond a dream to these kids and I have a new found gratitude as a result of my experience in Port Elizabeth.

Whilst we gave our time and effort to the township there is no doubt that we, the students, benefited the most. Though living in absolute poverty there was such laughter and joy in the township. Considering the comfortable life that we have in England I now find it difficult to understand why we do not smile nearly so much. I gained a group of friends for life as we got to know each other during the extraordinary experience and there has been a subtle shift in my attitude to my life back home, appreciating and enjoying the opportunities that are afforded to me.

You have inspired me and I would not be the person that I am now if I had not had the honour to find out from you that greatness comes from within.”

 

Simon Nockold: Team Member

“Given that I had been before I wasn’t sure how much I could gain from coming again. However, even though I knew vaguely what to expect, I was still overwhelmed by the hospitality, dancing and singing we were shown.  If anything I have probably gained more this year and I will definitely return home a better person. I am very sad to be leaving and I hope I will be able to return and help Calabash with other projects. I also hope that you are able to continue your Calabash connections. I know you don’t like to be seen as a hero but you definitely deserve to be proud of what you have done and achieved and of what you will do in the future. We all have the utmost respect for you and thanks for everything.”

 

Tommy Vickers: Team Member

“ Firstly, I really doubt I would have come on this trip if anyone else was leading it. You have not only inspired me to help those who are disadvantaged but you have affected everything I do, from school to my personal life and to every decision I make. I believe this trip has changed me into a more outgoing and confident person ( I would never have imagined teaching in front of so many children let alone singing as loud as I have and making a speech, sobre). I now think more before I do things as I realise how important actions can be.”

 

Robert Holtshausen: Team Member

“ This trip has opened me up and I am now much more confident. The teaching in fact taught me how to speak to a large group, something I will need to do a lot of in the future. I will also be singing a lot more! When I come back to SA every year I will make sure I stop in PE and say hello, but more importantly, actually do something to help others and not just talk about it.”

 

Laura Chisholm: Team Member

Thank you for organising an experience of a lifetime. It has taught me to not be afraid of experiencing new things in very different situations and has challenged me constantly throughout the 2 weeks. I have learned to be more confident when it comes to public speaking and can only thank you for giving me the chance to help others that are less fortunate than myself and for opening my eyes more to the suffering of others. I have had an amazing time and have got very close to the other team members.”

 

Tom Bubb: Team Member

“This project would never have happened without you, and if it did, well it would not have been such an amazing experience. I thank you personally for giving me this opportunity. I want you to know I really appreciate everything here in South Africa and back home that you have done for me and the team. Thank you so much again and again.”

 

Fleur Dubbelboer: Team Member

“Firstly, I would like to say thank you for a fantastic experience. I have had a great time even when doing thinmgs I never normally do, such as digging in a field! Teaching has taught me to slow down when I speak and not to gabble but to get to the point. All in all I hbope these skills will stay with me and that I have made at least a small differenc3 to some people’s life.”

 

Will Lester: Team Member

“The trip was an amazing experience which I will never forget and that is down to you. Hopefully this is the first project of many - not just helping in Port Elizabeth but giving this opportunity to more young people from the UK. Hope after this you will want to listen to more ‘gangsta rap’. For someone who strives for perfection, sometimes perfection is the second best thing. Keep up the inspirational work.”

 

Richard Barrett: Team Member

These last two weeks have really opened my eyes to the world and made me appreciate everything I have.I never could have even begun to imagine how much the trip would have made me improve as a person. If I can’t return then I hope the ‘grass root’s programme’ is successful for years to come. Thank you.”

 

Harry Cott: Team Member

“ I must say that this experience has been the biggest eye opener I have ever had! These last two weeks have given me the opportunity to go past things which would usually have stopped me. The first lesson that I taught was a complete disaster, yet with a little can-do attitude and some welcome encouragement from you, I went from strength to strength in the classroom. I haven’t got enough paoper to communicate my appreciation for the stand you have taken on this trip; being a stand for excellence, commitment and integrity. Thank you so much.”

 

Lora Wilson: Team Member

Thank you for organising such an awesome trip. I have experienced so many new things in these twom weeks and the experiences I have gained I will never forget. This trip has taught me not to be afraid of new situations or ideas and to want to sing...I used to love to sing but when I reached secondary school I stopped; it’s ridiculous- I’ve had so much fun singing here! I really want to get seriously involved & definitely want to come back.”

 

Jack Raimondo: Team Member

“I would like to thank you for organising this project. It has really opened my eyes and made me realise how much we have in England. During these last two weeks I have learnt many skills and I feel that I know how to deal withg many situations which I have not faced before. Thank you once again for organising what has been a brilliant project.”

 

Max Anastasi: Team Member

Thanks a lot for such a fantastic trip. It has reaslly helped me develop as a person as well as helping other people, which is something I have never experienced in such a massive way before. The trip has given me so many memories that I will remember next year. I feel as if I am a part of the Calabash Trust and I hope that I will be involved in further trips helping the cluster schools. Thanks again.”

 

Robert Sachdev: Team Member

It has come to an the end of an amazing, eye opening trip. FRom the first day to the last we have all had great fun and gained great experience and memories. Thank you for all the hard work which I am sure started a long time before we even knew about it. Thank you again.”

 

Ben Pulsford: Team Member

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again...you are a legend! The success of this project may have been a joint effort, but in all fairness, it all leads back to you. The kids of Emafini and all the other cluster schools owe you their future, as I am sure many other disadvantaged children will do in the future. I would like personnally to thank you for giving me this opportunity for coming on this trip and sharing this experience with you and many of my friends.”

 

Andrew Sleave: Team Member

“Thank you so much for the opportunity to really make a difference in the lives of all those guys at Emafini, Isaac Booi, Henry Ngenza, Joe Slovo and Tshume. This trip has helped me develop so much as a person and for that I am eternally grateful. Your drive and humbleness is a role model for all. I hope you have enjoyed this project as much as I have and thank you for our talks which helped me really find myself.”

 

Ollie Collyear: Team Member

“I don’t quite know how to say thank you for the trip because how can you thank someone for something that you will keep with you forever, it is an everlasting gift. But I can truely say that I believe I have grown as a person, I have learnt how to adapt to a different culture, without question or embarrassment and that your efforts can make a difference. I have also learnt how to work with individuals , who had I not been forced to work with, I probably never would have. This trip has made me more open-minded and for that I thank you.”

 

Tom Trinick: Team Member

“ Cheers for everything you have done towards this trip. I realy appreciate all the time and effort that must have gone in. I have gained so much from the exeperience and developed as a person. I can’t thank you enough for this and I hope to get more involved in the future.”

 

Adam Smith: Team Member

“All I can say is thank you. If you hadn’t organised this project I would have probably have never come to South Africa and seen what I have seen and done things which I’d never thought I would do in my life. So Thank you. Also South Africa has changed me for the better, because it has opened my eyes to things and problems in the world which I have been protected from and I am now determined, with the help of others, to solve those problems. My final point is that I will come back to South Africa one day to carry on this work which we have started.”

 

Sophie Thomas: Team Member

“Thank you so much for arranging an amazing, life-changing experience for us all. Personally I feel I have learnt a lot and done things I never thought I’d do. Everything has been amazing - the teaching the manual work, the safari and yes even the swim in the freezing pool! I will remember and value everything about this trip, thank you very much.”

 

Jess Houlgrave: Team Member

“All I can say is that this trip is an experience which I am sure none of us will ever forget. Not knowing what to expect, I was excited, apprehensive, perhaps even a litttle scared but from the moment we arrived I experienced nothing but warmth from everyone we encountered and indeed everyone within our team.”

 

Will Ashbee: Team Member

“Firstly, I would like to thank you for giving me the chance and then making one of the most intense and fulfilling opportunities of my life. From what we managed to achieve in just 2 weeks is testament to the effort you and everyone put in. The way you led the team with such respect, forward ness and always in a positive manner has made me try to emulate this.

 

I hope this will be the first of many projects, and this would have only been possible because you had the drive to push through your aims from pipe dreams. Hopefully the school cluster will keep improving and hopefully our little work has inspired some of the children and teachers. Thank you again.”

 

Max Rogers: Team Member

“ I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for this great experience that I would not have had if it wasn’t for you. I think I speak for everyone when I say that this visit to South Africa will not easily be forgotten. I have grown as a person and become more confident as a result.”

 

Atticus Kidd: Team Member

“For me the Calabash project was a life changing experience. I set out on the experience unsure of what I could do, I was shy with no real confidence in any of my abilities so I was understandably scared that I was going to be useless to everyone on this trip, I was wrong. It only took minutes to realise that any small form of help goes a long way, simply our presence was met with gracious thanks and a warming embrace showing that even the very action of flying out there was a beacon of hope to these people which was a very heart warming concept. 

The real moment I dreaded though was teaching the children. It set me completely out of my comfort zone as I wasn't used to speaking to crowds and very much lacked confidence in my own knowledge and ability. Again within a few lessons most of my doubts had flown out the window. The children removed any doubts I ever had, they wanted me to help them so they made it as easy as possible for me to teach them, they never stepped a foot out of place and were extremely thankful for any knowledge parted to them. It was a very pleasing experience which I took a lot from.

I learnt and gained a lot from this trip. I learnt that being useless is only a mindset, no one is actually useless. We all have different roles to play, we can't be good at everything but together we can do our best, being able to accept help is very important. I gained a much greater sense of confidence through which I have enjoyed life to a much greater extent, I get involved in pretty much anything that comes along now, I've won a Sail Training Scholarship, trekked many of the tors in Dartmoor through heavy snow and ice, performed in nothing but a vest, tights and a pair of women's knickers in front of my school and the list just goes on. I wouldn't be able to thank all the people who enabled me to go on that experience and made it so valuable to me enough. I have made many the treasured friendship with inspiring people, learnt valuable life lessons and built up many of the qualities that I was lacking before this experience. It was truly a life changing and inspiring experience which I would recommend to anyone and everyone.”

 

Vicki Barber: Team Member

“I travelled to South Africa with the Calabash Trust in 2009 to help improve the sports facilities of a primary school in Addo. If I am honest, I was completely unprepared for my experience. As an 18 year old girl, living a fairly sheltered life my primary interests were socialising and all things materialistic. However, living and working amongst those significantly less privileged opened my eyes to many different cultural experiences.
On our arrival in South Africa, we were greeted by many teachers from the school singing and dancing- welcoming us into their lives for the next two weeks. The sense of community and family they held within their school and township was incredible and something you will rarely find in the UK. Not only were these strangers happy to welcome us into their homes and lives but they were thankful for our arrival and for the work that we would be doing. Never before have I felt that I have had such a substantial affect on other people’s lives, nor them on mine.
Working to improve the sports facilities of the school was strenuous labour that required long hours and a positive attitude- one that was sometimes difficult to maintain. Nonetheless, the results of our hard work paid off and the gratitude we received on behalf of the school made it all worthwhile.
We were also fortunate to be given the opportunity to teach the children subjects such as, English and Drama. Personally, I found teaching one of the most rewarding parts of the trip- the children were fascinated by our arrival at their school and very eager to learn.  
My time in South Africa, although short was a life changing experience. It opened my eyes to a way of life I had never experienced and made me incredibly grateful for the comforts and luxuries I experienced at home. The work that I contributed to during my trip with the Calabash Trust has inspired me to do charity work in the future. Once graduating from University I hope to return to Africa and work within similar projects.”

David Kingsford: Team Member
“I would say that the Calabash trips were both very beneficial to me as a person but for very different reasons. The first time I went, I felt that most of the benefits were in terms of opening my eyes a little, and seeing something that is actually more common than us in the West would like to believe! The enthusiasm of the locals and the kids is something that I will remember for many years, and I think that is only a good thing, as perhaps when I am a bit down, I will remember that life for me isn't actually that bad...

The second time was completely different from what I was expecting, I think I went out with much less of an open mind as I had already experienced it before, and perhaps took it all a bit for granted in the beginning. I realised that to get the most of it I had to engage a bit more, as it would no longer be a case of experiencing the new, but revisiting what I had experienced before. I think this made it even more special in the end though, as I ended up interacting with the locals a lot more than I did the first time, and obviously seeing the field we worked on in the first year was an amazing moment.

From the whole experience I am definitely more confident, and I feel that I have something to be proud of now, because if I don't achieve anything else in life (touch wood) at least I can say I did something!”

 

Kingsley Newman: Team Member

“My trip with Calabash to Port Elizabeth was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I have ever done. I learned a lot during my 2 weeks out in South Africa, always to be grateful for what I have in life and never expect more. I found the physical part of the trip very exhausting, but I dug deep where it mattered and to see the happiness on the student’s and teachers faces at A V Bukani made it all worth it. I cannot recommend such an opportunity enough, you would be mad to turn it down. Thank you Duncan and Calabash for making this amazing experience one never to forget. I can’t wait until 2013 where I will be doing another trip to South Africa”
                                                                       
Sam Kemp: Team Member

“There were many cliches floating around the trip. Sayings like ‘Nobody will understand when you get home,’ and ‘embrace Africa.’ It’s only after going to South Africa, waving at people in the townships, teaching English in Vusumzi and A.V Bukani, eating deer around a campfire in Schotia Safari park, attempting to speak Xhosa, waking up before the sun to squeeze orange juice, meeting extraordinary people, and watching friendly locals dancing in township bars, you realise there’s truth in those cliches. This project ensured I got to University with the confidence to stand up and speak in front of people, and more importantly, gave me a few stories to tell. It really is a once in the lifetime opportunity.”

 

Katherine White: Team Member

“What really surprised me was the total irrelevance of cultural and language barriers between the team and the children we taught within the primary school. A child is a child no matter what their race, religion or nationality and their laughter is infectious in any language! I cherish the chance I had to build these relationships with the children and teachers and I will always keep with me the sense of humility and confidence in human beings, every person is unique and has a story to tell.”