Taking It All In - Bitter Sweet Goodbye

December 10th 2013 - D.C.

Every journey must come to an end and I now turn the page on my African adventures.

Although not as thrilling and mysterious as the beginning of my mandate, this part is almost if not just as important as my arrival in Malawi. I believe it is fair to say I've been up and down, low and high, happy and sad; and I wouldn't change a thing. I say I came here with no expectations, but I was secretly hoping to gain experience and above all, knowledge.  Not the kind of knowledge school institutions teach you, but rather knowledge about myself.  Knowledge about how one grows, adapts and deals with new unknown challenges.  A common knowledge exclusive to one's personal experience.  A knowledge that makes one grow, yet remaining the same person.  

Sad to leave,
looking forward to what's next.

The past three months have not only allowed me to travel and see new things, but more importantly allowed me to gain confidence in a work environment.  Development work is a two way relationship where one gives and gains. I want to think I gave more than I received, but that would be a selfish lie. I can already think back on my work and see the world in a completely different way. 

I know some of my acquaintances will expect me to come home and either convert to a different religion, change my diet, go from driving to walking or synthetic to organic.  And I don't blame you.  But these are not changes that occur consequently to this type of experience.  I shared these thoughts with some fellow volunteers from the same programme and even though we all live different experiences here, we will forever share a common understanding of the situation we put ourselves in; the latest never being understood by our friends and family unfortunately. 

So we find comfort in looking forward to what we miss from home, and how soon we will fulfill these gaps in our daily lives: from purchasing a coffee to go, to having access to "normal" wifi speed. 

Unfortunately, I have had access to these things in my last week, and I came to the conclusion that these cravings and luxuries do not mean much. They are just things.

Our mandates oblige us to use different means to obtain common ends. In other words, we all want the same things, but how are you going to get them?

The question of how much effort, patience and understanding then comes into place.  Time, resources, opportunity... These factors will make it or break it in the end. 

I will not continue to share on the work and daily struggles of a volunteer in Malawi, but I hope this can give you a glimpse at how I've dealt with things over the past months. 

Traveling to South Africa, during this time especially, was more than I could ever hope for. Although I spent only a short period visiting the busy metropolis that is Joburg, I could definitely understand more of SA and experience the separation this country still faces to this day. 

I am happy to say I have grown and my connections have as well. My work gave me a network of new contacts which are key to my contribution to the AECDM. 

To all my co-workers, fellow volunteers and friends, I thank you for sharing this chapter in my life.  You have helped shape my experience and I am grateful for your support along the way.

Zikomo kwambiri ndi zabwino zonse,

Sammy xx

Apartheid Museum

Ask, and You Shall Receive

Okay, so I know I haven't posted in the past few weeks and if you read this you will know the reason why.  

Since my last post, I have changed workplaces.  As previously mentioned, I was not able to work at my full potential, so I made the decision to move on.  I must say, it was the best decision I could have made.  As some of you may know, I have a tendency to keep very busy and juggle a few jobs at once.  I value my time, and having worked in environments in which I was uncomfortable in the past, I promised myself I would only work for projects I believe in, I enjoy doing and where I can be of most use from now on.

Hard working staff in the office!

I love coming to work.  There are children and staff members everywhere I look and these people WORK HARD.  They are productive and ambitious, smart and open minded.   They are at their positions at 7:30am and when I leave at 4:30pm, they are still at their desks. The NGO is called Association of Early Childhood Development in Malawi.  The association runs caregiver training programs all year round and operates a childcare centre.  My position as a resource mobilization assistant has got me working on various projects already underway with other previous volunteers and staff.  Website, proposals, networking, training… I am looking forward to gaining so much experience in this short period of time.  

Caregiver trainees' dorms.

Washrooms.

Now, you must have anticipated these two scary words at some point in my voyage: "Resource Mobilization".  Although the AECDM already possesses many contacts with INGOs and programmes such as UNICEF, funding is sporadic and uncertain.  Programme funding from these foundations and organizations is strictly budgeted.  Hence, the AECDM offices are poor in resources.  There is one office for all program and project officers.  They must share chairs, desks, computers and so on.  The training rooms do not offer proper seating nor any desks or tables.  Oh, and electricity and wifi are a luxury.  

Here is what I am asking.  I need you to share the link below as much as you can and donate.  Crowdfunding is a great way to source funds from peers and allows a pool of donors to contribute in any amount they can.  Now, one may argue that this does not promote capacity building.  And you're totally right!  But, I am using my time and placement here to raise awareness of the needs in this particular NGO and to use social media and networking to help them financially. 

You will find more details on the crowd fund link below, but I inquired about their material needs, something they could purchase with the funds I could get from a crowd fund and the answer was chairs (mainly) as well as a projector (trainings) and flip chart stands.  These would aid the trainers and trainees immensely in the learning and teaching process at the centre.  

With the help of the staff here and a previous volunteer, AECDM is launching its new website.  You will find information about their history, programs, staff and more.  

I thank you for reading and I am confident that this cause will interest you as much as it has for myself.  

THANK YOU

To contribute to the crowd fund, please follow the link below.

http://www.yoyomolo.com/Samantha/AECDM-needs-your-help2

Thanks to Mom & Dad

I've been wanting to write about this for a while now.  I've received much support from friends and family through social media lately.  I knew my internship was a big deal to me, but I am surprised that people are interested in it as well.  And the two reasons I was able to be part of this experience are these two very common names: Mom & Dad.  

Just a few hours away from my final destination...

Before receiving their pencils...

Even though I had cold feet (JUST) before leaving (was trying to be a big girl before that), I cannot find the words to describe how grateful I am that they let me come to Africa on my own (and made sure I have all I need during my stay).  I have always wanted to explore the world and this is one step closer to doing so.  

I asked for friends and family to bring me supplies before I left.  I had these distributed by staff members at AYIDO to OVCs (Orphans and Vulnerable Children).  The children were excited to receive the little I had been able to bring with me.  And I made sure they knew the material was donated by friends and family back home!

Since my last post, I have attended various international development workshops, a malawian wedding and an intensive Chichewa language training.  Oh, and most of these took place steps from beautiful Lake Malawi.  Not bad, huh ?  I also attended a cultural training that has allowed me to better understand some of the malawian ways and their culture.

Bigger kids receiving some supplies !

Just cause they're cute.

Now I need to be honest and say that my placement, until now, has not been what I hoped it would be.  Most of the challenges the programme tried to prepare us for in Canada seem to have occurred.  As well as the unexpected: the problems are larger than life, but the means to overcome these problems are not as prominent.  And yet the issues remain.   Resource mobilization in a community where the needs are as basic as proper water and sanitation facilities can be overwhelming at times.  Not to mention the everyday challenges an Azungu must face in this society.  Regardless, I am loving my experience traveling/living in Blantyre and pretending to be a local (I wish)!  And as for work, I am confident I will find ways to offer capacity building strategies within the NGO.  

I know, not as adventurous as the usual "I was a few feet away from a rhino" post, but this is what I can share for now.  Next stop: Tea Estates and climbing Mount Mulanje (highest mountain in central Africa) !

MERCI Maman

THANK YOU Dad

And ZIKOMO to all my friends and family who contributed to offering these deserving children a little something to make them smile or a bit ;) 

Zabwino zonse ! xx

S. 

Thank you everyone.

Week II: African Safari

4 000 year old Baobab tree

Sept 22 2013

Week II: African Safari

4000 years old Baobab trees, lunch with a few elephants and a shower in the outdoors: yes, THIS IS HOW I SPENT MY WEEK-END.
Wow, how lucky I feel to have lived and witnessed the African nature.  

First, getting to Liwonde National Park.  Hmmm, how unfortunate I cannot share any of the odours, temperatures, and local radio stations with you.  Of course, it's all part of the experience, right ?  Now, even if the 2:30hr ride to Liwonde ended up being a 5 hour trip, I must say the Liwonde Safari Camp is kind of great.  The camp is self sufficient (energy wise), the food is great and accommodations are comfortable for the most part.  You can enjoy beautiful 360 degree scenery and wildlife from up close.  

The first part of the safari was a boat trip which included seeing crocodiles, elephants and hippos, hippos and more hippos.  Today, we got up at the break of dawn to go on an early morning game drive into the National Park.  Elephants, water bucks, antelopes, monkeys, 480 different bird species and wait for it… one of the 5 rhinos in the immense park joined our tour for a short moment.  And if you're wondering if these safaris are dangerous at all, let me tell you the rhino CHARGED AT US.  When I think of it now, it's kind of funny.  I forgot to mention that we were in an open Jeep with no protection.  Still funny, now that I think of it.  

Sunset on Shire River with the elephants!

As we then sat down for lunch back at the camp, 4 male elephants walked by.  NO BIGGIE.  

We also got to meet some locals, children for the most part, who seemed very excited and overjoyed to see and wave at us foreigners.  Getting out of busy Blantyre for a few days allows us to grasp the essence of rural Africa: which may seem quite simple, but is a truly precious experience. 

I would like to add that I have been writing a lot since I got here, but haven't posted much.  I will definitely be working on a few subjects and then posting them to my more "formal" blog.  Something else for you to follow !

Thank you for reading !

Sammy

 

Weekly assessment: 

1 rhino

1 eagle

Countless elephants, antelopes, impalas, monkeys and water bucks 

Having a rhino charge at you in his natural habitat: check

Week I

Sept 14th

I made it through my first week… more smoothly that I thought… or maybe not !  Fourteen hour flights, buses, trucks, taxis, mini buses… you may think this is me referring to a bumpy road when in fact, transportation has nothing to do with it. 

Now, Malawi has much more to offer and some areas are very well developed compared to what I expected.  You can find anything from a laptop to Nutella to fresh produce.  The weather is unimaginably perfect and the views (of Blantyre especially) are breathtaking.  Malawi is truly the "Warm Heart of Africa".  

That said, traveling to this warm weather country has its down sides.  On a personal note, it is quite hard and mostly tiring to constantly look out for your safety.  You can take all the measures in the world and a viral infection (I will be fine) can occur.  Aside from that, nutrition is also something that consumes our time.  Hopefully, I will develop an unprecedented immune system after this cold.

Also, who knew we depended on electricity so much (ha ha) ?!  The sun sets between 6 and 6:30pm and people rush to get home by dark.  As of now, the power goes out at 6pm and comes back around 10 o'clock.  Yes THIS IS QUITE IMPRACTICAL..  I've gotten used to candlelight by now.  

I work at AYIDO in the township of Ndirande in Blantyre.  It is a very highly populated community.  I presume I am the only foreigner within a few km… My workplace is very modest but the staff is hopeful that their sensitization and teaching activities will promote gender equality and HIV/aids prevention, amongst oth

er subjects.  

There are so many other facts and images I would like to share but in order to keep you reading I will try to be brief !

Zikomo,

S.

Hospital visit/more meds: check

Clubbing: check

Mini bus experience: check

Market shopping: check

Sipping chombe tea while watching the sunset on Kabula Hill: check

What was I thinking ?

Hi everyone,

As most of you already know, I am leaving for three months to Blantyre, Malawi.  I am not one to usually share personal ideas or to document my life publicly.  However, if this allows me to inform as many people as possible through the same means, I will use it !  Many of you have been asking me what exactly I will be doing there and this blog will inform you on my activities.

I was appointed the mandate of Resource Mobilization Officer within the AYIDO-MANASO organization in Blantyre.  My main objectives will be to assist Active Youth In Development (AYIDO) to identify opportunities for funding, train and assist in developing written proposals and also include gender equality in all activities.  I was hired by Students Without Borders through the Uniterra Program; which will give me the opportunity to gain work experience in addition to traveling to a new country.

Now, I've received mixed reactions from friends and family regarding my leaving for Africa.  Whether you are for or against it, I leave tomorrow!  Truth is, I have always been attracted to traveling and even more so to travel and work overseas.  I didn't think my first experience would be in Africa: but when life gives you an opportunity like this one, you take it !

As prepared as the program asks you to be, we must learn to let it go and expect the unexpected.  Hence the title of this entry: What was I thinking ?  In the past week, my pre-departure excitement shifted into a premature fear.  As much as escaping the western way of life for a few months sounds tempting, the fear of getting too far away from it has been even more overwhelming these past few days.

So I rely on the idea that not many people get to do this and that the fact that I am doing this will reward me in ways I still can't imagine to this day: I am going to Africa.

I can't wait to see what Malawi has to offer and yes, I WILL TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES...

Thank you for taking the time to read this,

Samantha