UBuntu Bridge - Xhosa Lessons - Xhosa Products - Xhosa Culture

Office Administrator Needed 2012

noreply@blogger.com (UBuntu) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:45:00 +0000

Background:
As a result of UNPRECEDENTED growth, UBUNTU BRIDGE is expanding!
We are a social enterprise, started 2006, and run as a profit-making business with a mission to contribute to a healthy economy, whilst manifesting positive social change with respect to all people and the environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for administration in the UBuntu Bridge offices.

Job Descriptions:

- Client communications involving Cd orders, course bookings, payments and cash sales need to be dealt with efficiently and consistently at certain times every week from our office in Claremont, next to Cavendish Square.
- managing all enquiries and the client/supplier databases, as well as creditors/debtors
- overseeing the sales, stock and delivery process, communication with teachers and working with marketing person as part of a team.
- handling basic bookkeeping preparation at the end of the month for handover to our bookkeeper.
- Assist with all aspects of the business on an ad hoc basis. This could range from sending marketing emails, collecting materials, joining in on teaching events or buying supplies for events.

Attributes of Candidates:
- strong administrative skills, ability, preference and experience
- Be a strong communicator with good people skills who enjoys interacting with all types of people
- Have strong knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) is crucial
- Be able to multi–task and deal with customer services in a professional and efficient manner
- Be willing to learn and increase knowledge of the language-training industry in Southern Africa
- Be self-motivated, able to work alone and take initiative
- Manage daily and weekly tasks in a timely fashion
- Be a team player, cheerful, friendly and have a professional demeanour in dealing with clients

Hours of Work:
Initially 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) 4 hours in the morning, which need to be consistent. These days are not open to negotiations.

Apply by sending CV, relevant, contactable references, motivating letter and salary expectations via email to employment@ubuntubridge.co.za , with subject: “Job Application - admin,

Closing date:

Close of Business, Friday 16 December 2011 (currently extended)
Please note that correspondence will only be conducted with the short-listed candidates. If you have not been contacted by UBuntu Bridge within (2) two months of the closing date of the advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. UBuntu Bridge thank all applicants for their interest

Recent Corporate Feedback 2011

noreply@blogger.com (UBuntu) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 07:48:00 +0000

The majority of our feedback was collected on written sheets, as yet to be digitised, but here follows some excerpts from emails we received, often spontaneously, or via the HR manager. We intend to keep improving our services and products, but this shows that the quality of our work and service has remained consistent, even as we begin to upscale. We will not rest on our laurels, but continue to strive in our quest to help transform South Africa in a postive way.

I’ve been attending the Xhosa classes (taught by the Ubuntu Bridge team) here in Cape Town the last two months, and I have thoroughly, thoroughly enjoyed them. It’s been wonderful to learn something new, and in the process learn a bit more about Xhosa culture. I didn’t expect to have as much fun as I did, and it was also fantastic to meet Media24 staff from other businesses/business units. I really laud this Media24 initiative!
Warm regards,
Ester Levinrad

"Thanks for a great course – it has honestly changed the way I interact with people and has taught me so much more than the basics of another language. I hope to pursue it further."
Andrea Marchesi, Media 24

"Hi Craig
Just wanted to say a big thank you to you and Babalwa for the course. It was actually fantastic and it surpassed all my expectations. Having gone to school for 12 years and varsity for 5, I can safely say it was the most enjoyable course I have ever done.
Thanks again,"
Steven Mervis

Molweni Craig, Nosi, Harrison & Luphumlo,
Thank you so much for the wonderful learning experience you gave us at Media24.
You guys were the best!
Sobonana!
Elizca Henn, Media 24

Thanks, We had a tough time restructuring our business and our stress levels are high. I must say the one thing that helped reduce my stress levels were our lunch time classes with Luphumlo and Nosi. They are such a breath of fresh air and Luphumlo is sometimes a laugh a minute.
It is most definitely a worthwhile course to do and I think the uBuntu Bridge team that taught us is wonderful and very professional. I would strongly recommend that Old Mutual continue using them and most definitely continue presenting this course as part of the Business School HR initiative. I wish I have had this opportunity 20 years ago.

Finally, thank you for giving me this opportunity to enrich myself on a cultural and personal way. We have a wonderful country, and at Old Mutual we most definitely are living the value of diversity. I loved the past 8 weeks – THANK YOU!!!!

Regards, Mo van Niekerk, Old Mutual

Craig, thank you very much for creating the UBuntu Bridge initiative. The course is an enriching experience on many levels. And our teacher is a great ambassador for the culture and sensitivity of the people and the elegance of the language.
Louisa Botha, OM

Click here for Corporate info:
Or email us for more info: info@ubuntubridge.co.za

Ten Xhosa Learning Tips - #'s 1 - 2

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:47:00 +0000

I will release these every few weeks via our newsletter. Subscribe here:

1. Assume it’s an easy language to learn:

Because it really is! Here’s a couple of great reasons why: Some languages, such as Japanese, have at least three alphabets and writing each character requires accuracy and attention. English, a language you can speak (if you are reading this) and one which many people from all different backgrounds and levels of education are learning all the time around the world, is NOT phonetic, which makes it difficult to learn to read and pronounce, in fact it can take years. In contrast, Xhosa not only uses the Roman alphabet, but it IS phonetic and is thus quick and easy to learn to read and pronounce. Even the clicks, which make many people think that Xhosa is impossible and they just CAN’T do, are really easy and quick to learn if someone knows how to teach them. (This does not necessarily include Xhosa speakers, who suckled Xhosa from their mother’s breasts, as the Xhosa saying goes, and thus never had to learn the language as an adult!) There are only three clicks and we have taught over hundreds of people Xhosa over 6 years and everyone gets all three clicks in 30 seconds. It then just takes a bit of practice and repetition to get them strong and effortless, much as we can all do a bench press of a moderate weight at least once, but it takes effort and practice to increase your reps. With a few minutes of practice each day, rapid progress is possible! And the clicks are a fantastic way of connecting to the vibrations of our old Bushmen ancestors. Travel back in time, reconnect to ancient human heritage. Learn the Clicks! See a great video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1YwH_cRDK8. And besides, attitude is everything when trying to learn anything!

2. Don’t START with the noun groups.

Many text books and Xhosa courses start with teaching the noun groups. This made some sense if the designer of the course was seeking to teach the entire structure of the language to a student and new that they had a long time to do so, for instance a couple of years at high school, or a year curriculum at university level. Even with those structures, many students seem to go through years of high school Xhosa tuition and come out not speaking Xhosa! I believe you have to start with a verb-based grammatical understanding, then combining with prefixes and using nouns only ad hoc, whilst the learner builds confidence and love for the spoken language of Xhosa. As you gain confidence and enjoyment, and sense the tangible rewards for your effort, you will be motivated to start tackling the more study intensive noun groups and all conjugations that follow from there. This worked for me!

Xhosa Audio Phrase-A-Day: Where were you on holiday? I was ....

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:31:00 +0000

Please FORWARD this to friends and PRACTICE with the peeps.

Note: Make use of the pause button!

Where Were You? I Was by Ubuntu Bridge
Download now or listen on posterous

Where were you_ I was ......mp3 (476 KB)

English: Where were you? I was .....

Xhosa: Ubuphi? bendise ......

Phrase Breakdown:

ubu - you were ....

phi? - where?

bendi - I was

s - locative buffer

e - starts most destinations

Kapa - Cape town

khaya - home

lwandle - the sea/the beach

previous line:

how was you holiday? It was great.

Ibinjani iholide yakho? Ibimnandi.

Course and CD Giveaways -

Join our Facebook Page

Latest Course Dates: http://www.learnxhosa.co.za/beginner-lessons.html

To Subscribe, click "subscribe here" or follow UB on Twitter or the Facebook Page.

Siyabulela (We are grateful).

UBuntu Bridge

Inspired Xhosa lessons and intercultural connectivity.

Email: info@learnxhosa.co.za

Website: www.learnxhosa.co.za

Posted via email from The UBuntu Bridge Xhosa Blog

UNsubscribed

noreply@blogger.com (UBuntu) — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 11:50:00 +0000

Thanks. You have been unsubscribed from our newsletter.

Hope you were not too bothered by our newsletter amongst the piles of junk info that we all have to deal with. Sorry - uxolo!

If you did not mean to unsubscribe you can re-subscribe or change your settings here: http://www.graphicmail.co.za/rwcode/subscribe.aspx?SiteID=5049&Mode=subscribe

Otherwise, Stay well - Sala kakuhle!

Sharp.
UBuntu Bridge.

Xhosa Volunteer Opportunities - The thinking behind it

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 07:43:00 +0000

It is my belief that the best way for people to learn Xhosa and potentially help heal rifts is to go and volunteer, but not to go as some sort of saviour but rather as your humble self, struggling to learn Xhosa and to get to know people in the process. You provide a service, and learn about your fellow peoples in our beautiful country and have a good time. There is plenty of healing to be done on both sides of the wealth and class curtain. Besides, this is how I learnt Xhosa as an adult - Volunteering and interacting. Its a fabulous investment in yourself, let alone the youth of our country.

So, if you wish to be connected through some innovative channels, please check this blog label often or subscribe via RSS or just keep subscribed to my mailing list. But hopefully, you can follow one of the links to organisations below and find a place to volunteer that works well for you. At this time, I prefer to not have to manage this process. Take initiative and contact some of the folk below.

At some point, we hope to have a google calendar, which will provide up to date connections with events and peoples organising things in the townships. The atmosphere of non-work pressure combined with the inquisitive exposure will allow you the mental space to let your Xhosa grow. Epic! Improve your Xhosa, heal the nation and yourself - Volunteer!

Volunteer Opportunities - Links and Contacts

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 08:07:00 +0000

The Sosebenza Centre for Peace is a youth centre in Masiphumelele (MASI). Its is a home away from home to many youth involved in various environmental, music, art, drama, sport and spiritual community based organisations.

Link to their Facebook Page

And Green Pop for fun tree planting activities in the locations:

http://www.greenpop.org/
http://greenpop.org/dates/ - for planting schedule.

The Earthchild Project have some truly inspiring Volunteer projects going and you can have a lot of fun doing great things with wonderful kids.

See the other blog posts below or their site at: http://www.earthchildproject.org/index.php

Culture Topics

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:25:00 +0000

UBuntu Bridge is happy to provide speakers on Xhosa culture and its adaptations in a modern context. Please email us on info@learnxhosa.co.za

Long-distance Learning options

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Sun, 30 May 2010 08:58:00 +0000

If you wish to study from a distance you have a few options.

1. Ordering the CDs. These are great for self-study. I teach over the Cds, with which you interact verbally, and the manuals make it clear. Starting with the first two I would suggest as a minimum and working through all four would be ideal. See Cd structures and costs here: http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/search/label/Audio%20Language%20Learning%20CDs

2. The online learning environment: this is in development, but I can finish it off quickly. Id like you to test the first lesson for me and let me know how it is working for you.

Xhosa Online Learning Environment
View here: http://196.25.114.230/learnxhosa.co.za/moodle/
Description: Read more online, but basically the whole text, audio and video content of my first lesson as taught in my courses, with pronounciations, the clicks, greetings, good-byes as well as cultural tips to help you in everyday interaction. Learn online!

To enter: I have set it up so that guests may enter the site provided they have an enrolment key or password which is "ubuntu".
Click on the above weblink and go to the home page. To get into the course you will need to click on the LearnXhosa Level 1 link in the centre of the page. This will take you to a page where you should enter the enrolment key (ubuntu) and click on "enrol me in this course". From then on you will be able to access the site freely.

NOTE: Do not click Login as you wont be able to access the site. Rather enter the enrolment key (ubuntu) and click on "enrol me in this course".

FEEDBACK including constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.

3. Skype lessons: After working through the above options, if you still need some live tutoring or you want someone to practice speaking with, you have the option of skype lessons.

We can converse with you and explain things that need explaining. Its an excellent way to keep your Xhosa in practice, especially if in a country where no one speaks Xhosa.

Or you could work through the first two beginners CDs (i.e. from scratch):

Or the third and fourth CDs:
These are generally better suited to those with a intermediate ability who are looking to practice and actually use the language whilst they are in a circumstance with few Xhosa speakers. However, anyone of any level could benefit from these lessons over the web.

We teach in 30 minute (R250). Special rates if you pay for a number of lessons upfront. 5 x 30 minute lessons for R1100.

For all options, please email: info@learnxhosa.co.za

Learn Xhosa E-Learning Launched

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Tue, 25 May 2010 11:28:00 +0000

Hi, our online learning is currently a two pronged approach:

1. Xhosa Online Learning Environment
View here: http://196.25.114.230/learnxhosa.co.za/moodle/

Description: Read more online, but basically the whole text, audio and video content of my first lesson as taught in my courses, with pronounciations, the clicks, greetings, good-byes as well as cultural tips to help you in everyday interaction. Learn online!

To enter: I have set it up so that guests may enter the site provided they have an enrolment key or password which is "ubuntu". Click on the above weblink and go to the home page.

To get into the course you will need to click on the LearnXhosa Level 1 link in the centre of the page. This will take you to a page where you should enter the enrolment key (ubuntu) and click on "enrol me in this course". From then on you will be able to access the site freely.

NOTE: Do not click Login as you wont be able to access the site. Rather enter the enrolment key (ubuntu) and click on "enrol me in this course".

It is free to try for a limited time. All we ask in return is for you to give us brief, but WRITTEN (info@learnxhosa.co.za) feedback, comments, suggestions. Thank you!

2. Xhosa Phrase-A-Day
View here: http://ubuntubridge.posterous.com/

Description: A simple email with a phrase and audio file or movie file to help you pronounce it correctly. You need to engage with a language daily to really grow in it. This is just the right amount for daily consumption in a busy world.

SUBSCRIBE here

#4 Have a nice weekend - Ube nempelaveki emnandi

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Fri, 21 May 2010 11:08:00 +0000

Please SPREAD the word, FORWARD this to friends and PRACTICE with the peeps.

Have A Nice Weekend by Ubuntu Bridge
Download now or listen on posterous

Have a nice weekend.mp3 (260 KB)

Phrase Breakdown:

Ube - You must be with (Have)

Impelaveki - a weekend* (You could put imini here to mean have a nice day - ube nemini emnandi)

Emnandi - that is nice

Pronounciation Guide:

- The accent or lengthening in Xhosa is on the second last syllable - "emnaaaaandi".

- Xhosa must be spoken loudly. anyway, its rude to whisper, even in the middle of a play. Don't you know, darling?

Subscriptions and More Info:

If you liked this, don't forget to subscribe via RSS or twitter and pass the info on to your friends. Connecting you to the Spirit of South Africa.

To Subscribe, click here and choose RSS (email to your inbox) or Twitter subscriptions: http://ubuntubridge.posterous.com/

Also see upcoming course dates at: http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/search/label/Courses

And info on our Xhosa learning Products at: http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/search/label/Audio%20Language%20Learning%20CDs

Siyabulela.

UBuntu Bridge

Learning Xhosa * Bridging Gaps * Uniting a Nation

Mobile: 072 60 90 666

Skype: Craig Charnock

Email: info@learnxhosa.co.za

Website: www.learnxhosa.co.za

Posted via email from The UBuntu Bridge Xhosa Blog

#3 (Mp3) Yho, Its a beautiful day! - Yho, Imini inhle!

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:54:00 +0000

Please Spread the word, forward this to friends and practice with the peeps.

The Day Is Beautiful by Ubuntu Bridge
Download now or listen on posterous
The Day is beautiful.mp3 (125 KB)

Phrase Breakdown:
Yho! - An expression meaning "Yho!" or "Gosh", or "wow!"
Imini - the day, or daytime
inhle - it is beautiful, specific to nouns in group 9 (i.e. starting with in)
Pronounciation Guide:
- Must be pronounced with vigour - listen to audio file for example
- hle is not pronounced "shle". Start with a Sh sound and then press the tongue against the pallette. Spit and air should come out on either side of the tongue. This is correct. It should sound like the welsh pronunciation of Llandudno, or Llanelly. Hllllllll.
Now listen to the audio file for proper pronunciation of hl.

Pronouncing Hl by Ubuntu Bridge
Download now or listen on posterous
Pronouncing Hl.mp3 (367 KB)

Subscriptions and More Info:
If you liked this, don't forget to subscribe via RSS or twitter and pass the info on to your friends. Connecting you to the Spirit of South Africa.
To Subscribe, click here and choose RSS (email to your inbox) or Twitter subscriptions: http://ubuntubridge.posterous.com/
Also see upcoming course dates at: http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/search/label/Courses
And info on our Xhosa learning Products at: http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/search/label/Audio%20Language%20Learning%20CDs
Siyabulela.
UBuntu Bridge
Learning Xhosa * Bridging Gaps * Uniting a Nation
Mobile: 072 60 90 666
Skype: Craig Charnock
Email: info@learnxhosa.co.za
Website: www.learnxhosa.co.za

Posted via email from The UBuntu Bridge Xhosa Blog

#2b: The African Handshake

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Wed, 19 May 2010 11:46:00 +0000

Watch the Video here:
And
please subscribe to my youtube video channel, or favourite it or something. Please Spread the word, forward this to friends and practice with the peeps.
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The African Handshake as demonstrated in the video is used often in greetings, introductions and good-byes, sometimes for entire conversations.
Handshakes are common between genders, mostly using the ‘African handshake’, consisting of the standard western grip, followed by a loose gripping of each others thumbs by the fingers, and then reverting back to a western grip.
Handshakes are usually soft, though it has slowly adapted to the traditionally firmer western grip (excluding the ‘wet fish’ handshake), which gives most people the woobly woo’s.
Handshakes between good friends can last for minutes and often the whole conversation, and sometimes as you continue walking down the road.
Subscriptions and More Info:
If you liked this, don't forget to subscribe via RSS or twitter and pass the info on to your friends. Connecting you to the Spirit of South Africa.
To Subscribe, click here and choose RSS (email to your inbox) or Twitter subscriptions: http://ubuntubridge.posterous.com/
Also see upcoming course dates at: http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/search/label/Courses
And info on our Xhosa learning Products at: http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/search/label/Audio%20Language%20Learning%20CDs
Siyabulela.
UBuntu Bridge
Learning Xhosa * Bridging Gaps * Uniting a Nation
Mobile: 072 60 90 666
Skype: Craig Charnock
Email: info@learnxhosa.co.za
Website: www.learnxhosa.co.za

Posted via email from The UBuntu Bridge Xhosa Blog

#1: I am Grateful - Ndiyabulela

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Mon, 17 May 2010 15:35:00 +0000

Phrase Breakdown:
ndi - prefix for I / I'm
(alternative: si - prefix for we)
ya - a construct with no direct translation, but indicates present tense.
bulela - verb for grateful
Pronounciation Guide:
- Pronounce the first two together as if saying the country "India", then add "boo - le - la".
- the accent in xhosa is on the second last syllable "le" - you stretch it out slightly - "in di ya bu leee la"

Now listen to the audio file for proper pronunciation.

I Am Grateful - Ndiyabulela by Ubuntu Bridge
Download now or listen on posterous
I am Grateful - Ndiyabulela.mp3 (154 KB)

Subscriptions and More Info:

If you liked this, don't forget to subscribe via RSS or twitter and pass the info on to your friends. Connecting you to the Spirit of South Africa.
To Subscribe, click here and choose RSS (email to your inbox) or Twitter subscriptions: http://ubuntubridge.posterous.com/
Also see upcoming course dates at: http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/search/label/Courses
And info on our Xhosa learning Products at: http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/search/label/Audio%20Language%20Learning%20CDs

Siyabulela.

UBuntu Bridge
Learning Xhosa * Bridging Gaps * Uniting a Nation
Mobile: 072 60 90 666
Skype: Craig Charnock
Email: info@learnxhosa.co.za
Website: www.learnxhosa.co.za
Posted via email from The UBuntu Bridge Xhosa Blog

Volunteer Opportunities

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:55:00 +0000
Molweni
Remember, to learn a language you need to hear it and speak it as often as possible. The eastern cape is far away and time is rushed in daily city life, so make some time to go interact with a community, bring some of your love and enthusiasm and wisdom/knowledge to communities in need. Its a great way to contribute to nation building and improve your Xhosa.

NEED VOLUNTEERS:

And if you know of any safe and appropriate opportunities for people to provide service whilst improving their Xhosa, let me know.
Obviously, the condition is that it will be taking place in a Xhosa community or involving lots of xhosa speakers.

Otherwise please include:

Name of organisation:
Description:
Need volunteers who can:
Venue/Directions:
Email:
Phone:
Website:

Customised phrase CD Topics

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:53:00 +0000
Are you a doctor or a professional from a particular profession and need special Xhosa vocab specific to your industry? We now make customised Cds of phrases specific to your needs:

Examples of Topics:

- The Body, emergency situations, medicines, health care, hospital

- Family, kinship and occupational/career terms
- eating out / at the green grocer
- School and university
- Around the house and garden

- at the office / meetings
- banking and money matters
- post office and communications

- Law courts and Law enforcement
- government
- The media and Politics
- church

- Sport and recreation
- Seasons, Climate and Weather
- birds, animals, insects

Prices:
Customised: R250 or 3 for R500.
Already produced (* indicates produced): R200 plus R30 postage
10 copies: R1500.

Email: info@learnxhosa.co.za

Volunteer: Earthchild Project extra mural clubs

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 11:03:00 +0000

Dear friends of the Earthchild Project

We’d like to invite you to our upcoming Volunteer Workshop. The focus will be in line with our
Term 3 theme – the environment. We have a fascinating and inspiring guest speaker, Robyn Smith, coming to shed more light on why we should go organic. Together with her husband, Robyn started the online organic store called Faithful-2-Nature. Her talk is highly informative and shows us how everything is connected and how literally, “what we put in, is what we get out”.

In addition, we will also be running a short facilitation skills workshop where you will learn lots of new games and songs to use with the earthchildren.

You’ll also get to meet our new volunteer coordinator, Linci Abrahams :-)

Date: 23rd September 2010
Time: 2:00 – 4:30pm
Venue: KarmaShala Yoga Studio – 117 Hatfield Street, Gardens
Refreshments will be served
The workshop is open to volunteers, old and new, and is free of charge

Please RSVP as soon as possible and feel free to contact us should you have any questions.

We also have some exciting volunteer opportunities coming up…

YOUNG WOMEN’S CLUB

Xoli, in collaboration with Hannah Loewenthal (movetomakespace) will be exploring a 5Rhythms dance -based group for young women, with a vision to create a safe space for these adolescents where they can find new pathways to empowerment and to achieve their goals.

The group will begin with 12 adolescent women ages 12-16years from Sakumlandela Primary and other surrounding schools in Khayelitsha, meeting once a month on a Sunday. The first session is on Sunday19th September 2010.

We need volunteers to help achieve our mission, so if you feel inspired about the project and would like to get involved please find below a list of how you can help!

· Preparing Lunch: This will require shopping for lunch ingredients and helping to prepare it (money, utensils and space will be provided)

· Fundraising: If raising funds is your passion and you have contacts that we can send the proposal to, this might be a great offer for you.

· Resources: This will require sourcing materials for our arts &crafts sessions

· Sourcing Mentors: We need to source 12 amazing elder woman to mentor our young ladies

· Planning excursions: This will involve sourcing exciting outings around Cape Town and helping to organize them.

· Helping to source guest speakers or running an activity

· Media: This could involve writing press releases, connecting us with your contacts or even coming to take photographs of some of our sessions

Contact Xoli @ 0731446475 or xoli@earthchildproject.org for more info

Frequently Asked Questions

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 21:11:00 +0000
General:
1. How do I join the newsletter?
- go to http://www.learnxhosa.com and click on red/blue flashing button.

About CDs:

2. What level am I at and what is covered on what Cds. Which one is right for me?
- See detailed CD/Course content here: http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/2009/12/audio-cd-content.html. Level 1 is designed for absolute beginners who know nothing. However, many people who did know those basics found it extremely useful to recover it and get a feel for the way in which our style of Xhosa teaching is structured. Recovering the content will increase your knowledge and your confidence.

3. What are the prices of the various CDs?
- See http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/2008/07/xhosa-cd-orders.html

About Courses:

4. When are the next course dates?
- See http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/search/label/Courses

5. Which course should I do? What level am I at?
- See detailed CD/Course content here: http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/2009/12/audio-cd-content.html. Level 1 is designed for absolute beginners who know nothing. However, many people who did know those basics found it extremely useful to recover it and get a feel for the way in which our style of Xhosa teaching is structured. Recovering the content will increase your knowledge and your confidence.

6. Am i going to be able to speak fluent Xhosa after the course?
- You will know how to confidently approach Xhosa people, greet, introduce yourself, be polite and respectful, communicate clearly your Xhosa speaking ability, ask for help, ask and answer some polite questions in various conversational contexts and finally to escape a conversation. What you put in is what you get out. Each CD gives you more and more conversational ability, but becoming fluent in a language depends on how much effort you put in to learning and how much time you spend practicing with mother tongue speakers. It is a journey. We know how to get you started and how to support you along the way.

7. How do I book?
- Decide which course you want to do and email us at: info@learnxhosa.co.za. Send us your cellphone number as well. We will then send you booking info based on availability.

About Village Experiences:

8. When is the next one?
- See: http://ubuntu-bridge.blogspot.com/search/label/Village%20Experience
Or join the newsletter here: go to http://www.learnxhosa.com and click on red/blue flashing button.

How much will you learn?

9. How effective will I find your CDs?
- You will find the CDs and manuals very effective. They are great leaning tools for the car or for learning on the go. See below.

10. How will your CDs help me in learning this language?
- What's great about the CDs is that they have a unique way of introducing the underlying grammar and structure of Xhosa sentences in a way that is practical, simple and immediately usable and practical in conversational contexts. The Cds teach and explain in clear English, with silent spaces for the listener to practice and repeat what they hear. Throughout the Cd, the English is spoken, a pause follows for the listener to attempt the answer, thereafter the Xhosa is pronounced clearly, followed by another pause for the listener to repeat the Xhosa out loud. It helps you to develop a feel for the rythym, tempo and pronunciation of the language. The manuals are clear, user-friendly and well structured.

"THE CDS WERE GREAT! They really help to get the sound, the rhythm and tempo of the language right" - Gene Falk, Exececutive Director, Mothers2mothers HIV Counselling -

"There is an obvious attention to detail shown in the development and structuring of the CD and notes. An excellent learning tool." - Beryl-Lyn Cocks, Operation Manger for the Cape Region of Valuation Alliance -

11. After the course, will a person be able to speak Xhosa?
- You will be speaking Xhosa during and after the first lesson. From there you keep learning.

12. And how long will it take me to speak the language fluently?
- Fluency is different depending on your effort to learn and your commitment to time spent just listening and practicing the language with people. You will get immediate results of great value within a couple of weeks (or even days), but fluency over a number of contexts and courses can take from a couple of months to a year to a couple of years, again depending on your efforts and circumstances. You will need dedication and patience. We give you the best (clear, humourous, multiplatform, mobile) materials to make it as easy for you as possible.

Next Village Experience - January 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 07:10:00 +0000
Hi Guys
Here are the village experience logistics for January 2010.
Essentially I will be in the village from the 4th january, so you are welcome to arrive on that same day with me, or soon thereafter, but not pref not much later then the 5th. Of course, you can arrive later if the dates are better for you, but then you will have less time with me there as teacher as I leave between the 9th and 11th Jan. This is not the end of the world, as there will be other tutors who I would have selected and given some training to and the experience is far less about me being there, and you will be well looked after.

TRANSPORT:

So you would need to get there yourself, by flight or by bus or however, but let me know. I will attach some info on this, but Greyhound bus is prob better. With greyhound (www.greyhound.co.za) its R425 one way max (i.e. there are various discounts available)and is an overnight trip. Then you will meet a shuttle in EL to go to Hamburg (R100 one way). So thats about R1050 total for travel expenses. Flights to EL are also an option and shuttle from airport.

INVESTMENT:

In the village, for mud hut accommodation, Xhosa food and Xhosa lessons, daily opportunities to volunteer, the investment is R250 per night (R200 for students/scholars/special cases). You are investing in a sustainable initiative that benefits the whole village and yourself. The prices are also open to fluctuation based on how long you want to go for and the nature of the experience you wish to have. Just send me a mail. I will make you a deal.

INCLUDES:

- accommodation with a host family in a stunning village close to the coast and opportunities to live and experience different parts of the traditional culture.
- 3 Xhosa meals daily (you may wish to bring some snacks - see attached info doc - you may have to email me for this)
- Xhosa tuition every day. make sure to bring some materials with you or enquire from me - I have materials for different levels.
- opportunities to volunteer in the community, at the clinic/treatment centre/heritage site, or art and craft centre, which has provided murals and altar pieces of South African history that have been taken around the world. This may be a small fee extra to cover the volunteer co-ordinator and guide. It also may not be.

YOU NEED TO:

Let me know how many nights you wish to stay and what dates you wish to arrive and leave, then book your bus tickets asap. School holidays coincide closely (School goes back 13th Jan 2010).

Please let me know any queries, but do first read over the attached info pack. It has all info, booking forms and indemnity forms. Please email me for this.

Many thanks,

Do let me know if you have any further queries.
Craig
info@learnxhosa.co.za
072 6090 666

Audio Cd Content

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:30:00 +0000
CD 1: (Covered in the Level 1 Course).

Lesson 1: Pronunciation, reading the language and Greetingse
Lesson 2: Introduction to Verbs and Prefixes
Lesson 3: Sentence Building Blocks and NB 1st Sentences
Lesson 4: Greetings, Names and Appropriate Titles
Lesson 5: Introductions and Pleasantries
Lesson 6: Integration Orals and extra lessons

CD 2: (Covered in the Level 2 Course).

Lesson 7: Negatives
Lesson 8: Past Tense and Negative Past Tense)
Lesson 9: Asking questions
Lesson 10: Na as and / with / have
Lesson 11: Conversational Application for daily usage
Lesson 12: Integration Conversation Orals

Phrase CD 1:
- The Phrase CD is really just a convenient collection of all the phrases found in CD 1 and 2 without all the explanations and teachings in between. It is really just an effective tool for touching up and revising your Xhosa skills, specifically in preparation for CDs 3 and 4.

CD 3: (Covered in the Level 3 Course). More Verb-based Constructs, giving immediate oomph to your conversational ability. Each lesson has clear grammatical explanations, with exercises, sample conversations or comprehensions.

Lesson 13: Using Nga- to say by means of, about, for, and some locative
Lesson 14: Object Concords (OC)
Lesson 15: The Subjunctive, the potential and some useful constructs
Lesson 16: The Recent past continuous tense and the Remote past tense
Lesson 17: The Locative
Lesson 18: The Locative 2 - Positional Words

CD 4: (Covered in the Level 4 Course). The Noun groups. This course is quite academic (i.e. requires commitment and dedicated learning, as do all the others), but it still focusses on immediate and practical conversational application. It gives the Xhosa learner a thorough overview of the noun groups and a good practical understanding of the many ways in which they can be used.

Lesson 19: Noun Groups and Verb Links 1-4
Lesson 20: Verb Links to noun groups 5-8
Lesson 21: Verb Links to noun groups 9-15
Lesson 22: Summary of Noun groups and Verb Links - All, the whole and every
Lesson 23: Concordance and the Power of the noun Groups
Lesson 24: Conversational Application

Wed 16th December is Reconciliation Day

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 07:37:00 +0000
Mandiseli, Ben and me are inviting volunteers to come and help at the (informal) “community centre” in Makhaza, Khayelitsha
It’s the place we are running the home-gardens project from, and where we are encouraging other community focused activities
We are helping the community to make it a beautiful place and need lots of hands and love to help

You are invited J and please invite your friends and family

Wed 16th December 2009 10:30 – 2:30

An indication of who is coming would be very helpful - and we should share lifts where possible so please let me know who can offer and who needs a lift. thanks

Please bring: Your wonderful self and a smile is all that is required

optional
A bit of money to buy fruit from the neighbouring fruit vendor if you want a snack or want to share with local volunteers (support local business)
- A water bottle or cup to drink from – there is a tap there
- Gardening gloves / hat / suntan lotion …
- Some black bags for rubbish
- If you have some tools … we are putting up a lapa, there is a fence to fix – few big holes in it! …
- (we would like to use locally recovered/recycled materials – scrounge for discarded wood etc and be innovative .. but some nails, wire, hammers, … really help a LOT)
- If you have some gardening tools (we do have a few – depends how many come. if you wish to donate an indigenous shrub / tree, or fruit tree please contact me re what will be suitable and bring compost and mulch for it too

Directions:
N2 towards Somerset West. Take the R310 Baden Powell off ramp and turn right towards Muizenberg – cross over the freeway. You’ll pass a collection of sculptures on your right; soon after that. 1st turn right into Landsdowne Rd (the sign left says Macassar and the sign right I think says Khayelitsha, but don’t worry its 1st right after the sculptures!)
1st left opposite a taxi rank / open space
Pass Nkzimlo school on your right
Next left at the end of the school yard
You’ll pass a play park on your right, bit further on a church under construction
Where the road makes a sharp right turn – the “centre” is on the corner on your left
We’ll be there
From Muizenberg coming along Baden Powell drive – it’s the last left turn before the N2 – rest as above

Love and blessings
Elizabeth Meiring
Art of Living Teacher
elizabeth@artofliving.org.za
+27 82 497 6428

Attention Volunteer Organisations

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:42:00 +0000
Volunteer organisations, please just post your details to this page, if you are seeking volunteers or email me. I will also try add it to my monthly Volunteer Newsletter. The following is an ideal structure:

Name of organisation:
Description of Day’s Activities:
Need volunteers who can:
Venue/Directions:
Email:
Phone:
Website:

Sharpsharp

How to Toyi-Toyi on You Tube

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:15:00 +0000
Stressed? Life getting you down? Or is your bum in the butter? Either way, living in SA, it is vital that you learn how to Toyi-toyi.

As part of my passion for using the medium of film as an educational tool (or edutainment), I recently made this short instructional video on an element of African culture. Please enjoy and practice at appropriate opportunities.

Visit Sosebenza this Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:00:00 +0000
Ben Jochanan Getz sent a message to the members of Sosebenza Centre for Peace (MASI).
(facebook Group)

--------------------
Subject: Sunday Vibes - Visit Sosebenza this Sunday

Beautiful Sosebenza Volunteers...
Christoph and Lucy will be heading a visit to MASI this Sunday 5th Sept!
Give them a shout and bring our kids loads of joy & lunch:):):)
Get them on 082 491 9124 (Christoph) Or 079 438 3555 (Lucy)

Ill be spending the whole day there tomorrow with a team of guys - getting the garden onto new levels of goodness! Anyone is welcome to join if you can. call me on 072 475 2977.
Wont see you Sunday, but ill catch you next time.... Enjoy!

Love
Ben
--------

Volunteer Organisations

noreply@blogger.com (Makhosi Mlungu) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 12:59:00 +0000
Some of the fabulous volunteer organisations we hope to support.

IkamvaYouth

Name of organisation: IkamvaYouth (officially Ikamva Lisezandleni Zethu)
Description: A South African non-profit organization focussed on the empowerment of youth through education, e-literacy training and career guidance.
Need volunteers who can: Tutor subjects to students in grades 10 - 12; help with mentoring, career guidance, computer literacy training, HIV/AIDS awareness, and organisational administration.
Venue: Nazeema Isaacs library, Makhaza, Khayelitsha; and Nyanga library. Times: Saturdays: 9:00 - 12:00 (Nyanga), 9:30 - 12:00 (Makhaza).
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 15:00 - 17:00 (Makhaza)
Email: volunteer@ikamvayouth.org
Phone: 021 362 6799
Website: www.ikamvayouth.org
IkamvaYouth are glad people want to be involved in the Equal Education "movement". We have a document setting as an application form. It permit us to know more about skills, and aspirations of our future volunteers.
For more information, please contact me.
nicolasc@ikamvayouth.org

The Earthchild Project

is launching the REACH OUT campaign at our school in Khayelitsha next week... and you are invited to get involved! For the next 3 Wednesdays we are giving you the opportunity to join us in this exciting initiative. The REACH OUT campaign is a 3 week program whereby we aim to uplift, energise, inspire and encourage children to take action for themselves, the earth and their greater community. There will be programs in the classrooms and at assemblies run by our Earthchild facilitators and guest speakers.

Where do YOU fit in??
You can join us on a Wednesday during break times and at our Earthchild extra mural activities... we need lots of funky, crazy, energetic, smiling volunteers to promote the campaign and get the children inspired and excited!

If you're available on Wednesday
2nd September (NEXT WEEK) and/or
9th September and/or
16 September
between 12:30pm and 4:30pm
then please contact:
Email: lisa@earthchildproject.org
Cell: 083 644 4980
Please RSVP by Thursday 27th August.

Sosebenza Centre for Peace (MASIPHUMELELE, near Kommetjie).

Dear Friends...
Our Sosebenza vegetable Garden is VERY ready for a BIG PLANTING of seeds and seedlings so that we will be able to make ABUNDANT HARVESTS into 2010:) We will be planting Beetroot, Lettuce, Spinach, Turnips, Carrots, Potatoes, leeks, onions, broccoli and cabbage.
Join us for a fun in the garden session and lunch THIS SUNDAY 9th August - 12 - 4pm
(These happen every or every other Sunday. Contact Ben for details.)
Love Ben
(sms or call me on 072 475 2977)

UBUNTU YOUTH PROJECT.

hey, these is what i have bee looking for i am so interested in welcoming the volunteers and they ca learn xhosa at my project with the kids .i would like to have a community day on the 10th of july . the name of the project is UBUNTU YOUTH PROJECT. we do arts and craft , the ages are from 6 to 18 i think it will be a good thing for them to meet new people . also there is a preschool so for those who are interested can come during the week days and play with the kids.
the venue is in Khayelitsha Harare you take N2 from town then turn off at Spine road drive 2km then turn left at Bonjour Garage drive again for 2km pass the bridge then turn right by the Cell c container then right again you will see a yellow preschool .
thanks
juma.
0734004064