I can’t believe it’s already August. I don’t feel like the last two weeks has flown by, but 2007 in general is disappearing. It’s quite frightening because in the next few months I have so much to accomplish; much of it contingent on what I complete here.
Yesterday I took a semi-break from everything: research and volunteering. I woke up with all intentions of going back to the Ministry of Finance Library to continue reading, but once I got to the junction where I’d catch the bus there, something led me to my friend’s store instead. Once I got there, I chatted a bit with the people there and I became completely unmotivated to head into town.
Nonetheless, my day was still fairly productive because I read documents that I had previously downloaded onto my laptop and I began writing my literature review and drafting an outline for my thesis. This time off was helpful because I thought of some more avenues which I got explore in order to get the information I need. Next week I will definitely need to visit the Ministry of Education and Sports, the Economic Policy Research Center, and Transparency International’s Uganda Office. I found that beginning the writing process really helped me identify crucial information that I’m missing.
I also like spending time at the store because this is when I get to freely interact with Ugandans. While I’m traveling throughout the city I come into contact with people, but interaction is extremely formal and limited. At the store, people ask me whatever is on their minds and I am free to do the same as well.
For example, I have realized how much of an impact that American media has on not only American citizens, but the outside world as well. For leisure and entertainment, Ugandans prefer watching American movies and television shows on DVD as well as Nigerian movies (which I will tell you more about later). I knew that several American shows were syndicated internationally, but I was shocked to see the number of American shows that were watched here. They are not shown on television, but the local DVD rental shops all have pirated copies of the most popular movies and television shows. (Piracy is not at all regulated here.) Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, 24, Prison Break, Law and Order: SVU, the OC, and almost any other popular tv show you can think of. Also action movies are very popular among citizens, so much so that there are DVDs with about 5 or 6 compressed films of famous action stars like Bruce Willis, Jean Claude Van Dam, Steven Segal, the James Bond series, and others.
Ugandans enjoy watching these films and tv shows during the evening hours after work, but I noticed that the impressions they have left in citizen’s minds about US life is a bit disturbing. I have been asked on several instances if I own a gun. And each time I am taken aback by the question because I in no way evoke thuggery or violence in my demeanor. However, they mention the fact that in many movies and shows you find common and seemingly normal people committing heinous crimes. And when I really considered this perception, I found it to be true in a sense. Much of American tv is littered with random violence, but Americans often realize the drama associated with television and don’t take it for face value. But as a foreigner, I can see how one should assume that what is depicted is a reflection of that society.
What I wish was depicted more was the inequality in American society. Most people do not believe me when I try to explain how poor some Americans are. It’s true that what I’ve seen in the slums and ghettos here is worse than anything I’ve ever seen in ghettos in the US, however, many people I’ve come into contact with do not even believe that extreme poverty exists in the US. They do not believe that people live without electricity, struggle to find a meal, or only survive because of government subsistence. I wish that some of these images and realities where broadcast more and made as widely available as the comfortable and posh living depicted in the OC and Desperate Housewives.
The only problem with that is that shows that do show the realities of poverty and struggling are usually filled with violence. Imagine if The Wire were shown here. I think all of my friends would be afraid to visit me since I live in Maryland. I also think they’d assume that every young Black male they met had a gun and would use it vicariously. So I guess in this instance it’s a Catch 22. When will more socially conscious, yet wholesome shows of the 70s like Good Times and The Jefferson’s return?
8.01.2007
7.29.2007
Trying to Ward Off the Homesickness
Today has by far been the worst day of my trip. Nothing so serious happened, but the overall mood of the day really got me down and for a moment, I wished that Maryland was a bit closer so that I could go home for a couple of hours.
This is Uganda’s rainy season and thus far it has been very easy to bear because it doesn’t rain as much as I expected. Cameroon’s rainy season consists of very heavy downpours for about 8-12 hours a day every day. However, here in Uganda, it rains about 3-4 times a week and usually for about an hour or two during the day. It rains very hard when it does, so everyone avoids being caught outside, however, it usually lasts for such a short period that it’s quite soothing and doesn’t cause much disruption to the day.
Today, however, the rain was the longest, hardest, and came at the most inopportune time. I am staying in a house with a bunch of bachelors so there is almost always nothing to eat, ever. Luckily, African society is conducive to very well prepared and low priced street food. While in the states, I am not at all a proponent of street vendors, but I think this is because their food tends to be unhealthy, unsanitary, and usually overpriced. It is the complete opposite here. Great meals are cooked on the side of streets over firewood, make shift stoves (don’t ask me how they do it), and grills. It’s all slow-cooked right in front of you and tastes delicious. For dinner the last couple of nights I’ve had meals that cost less than $1 and consisted of grilled chicken, corn, and some pineapple for dessert. It’s great!
All this is to say that today I was looking forward to sleeping in late and then taking a stroll to the main road to grab some grilled chicken, fish, goat meat…whatever struck my fancy. But then it started raining, which initially didn’t faze me because I figured it would be over in about an hour…but not today. It rained long and hard for most of the day. By the time I was able to leave the house, I was extremely hungry and my stroll to the main road turned into a trudge through a very muddy path, where most of the vendors were not set up because of the weather.
I had to travel to the town center, which is about a 7 min drive.
I got on the taxi bus, which was packed beyond capacity, with four or five people sitting in a row of seats meant for three. This is not at all uncommon, however today, it was extra uncomfortable because people were wet and muddy.
I usually make an effort to have exact change or currency closest to the cost of services because once clerks here my accent, they usually try to cheat me. If I know the price, I usually just scold them for trying to cheat me and I get charged the standard price. But today on the taxi, my nerves were really tested. I had to pay the conductor with a large bill and after hearing my accent he employed a number of stunts to overcharge me, almost all of which were thwarted.
However, it wasn’t negotiating an already set transportation fare with the clerk that bothered me, it was the conversation that ensued between him and the other passengers in Luganda, once I challenged him. He proceeded to, what they call, “back bite” me, or talk about me behind my back with the other passengers. Only this time, it was right in my face and I was left helpless because I did not understand a word of what they were saying. They mimicked my English and thick accent and said a great deal of other things I did not understand, but knew was being said because an older lady on the taxi pleaded that they stop and leave me alone. I have never experienced such a thing before and the encounter was made more frustrating and humiliating by the fact that I did not understand a word of what was being said and could not defend myself. For 10 min I sat in silence while this went on and by the time I reached my destination, I was very upset.
I am trying to learn as much Luganda as possible since it is the vernacular of the region. This incident only made it more clear to me, how necessary it is for me to learn it because people say things to and about me on a daily basis that I do not understand and I am leaving myself entirely too vulnerable to exploitation and humiliation.
I can say, however, that my day wasn’t a total wash out. When I finally made it to the town center, I was happy to have extremely tasty grilled chicken ready and waiting for me!
This is Uganda’s rainy season and thus far it has been very easy to bear because it doesn’t rain as much as I expected. Cameroon’s rainy season consists of very heavy downpours for about 8-12 hours a day every day. However, here in Uganda, it rains about 3-4 times a week and usually for about an hour or two during the day. It rains very hard when it does, so everyone avoids being caught outside, however, it usually lasts for such a short period that it’s quite soothing and doesn’t cause much disruption to the day.
Today, however, the rain was the longest, hardest, and came at the most inopportune time. I am staying in a house with a bunch of bachelors so there is almost always nothing to eat, ever. Luckily, African society is conducive to very well prepared and low priced street food. While in the states, I am not at all a proponent of street vendors, but I think this is because their food tends to be unhealthy, unsanitary, and usually overpriced. It is the complete opposite here. Great meals are cooked on the side of streets over firewood, make shift stoves (don’t ask me how they do it), and grills. It’s all slow-cooked right in front of you and tastes delicious. For dinner the last couple of nights I’ve had meals that cost less than $1 and consisted of grilled chicken, corn, and some pineapple for dessert. It’s great!
All this is to say that today I was looking forward to sleeping in late and then taking a stroll to the main road to grab some grilled chicken, fish, goat meat…whatever struck my fancy. But then it started raining, which initially didn’t faze me because I figured it would be over in about an hour…but not today. It rained long and hard for most of the day. By the time I was able to leave the house, I was extremely hungry and my stroll to the main road turned into a trudge through a very muddy path, where most of the vendors were not set up because of the weather.
I had to travel to the town center, which is about a 7 min drive.
I got on the taxi bus, which was packed beyond capacity, with four or five people sitting in a row of seats meant for three. This is not at all uncommon, however today, it was extra uncomfortable because people were wet and muddy.
I usually make an effort to have exact change or currency closest to the cost of services because once clerks here my accent, they usually try to cheat me. If I know the price, I usually just scold them for trying to cheat me and I get charged the standard price. But today on the taxi, my nerves were really tested. I had to pay the conductor with a large bill and after hearing my accent he employed a number of stunts to overcharge me, almost all of which were thwarted.
However, it wasn’t negotiating an already set transportation fare with the clerk that bothered me, it was the conversation that ensued between him and the other passengers in Luganda, once I challenged him. He proceeded to, what they call, “back bite” me, or talk about me behind my back with the other passengers. Only this time, it was right in my face and I was left helpless because I did not understand a word of what they were saying. They mimicked my English and thick accent and said a great deal of other things I did not understand, but knew was being said because an older lady on the taxi pleaded that they stop and leave me alone. I have never experienced such a thing before and the encounter was made more frustrating and humiliating by the fact that I did not understand a word of what was being said and could not defend myself. For 10 min I sat in silence while this went on and by the time I reached my destination, I was very upset.
I am trying to learn as much Luganda as possible since it is the vernacular of the region. This incident only made it more clear to me, how necessary it is for me to learn it because people say things to and about me on a daily basis that I do not understand and I am leaving myself entirely too vulnerable to exploitation and humiliation.
I can say, however, that my day wasn’t a total wash out. When I finally made it to the town center, I was happy to have extremely tasty grilled chicken ready and waiting for me!
7.28.2007
The Politics of Capacity Building
This morning I attended a capacity building workshop at MYDEL. It was facilitated by a friend of the chairman who assisted him when he initially began to form the organization. He challenged the staff members to reexamine their roles and responsibility in the organization as well as the function of the different departments. Because I have only been volunteering with them for a couple of days, this workshop really gave me insight into their strengths and weaknesses as an organization.
As a community based organization they lack financial support on every level and depend solely on donations from visitors. This has greatly affected their capacity and as an organization they could be so much better if they had more money or had resources to share to community members in order to help them develop their own income generating activities. In the same breath, however, I see a dependency on donor aid being formed in the sense that they are not actively pursuing funding because they cannot even surmise it being available to them.
This workshop also revealed serious gaps and weaknesses in the structure of their organization. They have leaders in place, but it seems as though those leaders are unaware of their official responsibilities and everyone does what they feel needs to be done. This attitude can make an organization very strong because tasks are always completed, however when they aren’t no one is sure who is to be held accountable.
The chairman explained to me that this is another weakness of a community based organization with leaders who were born and raised in the community, which they serve. Members of the organization are so comfortable with their leaders that they often blur the lines of business and pleasure. Because he wants to be as inclusive as possible, he makes every function of the organization known to the community, including financial matters. Though this is a genuine attempt at openness, as a leader there has to be issues that are confidential and only known to the executive in order for things to function in an orderly fashion.
By the end of the workshop, I had several suggestions for the organization and felt myself referring back to protocol that I used while I led organizations in college. I’m happy that that experience is coming in useful. Sadly, however, when I presented my suggestions to the chairman he agreed that changes were needed, but seem reluctant to put them in place. I hope that in the course of the next couple of weeks I am able to influence him a bit otherwise or he will find great difficulty in taking his organization to the next level or achieving legitimacy in the eyes of international donors, who sometimes focus more on an organization’s structure and they way they present themselves, than on the actual work they do in the community. I applaud MYDEL for its dedication and overwhelming involvement in the lives of each of its members, however, in such a bureaucratic world, talking the talk is sometimes more important than walking the walk.
As a community based organization they lack financial support on every level and depend solely on donations from visitors. This has greatly affected their capacity and as an organization they could be so much better if they had more money or had resources to share to community members in order to help them develop their own income generating activities. In the same breath, however, I see a dependency on donor aid being formed in the sense that they are not actively pursuing funding because they cannot even surmise it being available to them.
This workshop also revealed serious gaps and weaknesses in the structure of their organization. They have leaders in place, but it seems as though those leaders are unaware of their official responsibilities and everyone does what they feel needs to be done. This attitude can make an organization very strong because tasks are always completed, however when they aren’t no one is sure who is to be held accountable.
The chairman explained to me that this is another weakness of a community based organization with leaders who were born and raised in the community, which they serve. Members of the organization are so comfortable with their leaders that they often blur the lines of business and pleasure. Because he wants to be as inclusive as possible, he makes every function of the organization known to the community, including financial matters. Though this is a genuine attempt at openness, as a leader there has to be issues that are confidential and only known to the executive in order for things to function in an orderly fashion.
By the end of the workshop, I had several suggestions for the organization and felt myself referring back to protocol that I used while I led organizations in college. I’m happy that that experience is coming in useful. Sadly, however, when I presented my suggestions to the chairman he agreed that changes were needed, but seem reluctant to put them in place. I hope that in the course of the next couple of weeks I am able to influence him a bit otherwise or he will find great difficulty in taking his organization to the next level or achieving legitimacy in the eyes of international donors, who sometimes focus more on an organization’s structure and they way they present themselves, than on the actual work they do in the community. I applaud MYDEL for its dedication and overwhelming involvement in the lives of each of its members, however, in such a bureaucratic world, talking the talk is sometimes more important than walking the walk.
7.27.2007
The Third Leg of My Trip
Today, I was encouraged to finally start the third leg of my trip. Thus far, I’ve really been consumed with spending time with my friends and volunteering at MYDEL. I’ve been so busy, that I almost forget one very important reason for my trip: RESEARCH. This semester I am writing my master’s thesis so that I can finally graduate and I have decided to focus my research on Uganda’s Public Expenditure Tracking System for Primary Education. While talking to people about my reasons for being here, I casually mentioned it and was chastised for not visiting any government offices yet. This was a much needed scolding and today I finally ventured out to three government offices. I visited the IGG (Inspector General of Government) Office, the KCC (Kampala City Council) and the MFEP (Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning).
At the IGG we got the run around and no one seemed to know what I was talking about or who I should even speak to. I wasn’t disappointed because I expected this, but I was annoyed that the so-called receptionists knew close to nothing about anything.
At the MFEP, the administrators were extremely helpful. They directed me to the resource center where I found a ton of books documenting the government’s allocation of funding in education. This was exactly what I was looking for. The down side was that I am not allowed to check out the books, so I will have to physically sit in the library everyday until I get all the information that I need.
At the KCC, we ran into a friend's friend who knew exactly who I needed to speak to, but he wasn’t in the office. He encouraged me to come back on Monday, but stated that I should only speak to that particular officer, as much of the information that I needed is public record, but the officers do not like to share it because it leads to further investigation about other things. This most certainly did not surprise me, considering my interest in the Public Expenditure Tracking System (PETS) stems from my interest in corruption.
PETS was established because even though education and other services are being subsidized by the government, poverty is still rampant and the infrastructure of many institutions does not reflect government subsidies. Officials and donors found it necessary to track where funds were going and how they were being utilized. Is it an issue of too little funds or are funds not reaching the most needy? The fact that officials in the KCC would like to keep public records of funding allocation to schools private, leads me to believe that perhaps it is the former.
At the IGG we got the run around and no one seemed to know what I was talking about or who I should even speak to. I wasn’t disappointed because I expected this, but I was annoyed that the so-called receptionists knew close to nothing about anything.
At the MFEP, the administrators were extremely helpful. They directed me to the resource center where I found a ton of books documenting the government’s allocation of funding in education. This was exactly what I was looking for. The down side was that I am not allowed to check out the books, so I will have to physically sit in the library everyday until I get all the information that I need.
At the KCC, we ran into a friend's friend who knew exactly who I needed to speak to, but he wasn’t in the office. He encouraged me to come back on Monday, but stated that I should only speak to that particular officer, as much of the information that I needed is public record, but the officers do not like to share it because it leads to further investigation about other things. This most certainly did not surprise me, considering my interest in the Public Expenditure Tracking System (PETS) stems from my interest in corruption.
PETS was established because even though education and other services are being subsidized by the government, poverty is still rampant and the infrastructure of many institutions does not reflect government subsidies. Officials and donors found it necessary to track where funds were going and how they were being utilized. Is it an issue of too little funds or are funds not reaching the most needy? The fact that officials in the KCC would like to keep public records of funding allocation to schools private, leads me to believe that perhaps it is the former.
7.26.2007
The American Dream
My friend owns a store, which is the local hangout spot for his friends and other young people in town. Everyone convenes there in the evening after work and great ideas and conversation is constantly generated. There, we’ve talked about everything from bar crawling and the latest vodka on the market to solutions for Africa’s economic development problems and whose culture should be adopted in intercultural relationships.
This week, I’ve been running into one of his friends called, Mark. Mark has been very enthusiastic about talking to me about the US because he was recently granted an immigration visa and green card by the US government. He got it by entering into a drawing that is done every year, granting 50,000 green cards to applicants around the world. Millions of people apply for it and the chances of getting it are extremely slim. The process also takes a very long time. Mark applied in the summer of 2005 and was just granted his visa last month.
Anyways, he is naturally very excited but worried about what to expect in the US. I have tried to be as open and candid with him as possible, but it is still very difficult to debunk ideas that people have had fed to them for decades.
The US is widely viewed as the land of opportunity and foreigners I’ve come into contact with can’t seem to surmise the fact that it is possible to go to the US and not become successful. Most people believe that if you work hard enough you’ll make it. I try to explain racism and social barriers that have been put in place to hold Blacks down. Yes, institutionalized racism is no longer present, but there are other personal barriers that exist, that I try to explain to those who seek to travel to the US, that they understandably can’t conceive.
For his sake, I hope that he does make it and life in America turns into all that he has envisioned. But the sad reality is that it probably won’t for a very long time. He is already college-educated and a very successful advertising manager for a very popular newspaper in Kampala. He says that he no longer feels challenged at his job and would like to go to America so that he can get his MBA. His brother currently lives in New York making a six figure salary with an MBA from Wharton (a top-rated business school). He envisions that same future for himself, but doesn’t feel that he can reach that same pinnacle of success in Kampala.
My main concerns with his dreams are not so much that they aren’t attainable (because they are), but rather that for the next five years (or until he gets his MBA), he’ll be working in a job that’s equally or even less challenging than the one he has now. Sadly, African degrees are not valued in the US and many educated immigrants find themselves working jobs that barely require a high school diploma.
When I presented these issues to him, he cast them to the side saying he wouldn’t mind being a waiter for a few years until he was able to get on his feet. I guess I should admire his tenacity, but as a socialist, I can’t get over the fact that the hard work I’ve done is discredited simply because I am coming from a foreign land. I can’t stand for that, sorry.
This week, I’ve been running into one of his friends called, Mark. Mark has been very enthusiastic about talking to me about the US because he was recently granted an immigration visa and green card by the US government. He got it by entering into a drawing that is done every year, granting 50,000 green cards to applicants around the world. Millions of people apply for it and the chances of getting it are extremely slim. The process also takes a very long time. Mark applied in the summer of 2005 and was just granted his visa last month.
Anyways, he is naturally very excited but worried about what to expect in the US. I have tried to be as open and candid with him as possible, but it is still very difficult to debunk ideas that people have had fed to them for decades.
The US is widely viewed as the land of opportunity and foreigners I’ve come into contact with can’t seem to surmise the fact that it is possible to go to the US and not become successful. Most people believe that if you work hard enough you’ll make it. I try to explain racism and social barriers that have been put in place to hold Blacks down. Yes, institutionalized racism is no longer present, but there are other personal barriers that exist, that I try to explain to those who seek to travel to the US, that they understandably can’t conceive.
For his sake, I hope that he does make it and life in America turns into all that he has envisioned. But the sad reality is that it probably won’t for a very long time. He is already college-educated and a very successful advertising manager for a very popular newspaper in Kampala. He says that he no longer feels challenged at his job and would like to go to America so that he can get his MBA. His brother currently lives in New York making a six figure salary with an MBA from Wharton (a top-rated business school). He envisions that same future for himself, but doesn’t feel that he can reach that same pinnacle of success in Kampala.
My main concerns with his dreams are not so much that they aren’t attainable (because they are), but rather that for the next five years (or until he gets his MBA), he’ll be working in a job that’s equally or even less challenging than the one he has now. Sadly, African degrees are not valued in the US and many educated immigrants find themselves working jobs that barely require a high school diploma.
When I presented these issues to him, he cast them to the side saying he wouldn’t mind being a waiter for a few years until he was able to get on his feet. I guess I should admire his tenacity, but as a socialist, I can’t get over the fact that the hard work I’ve done is discredited simply because I am coming from a foreign land. I can’t stand for that, sorry.
7.25.2007
Lim Loves the Kids
Today I gave the children the clothes that I collected. They were ecstatic. I was able to bring over 100 pieces of clothing and each child was able to receive at least one item. Even though only one item seems like it may not be much for the common person, to these children it is a great deal. Most of them wear the same items of clothing every single day. When the center was able to give them uniforms to give to school, they began to wear the uniforms during the day and using their single outfits as play clothes. Sadly enough, I am able to remember each child because they are usually wearing the same outfit each day. So having an additional shirt or bottom makes a huge difference to them.
They were also extremely grateful and I think they got more comfortable with me. One thing that has surprised me about working with this young people is the amount of respect they have for me and those around them. I think it may have a lot to do with the fact that this organization is community based, but I am so impressed by the way they conduct themselves in front of elders and those they respect. Each time they greet you or present you with something they bow in a sign of respect. I am so happy that even though a great deal of their family structure has been disrupted due to the death of their parents, they have maintained traditional customs and respect for elders. It is such a beautiful thing, and something that many youth in impoverished communities all over the world are lacking.
They were also extremely grateful and I think they got more comfortable with me. One thing that has surprised me about working with this young people is the amount of respect they have for me and those around them. I think it may have a lot to do with the fact that this organization is community based, but I am so impressed by the way they conduct themselves in front of elders and those they respect. Each time they greet you or present you with something they bow in a sign of respect. I am so happy that even though a great deal of their family structure has been disrupted due to the death of their parents, they have maintained traditional customs and respect for elders. It is such a beautiful thing, and something that many youth in impoverished communities all over the world are lacking.
7.24.2007
Why on Earth Do People Still Have Polio in 2007?
Today Mengo Youth Development Link co-sponsored an event with a Korean organization called Little Jesus International Gibbun Woori World and a Ugandan organization called Able the Disabled. It was an advocacy event to bring awareness to the community about the plight of the disabled. In Uganda, there are quite a number of people with disabilities. Many of them are homeless and live on the streets, trying to sustain their livelihoods through begging.
The saddest part of their illness is that much of it could have been prevented. Most westerners are not familiar with polio because we have been getting immunized for it for decades. Unfortunately, many families are too poor to immunize their children and many of them end up suffering from polio, severely handicapping them.
These three organizations decided to come together to donate wheelchairs to people with disabilities who have been struggling to transport themselves around town. Virtually none of the country is sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities and no accommodations are made for them. The recipients were ecstatic and blessed to receive the wheelchairs because life would be much easier for them. Since many of them were unable to walk on their legs because they were too weak or they had none, they walked on their hands. Many were unable to afford even crutches. It was very sad to see so many people in such a condition walk into the event, but it was very fulfilling to see them so happy for their gift once they left.
Of course not even was happy about the event. The recipients of the wheelchair were required to register for the event before they came to ensure that they had enough wheelchairs. However, when the word spread that wheelchairs were being given out for free, many people who were not pre-registered for the event came to try and get one. It was very difficult having to turn people away, but the organizers had a protocol to follow. Another challenged faced with the event was in the wheelchairs themselves. They were made too small for some people and they couldn’t fit into them. However, because of their financial situation, they were not willing to give them back to the organizers. They would rather keep them and try to sell them for profit or exchange them for ones that fit. It would have been nice if everyone who came was able to be served and to their satisfaction, but these are the challenges faced in many development projects, especially ones that are catering to communities where equipment needs to be custom made to fit them.
The saddest part of their illness is that much of it could have been prevented. Most westerners are not familiar with polio because we have been getting immunized for it for decades. Unfortunately, many families are too poor to immunize their children and many of them end up suffering from polio, severely handicapping them.
These three organizations decided to come together to donate wheelchairs to people with disabilities who have been struggling to transport themselves around town. Virtually none of the country is sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities and no accommodations are made for them. The recipients were ecstatic and blessed to receive the wheelchairs because life would be much easier for them. Since many of them were unable to walk on their legs because they were too weak or they had none, they walked on their hands. Many were unable to afford even crutches. It was very sad to see so many people in such a condition walk into the event, but it was very fulfilling to see them so happy for their gift once they left.
Of course not even was happy about the event. The recipients of the wheelchair were required to register for the event before they came to ensure that they had enough wheelchairs. However, when the word spread that wheelchairs were being given out for free, many people who were not pre-registered for the event came to try and get one. It was very difficult having to turn people away, but the organizers had a protocol to follow. Another challenged faced with the event was in the wheelchairs themselves. They were made too small for some people and they couldn’t fit into them. However, because of their financial situation, they were not willing to give them back to the organizers. They would rather keep them and try to sell them for profit or exchange them for ones that fit. It would have been nice if everyone who came was able to be served and to their satisfaction, but these are the challenges faced in many development projects, especially ones that are catering to communities where equipment needs to be custom made to fit them.
7.23.2007
Day One at MYDEL
Today was my first day at Mengo Youth Development Link (MYDEL). I met with the director of the organization and his staff. Everyone was extremely welcoming and immediately made me feel happy to be there. We had a brief orientation and overview of their projects. I was surprised to see the size of the office and center considering how much they did for the community. However, they had created such a comfortable and positive environment that even though they were short in resources, the sense of community developed as a result of their efforts was overwhelming.
I instructed class in the center for about an hour in order to get better acquainted with the youth. The classroom where the students conduct most of their activities is not at all standard, even for a developing society. All of the students who come to MYDEL are orphaned or vulnerable and their families are unable to pay for them to go to school. Education is free in Uganda, but families still have to pay for supplies and their uniforms and those living in poverty are unable to afford it. Therefore, MYDEL provides instruction to the children in this community so that they are able to stay on track with their age group. However, due to a lack of resources, all of the students learn in one classroom. Even though they are divided by age group, they usually learn similar material simultaneously because there organization has a limited number of staff. While leading the reading and comprehension lesson, I faced a major challenge that I feel will impede my development efforts in many ways. Though most of the school-aged children speak English, it was difficult for them to understand me because of my accent.
I have also found challenges in day to day life because though English is the national language of Uganda, Luganda is more widely spoken. It is used in everyday life including general conversation, in stores, in offices, and the news is even read on tv in Luganda. I have learned a few words here and there, but I would be better able to communicate with and understand people if I knew more.
The older youth have been very helpful in translating for me, but many of the younger children are unable to fully express themselves in English and feel more comfortable speaking Luganda.
After orienting with the children and youth, I took an impromptu tour of downtown Kampala. I was on the search for mangos and peanuts, so my coworkers took me to the market.
Traveling through Kampala is quite an adventure. For one, there are no traffic lights, so traffic is fairly chaotic. Cars, trucks, motorbikes, and pedestrians weave in and out of traffic quite carelessly. Autos do not give pedestrians the right of way and they are left to fend for themselves. Crossing the street requires a great deal of effort, tact, and wit and it is quite frightening. I am very afraid of someone take off my foot as cars don’t brake for you if you’re crossing the streets (they just beep continuously as they increase their speed) and the motorbikes get extremely close to the sidewalks so even if you are walking with the flow of traffic on the sidewalk, you still risk being hit or clipped by the bike.
After visiting a few markets we went back to the office where the youth, were playing football and volleyball. They staff plays with the youth until dark and then takes them into the center, where they practice drama and dancing until well into the night. I left before the activities were completed and that was at close to 10pm. They staff stays up with the youth as late as possible so that they are kept occupied and do not become idle.
It is idleness which causes most of the ills in this community. People turn to drug use, promiscuity, and theft in order to fill their time since they are not in school or working. MYDEL staff works for over 16 hours a day to occupy the children and youth in the community so that they do not find time to participate in destructive behavior.
By the end of the day, I was surely tired, so I believe their plan is working.
I instructed class in the center for about an hour in order to get better acquainted with the youth. The classroom where the students conduct most of their activities is not at all standard, even for a developing society. All of the students who come to MYDEL are orphaned or vulnerable and their families are unable to pay for them to go to school. Education is free in Uganda, but families still have to pay for supplies and their uniforms and those living in poverty are unable to afford it. Therefore, MYDEL provides instruction to the children in this community so that they are able to stay on track with their age group. However, due to a lack of resources, all of the students learn in one classroom. Even though they are divided by age group, they usually learn similar material simultaneously because there organization has a limited number of staff. While leading the reading and comprehension lesson, I faced a major challenge that I feel will impede my development efforts in many ways. Though most of the school-aged children speak English, it was difficult for them to understand me because of my accent.
I have also found challenges in day to day life because though English is the national language of Uganda, Luganda is more widely spoken. It is used in everyday life including general conversation, in stores, in offices, and the news is even read on tv in Luganda. I have learned a few words here and there, but I would be better able to communicate with and understand people if I knew more.
The older youth have been very helpful in translating for me, but many of the younger children are unable to fully express themselves in English and feel more comfortable speaking Luganda.
After orienting with the children and youth, I took an impromptu tour of downtown Kampala. I was on the search for mangos and peanuts, so my coworkers took me to the market.
Traveling through Kampala is quite an adventure. For one, there are no traffic lights, so traffic is fairly chaotic. Cars, trucks, motorbikes, and pedestrians weave in and out of traffic quite carelessly. Autos do not give pedestrians the right of way and they are left to fend for themselves. Crossing the street requires a great deal of effort, tact, and wit and it is quite frightening. I am very afraid of someone take off my foot as cars don’t brake for you if you’re crossing the streets (they just beep continuously as they increase their speed) and the motorbikes get extremely close to the sidewalks so even if you are walking with the flow of traffic on the sidewalk, you still risk being hit or clipped by the bike.
After visiting a few markets we went back to the office where the youth, were playing football and volleyball. They staff plays with the youth until dark and then takes them into the center, where they practice drama and dancing until well into the night. I left before the activities were completed and that was at close to 10pm. They staff stays up with the youth as late as possible so that they are kept occupied and do not become idle.
It is idleness which causes most of the ills in this community. People turn to drug use, promiscuity, and theft in order to fill their time since they are not in school or working. MYDEL staff works for over 16 hours a day to occupy the children and youth in the community so that they do not find time to participate in destructive behavior.
By the end of the day, I was surely tired, so I believe their plan is working.
7.20.2007
Back to Basics
Today, I did the first thing that is usually on my mind when I visit the continent. I got my hair braided. I always take advantage of the fact that I can get my hair done exactly the way I like for an extremely small fraction of that which I would pay in the States to get it done very subpar. Of course, I sent my friend over ahead of me to bargain for the price because once the braiders heard my accent, I’d have a great deal of difficulty getting the local rate.
I was successful getting it done and I love it!
I also did the usual tasks like exchanging money, and got a cell phone.
I also met some of my friend’s family. He has a million and one brothers and they are all very nice. Their family store is the local hang out spot and when I got there, there were about 20 of his friends and family to meet. I apologized ahead of time because I knew that I would not be able to remember all of their names.
During this time I actually realized how horrible my memory has been getting. There were people that I met last year and who even met me at the airport the day before and I could not remember their faces, much less their names for the life of me!
The rest of the day was spent hanging out with friends. We watched music videos and had some drinks the earlier part of the evening. This was actually more enlightening for me because when I am home I rarely have time to watch television and definitely not videos. Here there is a music channel that plays videos all day long and a good majority of them are from the US, so I was able to put a face to the voices that I often hear on the radio and in the club.
The second part of the night we went to a bar in town and that was also a good time. The music was great. It reminded me why I like being here so much. They play the best songs, new or old and I love that.
Overall, it was a great way to start the trip.
I was successful getting it done and I love it!
I also did the usual tasks like exchanging money, and got a cell phone.
I also met some of my friend’s family. He has a million and one brothers and they are all very nice. Their family store is the local hang out spot and when I got there, there were about 20 of his friends and family to meet. I apologized ahead of time because I knew that I would not be able to remember all of their names.
During this time I actually realized how horrible my memory has been getting. There were people that I met last year and who even met me at the airport the day before and I could not remember their faces, much less their names for the life of me!
The rest of the day was spent hanging out with friends. We watched music videos and had some drinks the earlier part of the evening. This was actually more enlightening for me because when I am home I rarely have time to watch television and definitely not videos. Here there is a music channel that plays videos all day long and a good majority of them are from the US, so I was able to put a face to the voices that I often hear on the radio and in the club.
The second part of the night we went to a bar in town and that was also a good time. The music was great. It reminded me why I like being here so much. They play the best songs, new or old and I love that.
Overall, it was a great way to start the trip.
7.18.2007
Woo Hoo! I'm Finally an African!
Today’s arrival in Entebbe airport was very different from last year’s. Last year, I traveled with a group of about 20 American young people. Once we arrived at the airport, we went through the immigration check, got our luggage and were on our way. I always wondered, how Entebbe verified that arrivals were allowed to enter the country because there was no security gate or officers between the baggage claim and immigration check. Basically, you could pretend that had gone through immigration and just walk straight over to baggage claim with no issue and then out of the airport clean and clear. This year, however, because I was a black girl traveling alone, I received the authentic African treatment in the airport.
I first realized that something was different because when I was in line for the immigration check there was an African woman in front of me who was unable to get through. She presented the officer with her license and the officer immediately looked apprehensive. She asked the woman where else she had traveled that year and once the lady was unable to tell her, she told her that she would be unable to allow her into the country with that passport. She informed her that she would have to go to the immigration office before she was able to officially enter the country.
The whole time I was observing this, I wondered what wouldn’t stop the woman from retrieving her bags and simply walk out of the airport like I had done the previous year after my immigration check. Well I was soon to find out.
Once I passed through immigration, got my passport stamped, and claimed my bags, I was randomly stopped throughout the airport two more times. The officers asked to see my passport and they each verified that it had been stamped and I was indeed allowed to enter the country. I must say however, that once they saw it was a US passport, they didn’t look too intently for the stamp, but what caused their initial approach of me, was my Blackness.
Though this excited me because I was finally being treated like a local, it annoyed me that the year before I was able to walk through this same airport without interference because of my white travel mates. I wish that there will come a time when Africans do not treat White people as omniscient beings. Everyone no matter what race they associate with should receive the same treatment, especially in the eye of the law. White visitors should not be abstained from the verification of a visa and allowed to enter the country freely, while Africans are being scrutinized.
But in the same boat, I was happy to be finally viewed as an African because though this caused a bit of annoyance in the airport, I knew that for the next month it would benefit me because prices of goods would not be as inflated on the account of my Americanness.
I first realized that something was different because when I was in line for the immigration check there was an African woman in front of me who was unable to get through. She presented the officer with her license and the officer immediately looked apprehensive. She asked the woman where else she had traveled that year and once the lady was unable to tell her, she told her that she would be unable to allow her into the country with that passport. She informed her that she would have to go to the immigration office before she was able to officially enter the country.
The whole time I was observing this, I wondered what wouldn’t stop the woman from retrieving her bags and simply walk out of the airport like I had done the previous year after my immigration check. Well I was soon to find out.
Once I passed through immigration, got my passport stamped, and claimed my bags, I was randomly stopped throughout the airport two more times. The officers asked to see my passport and they each verified that it had been stamped and I was indeed allowed to enter the country. I must say however, that once they saw it was a US passport, they didn’t look too intently for the stamp, but what caused their initial approach of me, was my Blackness.
Though this excited me because I was finally being treated like a local, it annoyed me that the year before I was able to walk through this same airport without interference because of my white travel mates. I wish that there will come a time when Africans do not treat White people as omniscient beings. Everyone no matter what race they associate with should receive the same treatment, especially in the eye of the law. White visitors should not be abstained from the verification of a visa and allowed to enter the country freely, while Africans are being scrutinized.
But in the same boat, I was happy to be finally viewed as an African because though this caused a bit of annoyance in the airport, I knew that for the next month it would benefit me because prices of goods would not be as inflated on the account of my Americanness.
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