Newton does Mkushi!

This is the tale of my journey on my International Leadership Opportunity supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and of course my employer Rathbone.

As part of a personal development programme I am going to Mkushi a small town north of Lusaka to work for four weeks with the volunteer team at Donata School. The school supports 35 disabled pupils but has received funding to build to purpose built facilities - allowing them to take on more staff and pupils.

My role is to help them to build their capacity to make this move, and to project plan with them how they achieve long term sustainability......not much in four weeks huh?

I hope to keep you all updated with writing, pictures and video of the takes of the trip; and the scrapes that I am bound to get into!

All this will of course be electricity and internet connection allowing!

Hope you enjoy

Richard

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
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