Inside Plaza, main street Acornhoek, and Thulamahshe village, people were all asking, “What is this?” to the small group of women and foreigners with stacks of newspapers in their arms. “The Villager,” we all replied, handing them a copy of the first 2008 issue, marking our student publication’s transition into a monthly community newspaper. “It’s all about Acornhoek,” we’d say. “Acornhoek? Really?” they’d say in delight and equal surprise.

It was the start of something great.