Saturday October3, 2009

The JRS staff took a road trip to Salima, Lake Malawi, today. Two parts of this long day trip stick out for me: watching grown adults step onto sand and see a large body of water for the first time in their life, and the car ride home with 9 of us in the vehicle being entertained by a grown colleague of ours pretending to be a DJ.

I took many photos of the ones who ran to the water almost upon seeing it, I wanted to capture their faces as they delighted in experiencing the waves crashing against their bodies. They splashed and played in the water like children; it was the purest scene of happiness I'd seen in a while. I want them to have these photos so that they can share it with their families and possibly return one day.

As for the drive home, we stopped about 5 different times to make purchases at the side of the road and at one stop we all got out. With the one speaker and ipod in hand, our male DJ colleague and a female co-worker placed themselves in the middle of the road (really, in the middle of nowhere) and start dancing together to this music that seems loud enough for the whole village to hear! It was the best scene I'd seen in a long time. To top it off, the "DJ" pretended to be broadcasting from Malawi for Nairobi and asked a woman selling mangos to tell everyone in Nairobi what she was doing today. She took the ipod and spoke into the end of it telling people in Chechewa what her name was and that she was selling mangos. Luckily, I captured this comedic moment on my video camera.

I think this whole production and the rest of the way home was equally hilarious and I definitely appreciate the laughs had today. It had been a while...

Weekly snippets

Food distribution happened this week. The World Food Program sends the food to the UNHCR and the UNHCR gives it to the Red Cross for them to distribute. Every day this week a different selection of people went to pick up their rations. The refugees have ration cards that specify how many are in their family and I think the Red Cross is now distributing according to nationality. In a few days they have to serve over 11,000 people. This makes for a long day under the hot sun.

I met a few people this week who were keen to know me, to tell me their stories or their desires. One woman begged that I meet with her. She spoke in French, she was from Congo. I told her we could but that if she wanted me to help her case she had to go through UNHCR. I apologized and said there was nothing I could do. I am still not sure if she ended up trying to meet with me the other day at noon...

I met a man yesterday, again, from Congo, who used to be a dietician. He walked with me to the market and was apologetic for taking up my time. I assured him my purpose in the camp is to teach and to talk. The only reason for my getting anxious in conversation was because the sun was beating down on my burning hands and feet and I still had a class to prepare a presentation for. I told him that if I came across climate change articles that I’d try to get them to him. He requested a meeting time-- I couldn’t make one. I’m just hoping if we do meet again, I’ll have something for him. Then again, many people are asking requests and I’m not sure how or if I can fulfill them all.

I’ve been caught off guard a few times buying food. That’s the perfect opportunity for people to ask for money. Both Margaret and I have given away some Kwatcha this week to people asking for money when we’ve been buying small food items. As long as it’s not all the time I’m ok with this.

We got a little exercise last night. Around 4:45 we left our place to buy some bread for the morning. To our surprise we had little entourage of children following us. About 30 I’d say. Needless to say, we didn’t get very far on our search. I stayed with the kids and did some little dances, talked to them about where I was from and one child stood next to me holding my hand for about ½ hour while Margaret bought bread and walked home without me. I stayed with the children and Margaret returned. They showed us some clapping songs and then Margaret and I took off running with the kids. They loved this. We’d sprint and they’d try to catch up. They’re surprisingly fast but it made for a fun challenge and a good way to decompress after a long day.

Tuesday, September-29-09

And the day began early but not as early as yesterday. We were able to sleep an hour longer before getting up at 6:30am. Our newly adopted temporary roommate from Korea, Jaylle, is staying with us as she completes a week of work with the Red Cross here at the camp. We’d met her on the mini bus coming to Dzaleka yesterday and decided to invite her to stay with us. And so we are now three.

Jaylle was up first, then myself, and Margaret. It was a rough start for Margaret. She’s been rather discouraged lately but is finding her way with everything. It’s just difficult knowing you’re on a tight time frame yet things are seemingly slow getting started with the work placement. To make her feel a little more comfortable with the day I prepared apple jungle oats for her and brought her breakfast in bed. I’m not sure if that helped much but it was all I could really do this morning before starting class at 9:00am.

The walk to school has become more enjoyable. I have come to know a few people on the way and enjoy the morning greetings. There are a few women who sell maize and have their tarp set up by the time I walk by around 8:00. Christine, Dorothy, and Carlos are three people that I know...it’s nice to feel as though we’re familiar to one another. I don’t need to buy and we can be welcoming to one another. I appreciate this.

I had Everson/Alice unlock the make-shift classroom I’d was to work and teach in at 9:00am. I rearranged the tables a bit and prepared some notes on the blackboard. The ESL intermediate and advanced students began to pile in and before I knew it I was out of seats and 28 students in front of me eager to hear what I’d be offering them.

It was a shaky start only because of the numerous interruptions with needing more seating for the space and the occasional late comers. The exercise today was “making comparisons.” I started with outlining the importance of being able to skilfully analyse a situation, diagrams, items for purchase and things you might not yet have knowledge of but can use compare and contrasting methods to determine what something is through the process of elimination.

I cut the class into 2 groups numbering people as one and two. Each group received a photograph and was told to describe what they saw in the picture. This took some time as they were thinking very intently about what they were looking at. This was great to see. Then, i had the groups switch pictures and do the same task with the new photos. After they completed this I had them identify the differences between the two photos. One member from each group presented to the class what they thought were the differences in the photos. This ended up taking about 40-45 minutes.

To end the class on a positive and encouraging note, I had each person put their name on a slip of paper and placed it in my thermos mug cap. Two winning names were drawn for prizes I’d brought with me for the students: a choice of eraser, and colourful pencils. A delightful surprise for the students.

Many students hung around after class and chatted for some time about the lesson and I ended up sitting outside with two of the girls in that class. We took a couple pictures of us sitting together and then I ventured off to take pictures of the food distribution to over 1,000 Ethiopians.

The Red Cross is responsible for food distribution and it goes according to number of people in the household. They have decided to organize distribution according to country so today the Ethiopians received their portion of maize, peas, soap and oil. I was able to view the distribution hut and was even able to get some photographs of the giving. This was a wonderful opportunity which was made possible from a Congolese man I’ve befriended in the camp. I regret to remind him that I am not a French speaker because even though I love the language and want to learn, he talks far too fast. Asking him to slow down doesn’t help much either...so we get along well with English.

At the end of the day (after another TOEFL class lecture) Margaret and I met for coffee at the local restaurant/cafe. This is a basic clay building with a few benches and wood tables but they have excellent food and basic instant coffee from South Africa for 30MK (about 20 cents Canadian). It works. We found ourselves debriefing about the day no sooner than we found ourselves discussing refugee circumstances with a Burundian and a group of Ethiopians. The company was welcomed and the sharing of ideas and exchanges of friendship/camaraderie was a feeling of relief from the sometimes pressure some nature of meetings with others in the camp. This was a relaxed conversation. No one asked for money or about money or if we could sponsor them to Canada. The only comment made regarding travel abroad was by a man who wanted me to save room for him in my suit case and smuggle him across borders. Haha, I hope to see these men again.

Monday, September-28-09

“Hello.” “Hello.” “Salaam.” “Salaam.”

And we chatted. A group of Ethiopians, curious and keen to hear what I was saying gathered around and listened intently as I spoke English to a fellow Ethiopian. I inquired into the reason for their stay here, when they planned to depart for South Africa and exchanged a lot of smiles—a pleasantry I knew we all felt comforted by. I thanked them in Americ and waved goodbye. I felt understood, accepted, or at the very least, familiar.

I turned and walked way and headed home for lunch. Just as I approached the turn off path to our house I was stunned to see five large dogs chasing a young boy, age of 16 or so, across the road heading straight for me. I continued to walk, watching cautiously when the boy sped up bolting in my direction. I stopped and stared like a deer in headlights. I was certain the dogs would catch up to him, snarling, fangs and open jaws. I was also feeling fairly certain that I’d landed myself in the cross roads of a battle between human and beast and if it wasn’t he who’d be snatched, it would be me. Just as unexpected as this scene was in the first place, the dogs just stopped. It was as though there was a shield that went up right in front of them, and all five stopped and backed off. The boy ran past me, slowing as one would after passing the finish line in a marathon. I asked him what he’d done. He replied, I don’t know. I said, “Did you steal something?” He replied with a slight laugh and uncertainty, “No.” And that was it. It was over. Adrenaline was pumping but I had to smile and think of just how lucky we both were. Saved. For no real reason...just saved from the jaws of the beast.

After I’d eaten and completed some lesson planning, I rushed off to class as quickly as possible. I hoped not to have too much exposure with the sun as the burning sensation has become a severe itch and a part of me is curious if it is simply a terrible rash caused by doxycycline. I thought for a long time it was a burn...it must be. In any event, I was questioned about my rushed state and had to laugh but explain why. I feel good for people to understand my dilemma; it will clarify so much of my odd behaviour when I’m out in the sunlight. I kind of feel like a vampire. I headed to my 2:00pm class and began preparations.

The students started to saunter in after 2:00pm and I had each one write his name on the board so I could remember their names better. I introduced myself and inquired into the teaching style their previous teacher had used asked what they liked and what they thought would be more helpful. They commented saying, “Sister, whatever you plan, whatever you think is best will be best.” I didn’t accept that answer, I probed them more to understand what they needed and wanted.

Their reply: they liked the vocabulary and the topics she’d prepare for class. But they wanted to hear what I brought to the table. I informed them of my plan for them this day: two articles, one published from the Malawi National relating to condom use, the other, an article published by BBC news regarding the new possibility of an HIV vaccine. This sounded good to them. So, I broke the students into two groups each reading one article, finding 5 words they don’t know and then summarize the article in 5 sentences.

After ½ hour I had them share the vocabulary and findings with the other group. It was more difficult for them than expected but they got through it and great conversation transpired. I contributed my own thoughts about HIV and condom use and we had a huge debate about what it meant for them here. Some of the major points were the following:

1) If condoms are distributed to youth, they will be protected from HIV

2) If condoms are distributed they’ll make youth more likely to have sex and increase other health issues/moral issues.

3) If condoms aren’t available, youth will have sex freely and increase risk of HIV

4) If condoms are available, youth won’t use them anyway, they’ll have unprotected sex

5) The bible indicates one is celibate until marriage so condom use and sex is irrelevant because one shouldn’t have sex in the first place (but we’re human and we will anyway, hmmmm)

6) If a vaccine is discovered, will that mean more people will have unprotected sex because they know they can without becoming HIV positive? And if so, what will be the social and health consequences?

These were great points indeed and it was great to be fully engaged with these students regarding this topic. They’re very intelligent and have formed many opinions about this issue.

I ended the overextended class (it was only supposed to be 1 ½ hours – it was 2) by pulling two names from a bunch that I’d scrammed in a pile as one would in a hat, and had each group member pick a name. Two people from both teams won a prize: a choice of a colorful pencil or a colorful eraser. I think this closed up the classroom discussion very well.

I felt proud of the students, and of myself. We were able to share our ideas with one another and respect each other’s opinions. I suggested next class that we put the tables together and sit in a round table like UN members. This idea was welcomed with enthusiasm. I can’t help but be excited for the next class myself.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

There’s a party in the camp and we haven’t been invited. Somewhere in the distance there are many people shouting and screaming; you’d almost think people were watching a soccer match by the way they’re carrying on. It sounds as though people were joy ridding down one of the stretches of road leading into the camp, it’s difficult to tell what’s going on from the inside. The absence of electricity tonight seems as though it could be a reason for the excitement. Again, we’re not sure.

I was called into a meeting with a refugee and a JRS staff person to assist with translation from English to French and vice versa. It was an interesting task and very difficult indeed. I couldn’t fully convey what needed to be expressed by either party and felt helpless in the grand scheme of my role there. This refugee had a police report with him that attested to his claim of victimization from others in the camp. Apparently his house was set on fire and there was something about poison involved as well. I didn’t read the report, all I know is that this issue is out of the power JRS has and needs to be dealt with by UNHCR. The trouble is UNHCR has loads of cases like this on their desk and this one will just be another reaching the bottom of the pile. I wonder how it is people maintain the strength to find the will to survive. Resilience, that’s how.

The TOEFL class I had today was an engaging class indeed. I arrived shortly after 1:30 and got into presenting right away. We started off outlining the objectives of the lesson and then I asked each person to tell me their name and one thing they learnt about climate change from yesterday’s lecture. I wanted to see if they had caught onto the major components I’d mentioned. To my surprise, many of them had. I had introduced some new ideas to them and wasn’t sure if they’d grasped the ideas. Apparently so! They’re like sponges soaking up all the information provided. I think it’s wonderful and am slightly jealous at the same time seen as that’s a skill I have not yet been able to successfully develop—not to this standard anyway.

After going around the table I introduced a new topic that relates to climate change: population control. Turning off the lights, closing the blinds and door, I opened up my power point presentation introducing this highly contentious debate. The lecture generated a lot of discussion which was great and many students brought forth many ideas and comments they had about population growth within the African context. They also inquired into the Canadian lifestyle and the importance of child rearing in our culture. From the discussion generated, many seemed disappointed that we live a rather individualistic life. I agree with them to some degree.

I think we steered away from the main topic at hand but the conversation was still a good one to have. I believe we all learned a lot from one another. For me, the reasons many gave for child rearing in Africa affirmed the lectures and readings I had been exposed to during my studies as an undergrad in International Development. It was a wonderful feeling to be reminded of that which I’d learned in previous years and also that many understand the value of education and how awareness can be a catalyst for change. That’s an encouraging piece which I took home with me today.

Tuesday September 22, 2009

I had my first lecture today. To my surprise I had an undiscovered confidence in myself. I spoke about climate change to the students for one whole hour! I had printed off an article that had recently been published from the World Watch Institute and made reference to a fresh-off-the-press NewYork Times article which provided supplementary ideas to support the resource guide I was using as my notes for this lecture. At the end, I concluded with a short reading from Oxford’s Refugee Studies Centre policy briefing on Environmental Migrants, being sure to indicate that there is a significant difference between people fleeing from conflict and others who flee from environmental hazards.

I’m not sure how I kept their attention for a whole hour but somehow we got through it together. I’m not sure how much they retained but I will be sure to do re-caping on this tomorrow. I think I’ll continue the climate change theme and add in the widely contested population control debate. I have a power point presentation on my computer from my Ethics of Development course at the University of Winnipeg and feel it will contribute to the climate change debate and our use of resources. Didn’t expect to be able to speak with such passion to this class, I wasn’t sure I’d prepared enough. In fact, because I know myself, I know I didn’t prepare well enough or long enough but it still went rather well. At least I think it did.

It was market day today which meant that the camp market space was full of outside vendors selling their goods at reduced prices. Things of all kinds can be found here: mounds of clothes and shoes, soaps and shampoos, mirrors and foot scrubbers and of course the regular food items such as peas, tomatoes, onions, eggs and oil. My favourite deep fried balls of dough were being sold by numerous vendors as well. Can’t go wrong with 10MK for two Mandez buns, they’re quite delicious.

This market is fairly extravagant. It’s busy and there is lots of people busy trying to make a sale. Somehow bargaining here seems to be limited to certain items. Most people aren’t willing to bargain down, I’m not sure why. Perhaps they’re already at their lowest prices? Or maybe they’re trying to take advantage of the wealth they believe we must have. Not sure.

A couple students came by our place after class and told me they felt depressed afterward. They felt that they’d be the victims of climate change but also acknowledged that knowledge is power and because they are aware of the issues pertaining to warming weather they can be more fully aware to make change when they have the power to do so. They are hoping for a better life in Canada. I hope they make it there. Hopefully I’ll be able to contribute to their learning for the TOEFL. I’m committed to them now. I guess that’s obvious though, it’s late and I’m exhausted from the weekends adventures yet I’m still up working on my lesson for tomorrow. I’ll go to sleep happy tonight.

Nightcrawlers

Saturday Sept 12, 2009

It’s 4:30am. Boom, boom, boom. I’m not sure how close the nearest bar is but the sound of the base amp is distinct. There are people shouting in Chechewa though I do not have a clue what’s being said. This is the red light district, who knows. Waves of music line the background; it’s unclear what’s playing but it’s a significant reason for people to be out in the first place. There is rustling in the trees, the bushes. The dry grass makes this movement more pronounced.

I imagine a busy street with cars and people moving briskly about. People know it's unsafe to be out yet they do it anyway so I'm not sure how to imagine this scene. Instead, I wonder how much illegal activity is taking place as I write these words.

Dogs are barking. There has to be at least three dogs and they sound vicious. I’m not sure what has brought on their snarls and barks but it may be a good indication that there is some suspicious activity going on outside these walls. People are moving about, opening and closing heavy metal gates...they’re clunking from every passing person.

In the foreground there is a delightful sound countering the bustle and unimaginable: the delicate and innocently peaceful sound of chirping birds. There is also two birds calling to one another. Sounds like a mating call...whatever it is it brings a sense of calm with it.There is an orchestra of sound, of movement all around; who knows how far the sound has traveled to wake me tonight, all I know is I feel safer beneath the sheets. Hopefully the nightcrawlers stay in tomorrow night...