Last notes from 40 Winks in South Africa

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Just a quick note to let all know that we are on our way home! The last two days were spent meeting with South African academics, experts and passionate people on media and culture, technology integration in South Africa—specifically in developing nations, the South African animation industry and today rape and abuse of women, children and men. 

The statistics are frightening. A child is abused every 8 minutes in South Africa. A child is raped every 24 minutes.  1 in 4 girls and 1 in 5 boys under 16 years old have been sexually abused. 

40% of young men 20-29 are infected with HIV/AIDS. One in four women are in an abusive relationship.  Approximately 1 in 10 people are raped a year here. Every six days a woman is killed in South Africa by a partner.

The good news, cell phone technology is pervasive in even the poorest communities—so we have a vehicle to share our game upon. We have connected with the people of this city in a unique way that has allowed us to see many of the dimensions of the problem. We have the Sabido method, a proven method, to rely on. Likewise we have made many connections to people that can greatly aid our project. We have concepts, research and connections to make it happen. We are committed even more strongly than when we began.

And the words of one of the staff at our bed and breakfast will stay with me. Asanda, after explaining and then discussing our project with her, said to me, 

"Thank you for coming to South Africa."

It is what we have been greeted with over and over by those who clearly and personally know the facts.

See you all tomorrow!