October 1^st was South Africa’s national breast cancer awareness day, initiated by CANSA – the Cancer Association of South Africa. Breast cancer kills more South African women every year than any other type of cancer; however, men are also susceptible to breast cancer. One in 29 women is diagnosed each year, but the good news is that, if detected and treated at an early stage, they have a very good chance of full recovery.

Projects Abroad staff in Cape Town Gisela Madden, Grant Palanyandi and Emma Muller sport their best pink for National Breast Cancer Awareness Day!

By Philippe Vion-dury (Human Rights Volunteer from France, 1 month)

I went to South Africa because I was magnetically attracted by the Rainbow Nation dream. Even if a lot a things are still problematic, even if the violence strikes every day, the inequalities are visible everywhere, the human rights not always respected, the Mandela's will is still existing in every heart. His huge peaceful shadow continues uniting black, colored and white people, Zulus and Afrikaners, fighting the call of violence and discord. I saw a true nation, a beautiful melting pot happy to proudly sport their new flag with hope and confidence and their future. I was very touched. 

This picture has been painted at the Kuyasa Primary School in the township of Khayelitsha. I painted the portrait on a wall, trying to use an equal quantity of black and white to remind that Mandela made the choice of the Unity. It was on my last day at work and was maybe the most beautiful way I could conclude my trip here. Even if the portrait is hidden in a dark room of the school, I'm sure that some eyes will see it and I hope they will remember their past and the beauty of the Madiba's convictions. 

To end I'll leave you with some words from Al Siquilli : If I am made of earth, the latter is my home in its entirety, and all humanity are my brothers.

 Cubana’s Havana Café is a favourite social evening here in Cape Town. We met on Wednesday after work for a delicious dinner and a colourful selection of cocktails.

 Kristine Bayer (Denmark) and Marlies Jansen (the Netherlands) enjoy their delicious meals

 Their menu is extensive: from baskets of chicken wings, potato wedges and chilli poppers – large chilli peppers, stuffed with feta, battered and fried, several different wraps, burgers and then main dishes like The Bermuda Triangle – grilled chicken breast on a bed of spinach and mashed potatoes, topped with avocado and haloumi cheese.

15 volunteers and 2 staff members had a lovely evening; all in all we represented South Africa, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, the USA, the UK and Australia!