Just a short one - as aware I haven't blogged recently....
The reason being that I've been laid up ill with a bad stomach etc - shouldn't have jested about that popcorn! anyway gettin better now hurrah - and preparing to come home - just a few things to write up - looking forward to Heathrow on Saturday!
R
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Monday, 13 December 2010
Civilisation!
I have left Mkushi and travelled to Lusaka with Donata who wanted to say goodbye to me in Lasaka - we caught a taxi as the rain was such that it seemed the best mode of transport - the busses do not run to a timetable and you just have to stand open to the elements on the Great North Road - you have to wait up to 90 minutes for a bus on average and we would have been drenched and out stuff ruined - my clothes allready all stink mind you from being washed in the same water as that bath.
Anyway I have to confess that for my first night in Lusaka I did book myslef into some luxury - I decided that I no longer wanted to remove the frog from the shower each night - or face a menu limited to one option - I paid the difference on my accomdation allowance and checked into Lusaka's best. Donata came with me for tea and it was like that scene from Crocodile Dundee - she had nevedr seen a lift, electronic sliding doors - or what impressed her most was the credit card door entry system for the rooms. I think many of you know that I can be a bit of a 4 and 5 star boy - and I think Donata began to realise why I didn't gush over the Harvest Inn
Anyway the Lusaka contingent of Donata's family all came to greet me and Donata and I had our final resume meeting before saying goodbye.
I now am meeting some of the other guys from the team to ensure appropriate follow up - comiling my legacy report and having some reflection as I prepare to come home
Richard
Anyway I have to confess that for my first night in Lusaka I did book myslef into some luxury - I decided that I no longer wanted to remove the frog from the shower each night - or face a menu limited to one option - I paid the difference on my accomdation allowance and checked into Lusaka's best. Donata came with me for tea and it was like that scene from Crocodile Dundee - she had nevedr seen a lift, electronic sliding doors - or what impressed her most was the credit card door entry system for the rooms. I think many of you know that I can be a bit of a 4 and 5 star boy - and I think Donata began to realise why I didn't gush over the Harvest Inn
Anyway the Lusaka contingent of Donata's family all came to greet me and Donata and I had our final resume meeting before saying goodbye.
I now am meeting some of the other guys from the team to ensure appropriate follow up - comiling my legacy report and having some reflection as I prepare to come home
Richard
Friday, 10 December 2010
The Adhoc Committee
Just a quick one today - it's been a bit mad saying goodbyes....and am shattered.
Did just that really today said farewells - everyone seems to know I'm off from Mutinda in the Butcher's, to Peter the Journalist with his pink umbrella and the banana lady.
Have to say much as I have moaned about some bit's its been great and the people have been so lovely and honest - special mention must go to the chambermaid who was honest enough to return the 300 dollars I left in my shorts sent for washing - that's about 5 months of her wages - I did giver hera good tip before some of you start.
Anyway have had a spring in my step - realise I did have a bit of Cabin Fever from being stuck here - and after waiting 2 hors last night for the kitchen to do egg and chips I am glad to do my last meal at the Harvest inn. Even more glad on the last meal as Peter the Journo informs me the Zambian Environmental Health have given them a week to clean the kitchen or be shut down......that news takes some digestion!
Anyway in zambia we have a 50 Kwacha note - its worth about half a pence - and it is the bain of your life when you buy something and they give you a handful of them - it buys nothing apart from 10 litres of water from the bore hole - anyway there is a sourfaced bar woman at the Harvest Inn called Sharon - shes just had hair extensions so she looks like Dionne Warwick - every day whenever I buy abything she huffs and puffs - Zambians never have chenge its always a saga. So taday, just for my own amusement I bought a bottle of beer (6000 Kwacha) solely with 50 Kwacha notes that I have been keeping - 120 bank notes for one beer - her face was priceless.
Donata had a letter today (that's big news in itself - and causes excitement as it gives a new envelope to reuse) - however the contents just sum this all up. The council want to view the new school site to process the license - they have formed the wonderfully named 'ad hoc' committee to do this - the bad nes is they want 300 quid to pay for the visit, guess they need some cash
Heading to civilisation shortly to start wrapping things up!
Did just that really today said farewells - everyone seems to know I'm off from Mutinda in the Butcher's, to Peter the Journalist with his pink umbrella and the banana lady.
Have to say much as I have moaned about some bit's its been great and the people have been so lovely and honest - special mention must go to the chambermaid who was honest enough to return the 300 dollars I left in my shorts sent for washing - that's about 5 months of her wages - I did giver hera good tip before some of you start.
Anyway have had a spring in my step - realise I did have a bit of Cabin Fever from being stuck here - and after waiting 2 hors last night for the kitchen to do egg and chips I am glad to do my last meal at the Harvest inn. Even more glad on the last meal as Peter the Journo informs me the Zambian Environmental Health have given them a week to clean the kitchen or be shut down......that news takes some digestion!
Anyway in zambia we have a 50 Kwacha note - its worth about half a pence - and it is the bain of your life when you buy something and they give you a handful of them - it buys nothing apart from 10 litres of water from the bore hole - anyway there is a sourfaced bar woman at the Harvest Inn called Sharon - shes just had hair extensions so she looks like Dionne Warwick - every day whenever I buy abything she huffs and puffs - Zambians never have chenge its always a saga. So taday, just for my own amusement I bought a bottle of beer (6000 Kwacha) solely with 50 Kwacha notes that I have been keeping - 120 bank notes for one beer - her face was priceless.
Donata had a letter today (that's big news in itself - and causes excitement as it gives a new envelope to reuse) - however the contents just sum this all up. The council want to view the new school site to process the license - they have formed the wonderfully named 'ad hoc' committee to do this - the bad nes is they want 300 quid to pay for the visit, guess they need some cash
Heading to civilisation shortly to start wrapping things up!
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Goodbyes...
It's been a manic day - but before I go into that I would like to thank two of you in particular -
Craig for describing in detail on the phone all the ingredients that was going into his Chicken Pie - I didn't know you had a sadistic streak
and Tara for phoning to tell me how bad my typing is - in my defence - the computer has several keys missing and others stuck - the chair has three legs and I am often distracted by a lizard or some nights a plague of dragon fly things that drop dead at dusk
Anyway today -
We started with meeting His Royal highness Chief Chitina - well that was a palava - I was collected by his security guard - and we were told we had to be quick as he had to go to the clinic for his stomach ulcers. Anyway I was told to take a gift so grabbed the last of my supply of love spoons - and we sat. The guard looked at the gift and said yes this is nice but the Chief also likes paper. I asked Donata how much I should give - and she shrugged - the guard helpfully said the more cash I gave the bw\etter the quality of the audience. I gave a fiver.
The Chief arrived complete with a Giraffe Tail to flick away the flies and my fiver got me a ten minute chat about the school.
Then off to the local education minister for a grilling about the business plan - after feeling inadequate he then said it was good - asked to copy the appraisal system in governemnt schools and asked if I could come back and work at a District level - I just smiled. He also agreed some support for the school - al last we will ahve science equipment and craft equipment.
The off to the School for the Mzungu leaving party - I had Chocolate and crisps for the Children - at the sight of the chocolate they fell silent - some were frioghtened to eat it - none had had it before - then they murdered the crisps - a tube of Pringles from my bag just went up in dust. Te kids kept all the packaging to take home and show their families.
We then danced to Zambian Music - and then I played them tunes from my IPOD - they were stunned into submission - and just stood mesmerised especially when it played videos - they loved Go West by the Pet Shop Boys - though I'm not sure in this country I should be introducing them to my camp classics.
I told them about all of our fundraising efforts - there were teats and I filmed a message from them all I will post it on a stronger connection.
Then off to brief Mrs Hunt the schools patron on the work I ahve done and to actually giver her the donated cash to look after. We are buying some text books and funding about 70% of the bore hole
She seemed pleased with the work -
I now just have to finalise some things here - there off to Lusaka to complete some work around sustainanability and to make sure al the actions are bottomed out
Walking back from school today I knew that my work was settling in - Donata and I were talking about how bad the food is in the Harvest Inn - even she thinks so - she said Mr Charlie (the owner) needed to performance manage his staff and give them appraisals! Result....
Craig for describing in detail on the phone all the ingredients that was going into his Chicken Pie - I didn't know you had a sadistic streak
and Tara for phoning to tell me how bad my typing is - in my defence - the computer has several keys missing and others stuck - the chair has three legs and I am often distracted by a lizard or some nights a plague of dragon fly things that drop dead at dusk
Anyway today -
We started with meeting His Royal highness Chief Chitina - well that was a palava - I was collected by his security guard - and we were told we had to be quick as he had to go to the clinic for his stomach ulcers. Anyway I was told to take a gift so grabbed the last of my supply of love spoons - and we sat. The guard looked at the gift and said yes this is nice but the Chief also likes paper. I asked Donata how much I should give - and she shrugged - the guard helpfully said the more cash I gave the bw\etter the quality of the audience. I gave a fiver.
The Chief arrived complete with a Giraffe Tail to flick away the flies and my fiver got me a ten minute chat about the school.
Then off to the local education minister for a grilling about the business plan - after feeling inadequate he then said it was good - asked to copy the appraisal system in governemnt schools and asked if I could come back and work at a District level - I just smiled. He also agreed some support for the school - al last we will ahve science equipment and craft equipment.
The off to the School for the Mzungu leaving party - I had Chocolate and crisps for the Children - at the sight of the chocolate they fell silent - some were frioghtened to eat it - none had had it before - then they murdered the crisps - a tube of Pringles from my bag just went up in dust. Te kids kept all the packaging to take home and show their families.
We then danced to Zambian Music - and then I played them tunes from my IPOD - they were stunned into submission - and just stood mesmerised especially when it played videos - they loved Go West by the Pet Shop Boys - though I'm not sure in this country I should be introducing them to my camp classics.
I told them about all of our fundraising efforts - there were teats and I filmed a message from them all I will post it on a stronger connection.
Then off to brief Mrs Hunt the schools patron on the work I ahve done and to actually giver her the donated cash to look after. We are buying some text books and funding about 70% of the bore hole
She seemed pleased with the work -
I now just have to finalise some things here - there off to Lusaka to complete some work around sustainanability and to make sure al the actions are bottomed out
Walking back from school today I knew that my work was settling in - Donata and I were talking about how bad the food is in the Harvest Inn - even she thinks so - she said Mr Charlie (the owner) needed to performance manage his staff and give them appraisals! Result....
Wednesday, 8 December 2010
Dinner at Carmen Miranda's
I went to bed last night a happy man - not just cause the MP - or her staff - managed to cook a mighty fine Hungarian Sausage and chips (even it it did take 2 hours) - but because she phoned the President and it does look like we have te cash for the classrooms - so maybe I have achieved something!
I told in the taxi on the way home who whooped with joy and went to church to pray for the night. The funniest thing was the MP giving me a bill for 20 quid for dinner.
Today we have touted ourselves round the councillors who ahve a say on the funding application I put in - I don't know how many business plans I have received for Councillors Business ideas with me promising to pass onto any UK investors I know - anyone interested in the Mkushi Conference Centre ha ha. Anyway all the signs are good that we have support for our plans.
We then went to the site of the new school -its beautiful up there on the hill looking over the mountains and then walked back through the township buying some stuff for the kids end of term party tomorrow - I also have Pringles and Chocolate in the hut as a surprise - they have never had crisps or chocolate - DON"T blame me for introducing it to them it would have happened some time!
I also bought Popcorn in the market - I asked for 10000 KWA worth (about one pounds worth) - I have enough Popcorn to keep Odeon in business and had to pay a boy with a wheelbarrow to help me take it home
We then met with more councillors -and tonight we have to meet with the Chief - I am a bit disapointed that he is town at the Mkushi Motel - think developing world Cross roads - then worse - but it means that we do not have to go to the Palace. I have to take a gift - I have one lovespoon left.
I think it is getting out that the Mzungu will shortly leave town - I am being beseiged by all and sundry from 'buy african viagra to help the women's co-perative'. The women are quite scary actually ad now seem to be stalking me -= they are outside the internet cafe in the rain waving at me as I type
Anyway my audience with the Chief awaits
Till tomorrow....
R
I told in the taxi on the way home who whooped with joy and went to church to pray for the night. The funniest thing was the MP giving me a bill for 20 quid for dinner.
Today we have touted ourselves round the councillors who ahve a say on the funding application I put in - I don't know how many business plans I have received for Councillors Business ideas with me promising to pass onto any UK investors I know - anyone interested in the Mkushi Conference Centre ha ha. Anyway all the signs are good that we have support for our plans.
We then went to the site of the new school -its beautiful up there on the hill looking over the mountains and then walked back through the township buying some stuff for the kids end of term party tomorrow - I also have Pringles and Chocolate in the hut as a surprise - they have never had crisps or chocolate - DON"T blame me for introducing it to them it would have happened some time!
I also bought Popcorn in the market - I asked for 10000 KWA worth (about one pounds worth) - I have enough Popcorn to keep Odeon in business and had to pay a boy with a wheelbarrow to help me take it home
We then met with more councillors -and tonight we have to meet with the Chief - I am a bit disapointed that he is town at the Mkushi Motel - think developing world Cross roads - then worse - but it means that we do not have to go to the Palace. I have to take a gift - I have one lovespoon left.
I think it is getting out that the Mzungu will shortly leave town - I am being beseiged by all and sundry from 'buy african viagra to help the women's co-perative'. The women are quite scary actually ad now seem to be stalking me -= they are outside the internet cafe in the rain waving at me as I type
Anyway my audience with the Chief awaits
Till tomorrow....
R
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Glastonbury'esque
I have a new hut at the Harvest Inn - this is the newly finished deluxe room - it does have an air con unit but that is just for show -there is also a TV which gets no signal but switches itself on when the fridge boots up. There is also a bath which means for the first time I have properly seen the colour of the water.
I have lived for the last 2 days on peanuts and bananas, they cooked me dinner last night but as I was sat under a light and saw it I couldn't quite face it - also I have eaten the Harvest Inn out of Chilli Sauce and Ketchup which I have been using to hide the taste.
Anyway I woke up today and got to the internet cafe to do some printing - they had lost the key - and after 40 minutes we got in - the man at the nextdoor fishstall let me shelter from the rain. Then they had no paper so that took another hour and then the photocopying shop was closed for an hour to go to a funeral - so what would eb a 10 minute task at work took 3 hours.
Anyhow staff appraisals followed - Donata got into the spirit and was harsh but fair - this is a big step as it is not in their culture to criticise - the staff took onto target setting really well - I was pleased - and in actual fact suggested far bigger quality improvement targets than would have. We also identified some key training and learning needs and once again I was struck by the lack of resources - some subjects have no textbooks or teacher guides - yet a teacher guide costs just a fiver.
Throughout the day it has been steadily raining so by mid afternoon I was well out of place in shorts and flip flops - I now look like I should be at the Glastonbury Festival as all the paths and roads have turned to mud! It is amazing the effect the rain has - things are turning green so quickly, snakes and lizards are reappearing - and the water is so needed - at the weekend we saw Buffalo that had literally got them selves stuck in the mud close to the last remaining drops of water and died stuck there - creating a buffet for the vultures.
No rest for the wicked so we went through the mud in my Glastonbury type attire to meet the other MP - remember the last one was building a posh lodge - well this one has a large hardware store and the only shop in town that sells chocolate. He broke off his timber selling to grant me an audience - and agreed that the school should get some money - they are recalling some money from the Tanzanians who build a dodgy Maize Mill and he phoned the Minister in Lusaka to see if we can get 19 million of that - that's half the money that we need for the new build!
I talked with Donata today abour fundraiisng from the White Farmers in the area - we have developed a letter and pack to go to them - but Donata always visits them personally. She has no transport and does this onj foot - it takes 10 days to get round the farms - she goes with a friend and they carry their own food - begging accomodation as sun falls with local villages / farm workers. All my fundraising mates who say fundraising is hard take note!
Finally huge thanks to all who have raised / offered money - we are trying to give the school a total by Thursday - so please its not too late - look at last Saturday's blog for details of how to help or text me on 07977 668 632
Anyway I now have to brave a cold bath in yellow water to scrub myslef up for dinner with the other MP - The Carmen Mirand'esque one. Donata has been coming / not coming all day as it clashes with church. She is now coming as she is hungry - I am fearing that it will be traditional Zambian....I have also had to give Donata a lesson on political astuteness - she sad she wanted to speak to the MP about not standing agaonst Donata's mate in some council election - I said Ididn't feel that would help our cause for cash
Till tomorrow - unless we flood!
R
I have lived for the last 2 days on peanuts and bananas, they cooked me dinner last night but as I was sat under a light and saw it I couldn't quite face it - also I have eaten the Harvest Inn out of Chilli Sauce and Ketchup which I have been using to hide the taste.
Anyway I woke up today and got to the internet cafe to do some printing - they had lost the key - and after 40 minutes we got in - the man at the nextdoor fishstall let me shelter from the rain. Then they had no paper so that took another hour and then the photocopying shop was closed for an hour to go to a funeral - so what would eb a 10 minute task at work took 3 hours.
Anyhow staff appraisals followed - Donata got into the spirit and was harsh but fair - this is a big step as it is not in their culture to criticise - the staff took onto target setting really well - I was pleased - and in actual fact suggested far bigger quality improvement targets than would have. We also identified some key training and learning needs and once again I was struck by the lack of resources - some subjects have no textbooks or teacher guides - yet a teacher guide costs just a fiver.
Throughout the day it has been steadily raining so by mid afternoon I was well out of place in shorts and flip flops - I now look like I should be at the Glastonbury Festival as all the paths and roads have turned to mud! It is amazing the effect the rain has - things are turning green so quickly, snakes and lizards are reappearing - and the water is so needed - at the weekend we saw Buffalo that had literally got them selves stuck in the mud close to the last remaining drops of water and died stuck there - creating a buffet for the vultures.
No rest for the wicked so we went through the mud in my Glastonbury type attire to meet the other MP - remember the last one was building a posh lodge - well this one has a large hardware store and the only shop in town that sells chocolate. He broke off his timber selling to grant me an audience - and agreed that the school should get some money - they are recalling some money from the Tanzanians who build a dodgy Maize Mill and he phoned the Minister in Lusaka to see if we can get 19 million of that - that's half the money that we need for the new build!
I talked with Donata today abour fundraiisng from the White Farmers in the area - we have developed a letter and pack to go to them - but Donata always visits them personally. She has no transport and does this onj foot - it takes 10 days to get round the farms - she goes with a friend and they carry their own food - begging accomodation as sun falls with local villages / farm workers. All my fundraising mates who say fundraising is hard take note!
Finally huge thanks to all who have raised / offered money - we are trying to give the school a total by Thursday - so please its not too late - look at last Saturday's blog for details of how to help or text me on 07977 668 632
Anyway I now have to brave a cold bath in yellow water to scrub myslef up for dinner with the other MP - The Carmen Mirand'esque one. Donata has been coming / not coming all day as it clashes with church. She is now coming as she is hungry - I am fearing that it will be traditional Zambian....I have also had to give Donata a lesson on political astuteness - she sad she wanted to speak to the MP about not standing agaonst Donata's mate in some council election - I said Ididn't feel that would help our cause for cash
Till tomorrow - unless we flood!
R
Monday, 6 December 2010
Back to School
Well I left Flatdogs in an open truck yesterday and all was going well till we had a blow out. We had 30 minutes to get to the airstrip - but hey all hands to the deck as all the locals came out - I'm not sure if they really helped JJ change the tyre as teh truck was lifted, bounced, jacked from all angles but we made it.
Anyway a bumpy flight ended with a smile as in Lusaka airport one of the groundcrew came up and slipped me the number of Hope the stewardess - ha ha - well I must look butch after my time in the bush - she will remain just that - Hope
Anyway another night at teh Marble Inn - you may remember that from an earlier blog - no marble, no hot water and this time no lights!
Up at 5 am to catch the post bus to get to work for 11 - well if the last post bus was eye opening this was eye popping. I don't know what it was but everyone was in a real fiesty mood - and the bus was overloaded - I counted one lady with 15 bags - I guess they just use it to move house. Anyway boarding the bus was more chaotic than I imagine that the last chopper from Vietnam was - but we all got on - and thanks to the conductor who got my bag into a retrievable place.
Anyway we sped, bumped and twisted our way up the Great North Road - 7 of us in our row for 5 - but everything was flying about - I got hit by a suitcase, a saucepan and some maizemael - and then there was a fight - it was good to get off after 5 hours.
Anyway Donata had tried hard with the work I had left her and done most - the main issue being that she had appraised all the staff in a group session so they shared each others strengths and weaknesses - needless to say Chloe who is never late is offended at being called late
Anyway an admin day today - finishing all the paperwork I have designed and absorbing all of their feedback. I will produce final copies later tonight and then we are all systems go. It does feel like we have entered the next stage. School has finished for 4 weeks now - but all the kids are back in on thursday to see me - and apparently they are practising a song etc which is a big secret but was teh reason we couldn't go to school today but ahd to work in my new hut.
Time away in luangwa was great - time to reflect on how little can mean so much to these guys - when you see kids carrying litres of water on their heads - and you realise that local people can't afford to bu the produce they raise you realise something is wrong. I knew that Zambia is poor - it's one of the poorest countries in the world, but as I talk to other people round the country I realise that the people in this town are poor - and to be poor in a poor country is not a great place to be. despite this the laughing, smiles and friendliness of all is contagious.
I am sure we will bring some of the young people from Rathbone here to see this - to help - but as importantly to realise their place in the world and their need to act responsibly and to build them into some kind of Ambassadors. I guess it's about developing their broadest education and experiences - I'm also determined that it won't be just about coming to help build this school - it will also about understanding the culture and beauty of this place - and experiencing things such as seeing elephants, lions and other animals in their rightful place in the ever decreasing bush.
Anyway we are re-doing appraisals tomorrow - then off to see the Chief if he grants us an audience - Donata is scared as there are Lions in the valley - I told her we are going in a cab we should be safe.
Catch up tomorrow
Richard
Anyway a bumpy flight ended with a smile as in Lusaka airport one of the groundcrew came up and slipped me the number of Hope the stewardess - ha ha - well I must look butch after my time in the bush - she will remain just that - Hope
Anyway another night at teh Marble Inn - you may remember that from an earlier blog - no marble, no hot water and this time no lights!
Up at 5 am to catch the post bus to get to work for 11 - well if the last post bus was eye opening this was eye popping. I don't know what it was but everyone was in a real fiesty mood - and the bus was overloaded - I counted one lady with 15 bags - I guess they just use it to move house. Anyway boarding the bus was more chaotic than I imagine that the last chopper from Vietnam was - but we all got on - and thanks to the conductor who got my bag into a retrievable place.
Anyway we sped, bumped and twisted our way up the Great North Road - 7 of us in our row for 5 - but everything was flying about - I got hit by a suitcase, a saucepan and some maizemael - and then there was a fight - it was good to get off after 5 hours.
Anyway Donata had tried hard with the work I had left her and done most - the main issue being that she had appraised all the staff in a group session so they shared each others strengths and weaknesses - needless to say Chloe who is never late is offended at being called late
Anyway an admin day today - finishing all the paperwork I have designed and absorbing all of their feedback. I will produce final copies later tonight and then we are all systems go. It does feel like we have entered the next stage. School has finished for 4 weeks now - but all the kids are back in on thursday to see me - and apparently they are practising a song etc which is a big secret but was teh reason we couldn't go to school today but ahd to work in my new hut.
Time away in luangwa was great - time to reflect on how little can mean so much to these guys - when you see kids carrying litres of water on their heads - and you realise that local people can't afford to bu the produce they raise you realise something is wrong. I knew that Zambia is poor - it's one of the poorest countries in the world, but as I talk to other people round the country I realise that the people in this town are poor - and to be poor in a poor country is not a great place to be. despite this the laughing, smiles and friendliness of all is contagious.
I am sure we will bring some of the young people from Rathbone here to see this - to help - but as importantly to realise their place in the world and their need to act responsibly and to build them into some kind of Ambassadors. I guess it's about developing their broadest education and experiences - I'm also determined that it won't be just about coming to help build this school - it will also about understanding the culture and beauty of this place - and experiencing things such as seeing elephants, lions and other animals in their rightful place in the ever decreasing bush.
Anyway we are re-doing appraisals tomorrow - then off to see the Chief if he grants us an audience - Donata is scared as there are Lions in the valley - I told her we are going in a cab we should be safe.
Catch up tomorrow
Richard
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