This young man loves everything South African, from the food, particularly steaks on the braai, to our beautiful nature spots. He went on many excursions and adventures with other exchange students in the country before the lockdown. Jose especially enjoyed their trips to Cape Town and the Kruger National Park. “I really love all the animals you have in this country, like the lions, elephants and the giraffes” he said in an electronic interview.
In the eight months that he has been here, he has done his fair share of community work, from helping in the soup kitchen to taking part in the CANSA shavathon. That was all before the national lockdown descended on us. Currently he tries to exercise frequently, watch TV and help his host family in the house.
Jose is not sure if he will be returning home sooner than planned. “It depends on my country’s situation” he said. For now, he is glad to report that all his family and friends in Mexico, and in South Africa, are still okay and healthy.
If you would like to know more about Rotary’s youth exchange programme, please contact the Rotary Club of Vanderbijlpark’s youth exchange officer, Rita Benecke on 084 250 2515.
