I sorted out my power cord issue. The technician was unable to open the charger so instead cut the cord and taped it up. Not exactly the fix I was hoping for but this is not Apple HQ in Cupertino, either. It works and that's all that matters.
I tried to send an email out with the link to this blog and for some reason it will not send to about half the 170 addresses. God, I don't know whether to just keep hating technology or hating myself for not learning about it when I had the chance. I am
Some huge flying creature just flew by my face close enough for me to feel it. Do roaches fly? The flash lite is now pointed at the flying insect as it rests on Caroline's computer. I hope it flies out of here as quickly as it made it in.
Flash: the bug is now in the garbage can. Where was I?
Oh, yeah, about the bane of my existence: technology. I just can't seem to figure stuff out on my laptop. Months ago someone I asked to edit my resume did so by putting "tracking" on the document. I couldn't figure out how to even read was what written by her doing so. But now the bigger problem is removing it all together. Ugh. I ended up sending what looked like a clean copy of the document out as an attachment and, yes, you guessed it, it arrived with the tracking still on it. Probably not the best impression to make when looking for work. I will keep fiddling with it.
The weather seems to be getting more hot each day that passes. It isn't terrible but it certainly isn't fall in the northern hemisphere either. The breeze blows occasionally which feels great but with it comes the dust and dirt.
I'm working on a few different projects for Caroline and the center. Today I spent the day on the computer creating information about the center that we can put on the walls so when visitors and volunteers come they can read about what we do, the students, our mission and how their donations can help. There is an amazingly long list of things to acquire to make the center evolve into a top notch learning center. From the biggies like land and buildings (very cheap here by American or European standards) to the most trivial like pens, paper, notebooks, books, well, you get the picture. We would love to feed the students at lunch time as many/most of them come to school without having eaten breakfast. They get some crackers/biscuits but don't really eat until they return home late in the afternoon.
I'm also working on funding proposals which I know I will enjoy as it relates directly to a part of development work I would like to know more about. It will be good experience. I am also doing outreach to other NGOs seeking resource material (books, pamphlets, brochures, posters) on issues like HIV/AIDS, relationships, gender equality, nutrition, hygiene, education, etc., for the library. All good.
I took my first drive today in a month thanks to Caroline. I went into town to recharge the modem. Everything here is pay as you go. Cell phones, internet, cable/satellite TV, etc. I know you can get monthly subscriptions but I guess it is more expensive or who know what. I felt such a sense of freedom being behind the right hand drive of the car as I cautiously cruised down the left side of the road. Piece of cake.
The best part of my day was when Caroline told me my niece, Maddy, had written inquiring about doing a fund raising project as a school project. When I saw that email I was so proud and happy. Caroline said "you are already attracting people to the center"! Maddy, honey, thanks for writing and thinking about helping! I love you and miss you! We will be in touch because you will be the first fundraiser from the USA.
I am looking forward to my Saturday. It will be a busy, fun day. I am going with Caroline to the Masai Market to buy some items to send to her mom in Australia where she will, in turn, sell the items as a fundraiser for the center. From there I am having lunch with a lady from Ontario, Canada whom I met a week or two ago at a large lunch for the volunteers who were leaving the center. Diane works for an NGO here. Tomorrow afternoon there is an NGO networking get together at the bar Via-Via which apparently, in addition to Nick's Pub and the Masai Camp, is a good place to hang out. I have not been out for a late night yet here, but I hear things can go until 0500 in the morning. Better plan for that and rest up.
On Monday I am going to buy a bike so I can join the gym and get some exercise and be mobile. Leaving what I am use to doing for my health has been difficult. No corner gyms, no transportation, protein that is not the best, expensive and well, kind of gross. The poor chickens here don't have time to grow and nothing to eat before they are slaughtered so you can get a chicken that is, well, skinny and small. I am looking forward to having wheels and spending time on the treadmill!
Here are some things I will leave you with on this Friday night: Did you know?
· Tanzania is one of the world’s poorest countries – it ranks 159 out of 177 countries.
· 40 million Tanzanians survive on less than $1US per day.
· The Ministry of Education of Tanzania widely acknowledges the increasing illiteracy among the poorest people in the country.
· More than any other form of education, Adult and non-formal education targets the poor and reduces poverty through knowledge and information.
· The completion rate at primary school level is only 65 percent, an average dropout rate is 6.6 percent, a significant number of school going age are out of school and 29% of adults are illiterates.
· Education contributes to poverty reduction and to the sustained social and economic development of the country.
· Sustainable development will only take place if there is increased and improved levels of education. Lack of basic education undermines all efforts to improve health and nutrition, and impedes efforts to address the cause of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and other illnesses.
· The completion rate at primary school level is only 65 percent, an average dropout rate is 6.6 percent, a significant number of school going age are out of school and 29% of adults are illiterates.
· The Umoja Centre exists because the formal system does not have the built-in capacity and resources to absorb all Tanzanians.
The following was on the black board in the classroom after Joseph, the local teacher at the center, finished his class. I am not sure of the author or even if it is Joseph, but it struck me as beautiful and timely.
GIFT-ACCEPT IT
I have.
DUTY-PERFORM IT
Gladly.
CHALLENGE-FACE IT
Everyday.
PUZZLE-SOLVE IT
Oh, I am trying.
STRUGGLE-FIGHT IT
No giving up.
BEAUTY-PRAISE IT
I don't enough.
PROMISE-FULFILL IT
I will.
ADVENTURE-DARE IT
Well, I am here!
JOURNEY-COMPLETE IT
Oh yeah!
No comments:
Post a Comment