The warm smiles and eyes that welcomed me whilst accompanying two of our staff during a routine home-visit belied the dire poverty I witnessed: 19 people living in a single rondavel (circular) room, from the grandmother to great grandchildren.
I witnessed first-hand the joy brought by the mere presence of our team, not a sombre expression in sight, instead engaging and expressive faces all around. While a part of me was exasperated by the extreme lack of development and persistent poverty I witnessed, my why was further cemented.