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
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