Presenting at the conference...
Posted by Weezie on 7/7/08 0 Comments
So, our microfinance conference ended a few days ago. It was truth about enzyte interesting, and it gave me the feeling that it was something monumental in this country's future. The word "entrepreneur" means so much more to me now than it did before this conference and trip in general.
At one point during the conference, my mom was asked to be a speaker, and Ryan and I decided to volunteer to be a part of the presentation as well. We had 15 minutes in total to explain YouthGive and the Africa trip we are on. It was during the plenary session, which consisted of around 800 people, from all over South Africa and even other countries in the world. As I walked up to the podium, I could feel the energy in the room, which made me feel exhilarated and nervous all at once. Ryan and I each spoke for about 2-3 minutes each, but once we were both done, we felt proud of ourselves. During my speech, I explained how a delegation of us from YouthGive had met Mbogeni, the COO of the organization hosting the conference at another conference on microfinance in Washington DC in September. I went on to explain us being invited to the conference, and what we were focusing on during our trip. Ryan discussed our plans to create digital curriculum using the Flip cameras to show what positive change is taking place in Southern Africa.
The conference taught me a lot, and I hope to use what I learned to empower my peers when I get back to the US.
Conference Interviews
Posted by Grayson on 7/5/08 0 Comments
There is such a large variety of people at the EDC (Entrepreneurship Development Conference). From young entrepreneurs, to business managers to music DJs. Everybody has their own story, and when asked to share it they are more than happy to do so. A couple of times I've had interviews last up to 15 minutes, sometimes with only 3 or 4 questions asked.

I've gotten a lot of business cards and had a lot of solid conversations usually sparked by the interviews that just took place. Hopefully we'll have a lot of good footage for the films we will be making and hopefully I keep in touch with at least some of the people that I met.

Sky's Table
Posted by Grayson on 0 Comments

Looking up at the mountain is a treat within itself, but being on top is in a league of its own. Table Mountain isn't on its own up there in the sky, there were a couple of other peaks surrounding it but they weren't nearly as big. There was certainly a plethora of mist layered mountains in the distance as well. God's thumb lay lonely near Table Mountain (to those who've seen Holes), but it was a beauty on its own.

I've tried to sit and think how the earth managed to make these steep, green, rocky faces surrounded by flat, which is now Cape Town, but my brain can't comprehend it. And it's all within an arm reach of the water. Who would think the ocean was neighboring these wonders. It just makes the view that much better. Scanning the view from the top, seeing islands, white beaches with rolling waves, small sky scrapers, wharves, misty mountains, god's thumb and plenty of green I realize I can't ask for anything more rewarding to the eyes.

At some point in life I want to make the hike up the face, not just the hike down it. We made the hike between the steep faces where hiking was actually possible. We ran down the mountain, so afterwards my legs were dead. It took them about three days to come back to life. Going up was no joke though, the gondola was amazing itself. With the high speeds, soaring heights and spinning floor everybody got to see out of every window in the structure.

Arriving at 1,147 meters above sea level on a flat surface was crazy, hence "Table" Mountain. But I didn't think the surface area of the "table" was so big. Lush with plant life, moss, rock and water, the top of the mountain was a lovely place for a picnic for many families. We were so lucky to experience the mountain and its view accompanied by our friend, the sun and a nice little breeze. The climate was perfect T-shirt weather.

The sight that the mountain gave us was terrific, and made better by the blue skies and water. Even though it's not one of the 7 wonders of the world (which I am surprised), I still think everybody should make their way to earth's highest table at some point in life.

Grayson