The 12 SAWIP comrades have arrived from their homeland and are now daily walking the  the streets of D.C. with ambition and enthusiasm! Finishing our third day of internships I am certain all of the SAWIPers are learning a great deal of things in their various work placements. We kicked off with meeting Misha from the Phelps Stokes foundation and I was inspired by her sincere and genuine interest in SAWIP and those who comprise it. We are thankful for her invaluable contributions to the program.

Off we were to meet with the SA Ambassador who enlightened us on our country’s silent, yet diligent, involvement in Africa throughout our modern history, providing counsel to nations bound up in complexities and conflict. Listening to our questions and giving well-rounded answers all five minutes or longer, it was a gathering most appreciated. We were taken on a walking tour of D.C. by Paul Costello who had us relive the inauguration of President Obama, starting on Freedom Plaza up in Pennsylvania Ave. and around the White house. Paul’s words disseminated his passion into the SAWIP 2009 team and, for me, soundly put our purpose into context and perspective. There was something that Paul said which I think should be remembered : “we really need to know that this is not about us”. Selflessness.