Physically in San Diego but "body time" is still somewhere over the Atlantic.
As chickens in Angola run for their lives (therefore, very skinny and chewy) I bought a pampered American chicken yesterday. Yum!
A very Happy Turkey Day to all.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Leaving Angola - again
I was able to see the town of Benguela over the weekend as I walked for hours on Saturday. There was a long parade with hundreds of people – celebrating the National Independence Day early! Benguela does not have the ravages of war that are still seen in Huambo. The sidewalks are good and the houses lack bullet holes. I am told that Benguela was “spruced up” before last year’s Africa Cup as it was one of the venues.
The houses in this town are lovely, large and painted in bright colors. I am reminded of the change in Prague’s Old Town Square during the early 1990’s. The buildings were drab until a municipal project turned the square’s buildings into a rainbow of pastel colors. I can make the same comparison between Huambo (very gray) and Benguela.
I went into several shops and saw first hand, the impact of the Chinese merchants in Africa. Consumer goods of all kinds are for sale – all made in China – all sold by Chinese men and women. The shops are crammed from floor to ceiling. However, the only Chinese restaurant in Benguela is now Brazilian food! It still has the red lanterns in the front but no more dim sum.
There is a large well designed basketball court near my guest house. I watched young men (20’s) playing. Angola always has a great basketball team and wins the African championship often. Each club team had cheerleaders and noisy fans! The basketball has some differences from the American game and the refs allowed much more physical contact.
During my walks, I see many women selling produce on the streets. It was a feat to only buy one banana as she was insistent that I needed 6! Great sales technique. I also had marvelous gelato from a small shop. As the weather has been very hot and humid, it was a treat.
The owner of the guest house where I am staying is an American, Nancy. She came to Angola 15 years ago with a NGO and never left. Her business has two parts: the guest house and a school for English. Every evening when I return from work, young adults are in class. I had the privilege of speaking to two classes. They asked me questions about the USA and my life. I asked each one the same question, “When your English is perfect, how will your life change?” The answers are revealing. Most talked about advancement in their profession or a change in jobs but one Brazilian ex pat said, “I will be able to understand the TV!”
I was able to see other parts of this province with Nancy and her friends during some short trips. The coast here reminds me of Baja – the water is warm and the cliffs often go right into the water. I did not bring a suit so just put my feet in. Angolans are good ocean/bay swimmers as well as fisherman.
One last comparison: when I work in Ghana 10+ years ago, I was considered “rich” because I was large. In Benguela, many people are much larger than I. There is prosperity here – people drive large SUV’s, the houses are large, the shops are filled. I have not seen the countryside in this province but the city is prosperous.
My work with CNFA and CLUSA has gone well. The Board of Directors for the two Cooperatives are very attentive. It is hard as the language of financial numbers is very new to all of them. These are very small cooperatives with primary crops of bananas, tomatoes, and onions. None of these crops store well so the issues are different from the Huambo region where maize could be stores and also ground. As each of these Cooperatives has recently received a loan, it was important to focus on the repayment aspects for the cooperative. I calculated the daily interest expense and it was an eye opener. Several Directors said that the bank did not charge interest on the loan on Sunday as it was not a work day! My hope is that I created a sense of urgency in each Cooperative to continue learning the financial aspects of the Cooperative’s business.
CLUSA was an excellent host. I received some lovely fabric from them – “to make a dress”!
I am off to Luanda on Wednesday the 10th – then Joburg SA – Atlanta and San Diego on the 12th. It has been a wonderful but short trip. Too many Angolan holidays!
The houses in this town are lovely, large and painted in bright colors. I am reminded of the change in Prague’s Old Town Square during the early 1990’s. The buildings were drab until a municipal project turned the square’s buildings into a rainbow of pastel colors. I can make the same comparison between Huambo (very gray) and Benguela.
I went into several shops and saw first hand, the impact of the Chinese merchants in Africa. Consumer goods of all kinds are for sale – all made in China – all sold by Chinese men and women. The shops are crammed from floor to ceiling. However, the only Chinese restaurant in Benguela is now Brazilian food! It still has the red lanterns in the front but no more dim sum.
There is a large well designed basketball court near my guest house. I watched young men (20’s) playing. Angola always has a great basketball team and wins the African championship often. Each club team had cheerleaders and noisy fans! The basketball has some differences from the American game and the refs allowed much more physical contact.
During my walks, I see many women selling produce on the streets. It was a feat to only buy one banana as she was insistent that I needed 6! Great sales technique. I also had marvelous gelato from a small shop. As the weather has been very hot and humid, it was a treat.
The owner of the guest house where I am staying is an American, Nancy. She came to Angola 15 years ago with a NGO and never left. Her business has two parts: the guest house and a school for English. Every evening when I return from work, young adults are in class. I had the privilege of speaking to two classes. They asked me questions about the USA and my life. I asked each one the same question, “When your English is perfect, how will your life change?” The answers are revealing. Most talked about advancement in their profession or a change in jobs but one Brazilian ex pat said, “I will be able to understand the TV!”
I was able to see other parts of this province with Nancy and her friends during some short trips. The coast here reminds me of Baja – the water is warm and the cliffs often go right into the water. I did not bring a suit so just put my feet in. Angolans are good ocean/bay swimmers as well as fisherman.
One last comparison: when I work in Ghana 10+ years ago, I was considered “rich” because I was large. In Benguela, many people are much larger than I. There is prosperity here – people drive large SUV’s, the houses are large, the shops are filled. I have not seen the countryside in this province but the city is prosperous.
My work with CNFA and CLUSA has gone well. The Board of Directors for the two Cooperatives are very attentive. It is hard as the language of financial numbers is very new to all of them. These are very small cooperatives with primary crops of bananas, tomatoes, and onions. None of these crops store well so the issues are different from the Huambo region where maize could be stores and also ground. As each of these Cooperatives has recently received a loan, it was important to focus on the repayment aspects for the cooperative. I calculated the daily interest expense and it was an eye opener. Several Directors said that the bank did not charge interest on the loan on Sunday as it was not a work day! My hope is that I created a sense of urgency in each Cooperative to continue learning the financial aspects of the Cooperative’s business.
CLUSA was an excellent host. I received some lovely fabric from them – “to make a dress”!
I am off to Luanda on Wednesday the 10th – then Joburg SA – Atlanta and San Diego on the 12th. It has been a wonderful but short trip. Too many Angolan holidays!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Mosquitos are eating me alive
My trip from San Diego was uneventful – just several stops: Atlanta, Joburg South Africa, and Luanda Angola. It poured the night I was in Luanda so I was “room” bound.
Nancy’s Guest House is an interesting place. It is/was a home in a very residential neighborhood. Several small buildings were added which have the rooms – mine is the Wood Room as it is entirely paneled in pine – even the ceiling! Nancy is out of Angola until Thursday. She also runs an English School. There are adults of all ages learning English through the Direct Method.
On Monday I went to the CLUSA office with Luciano, the CNFA Program Manager from Huambo. My project in Benguela is jointly managed by CLUSA and CNFA. I am the first volunteer. The SOW (Scope of Work) was to consult and train with one Cooperative, Twassuka in the areas of Cooperative management, Finance, Leadership, etc. At the first meeting with CLUSA Luciano and I were told that a second Cooperative, Camehe would also be participating. The consulting and training will take place in the CLUSA offices as the two cooperatives are very small with no buildings of their own. We are expecting ~10 people. The room has “school” chairs with a flip up writing surface.
CLUSA’s office is quite large – a two story building in the center of Benguela. There are at least 7 staff members: Director, 2 Program Managers, Office Administrator, Drivers and others. As the building was a home, there is a kitchen which will be used to provide lunch for the participants.
Tuesday November 2nd
This is a national holiday in Angola – Day of the Dead. It is for remembrance of those departed. I did go to a nearby Catholic church which was empty. The beaches however were full. It is hot and humid now in Angola and the general population took the opportunity to enjoy a fine day swimming and partying with friends. I decided that an old large white woman on the beach was not in order!
Dinner was in a nearby outdoor pub – wonderful bean soup, bread and a Cuca (Angolan beer.)
Wednesday November 3rd
My class is 8 farmers from 2 Cooperatives and 3 CLUSA employees. My SOW is very broad – financial management to organizational structure to decision making to team building. Our first day included Mission Statements, Vision Statements, Organizational Structure and Responsibilities, and Bank Loan Request.
Thursday November 4th
We continued today with Business Plans, SWOT Analysis, Ansoff Matrix, and the beginning of Financial Statement. I stress that a Cooperative must be a business, not just a social organization but I am not sure that I am being understood
Nancy’s Guest House is an interesting place. It is/was a home in a very residential neighborhood. Several small buildings were added which have the rooms – mine is the Wood Room as it is entirely paneled in pine – even the ceiling! Nancy is out of Angola until Thursday. She also runs an English School. There are adults of all ages learning English through the Direct Method.
On Monday I went to the CLUSA office with Luciano, the CNFA Program Manager from Huambo. My project in Benguela is jointly managed by CLUSA and CNFA. I am the first volunteer. The SOW (Scope of Work) was to consult and train with one Cooperative, Twassuka in the areas of Cooperative management, Finance, Leadership, etc. At the first meeting with CLUSA Luciano and I were told that a second Cooperative, Camehe would also be participating. The consulting and training will take place in the CLUSA offices as the two cooperatives are very small with no buildings of their own. We are expecting ~10 people. The room has “school” chairs with a flip up writing surface.
CLUSA’s office is quite large – a two story building in the center of Benguela. There are at least 7 staff members: Director, 2 Program Managers, Office Administrator, Drivers and others. As the building was a home, there is a kitchen which will be used to provide lunch for the participants.
Tuesday November 2nd
This is a national holiday in Angola – Day of the Dead. It is for remembrance of those departed. I did go to a nearby Catholic church which was empty. The beaches however were full. It is hot and humid now in Angola and the general population took the opportunity to enjoy a fine day swimming and partying with friends. I decided that an old large white woman on the beach was not in order!
Dinner was in a nearby outdoor pub – wonderful bean soup, bread and a Cuca (Angolan beer.)
Wednesday November 3rd
My class is 8 farmers from 2 Cooperatives and 3 CLUSA employees. My SOW is very broad – financial management to organizational structure to decision making to team building. Our first day included Mission Statements, Vision Statements, Organizational Structure and Responsibilities, and Bank Loan Request.
Thursday November 4th
We continued today with Business Plans, SWOT Analysis, Ansoff Matrix, and the beginning of Financial Statement. I stress that a Cooperative must be a business, not just a social organization but I am not sure that I am being understood
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Off to Africa again!
Mother and I returned from the cruise and had absolutely no problems with our flights home - delightful. The Queen Mary 2 is quite an experience.
Leaving tomorrow for Atlanta and then Joburg South Africa; overnight at City Lodge Joburg and then on to Benguela Angola. This is a city on the Atlantic coast which is considered a resort. I will be working for CNFA and CLUSA with another cooperative. Home mid November.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
October 11th and 12th
Yesterday was a really tough travel day! 3+ hours delayed out of San Diego due to fog. Arrived in San Francisco and missed our connection. Rebooked. Plane had mechanicals so into JFK at 2:00am on the 12th. Safely to hotel. Sleep briefly and off to the Queen Mary 2 for 14 days of Atlantic crossing.
I will try to blog while on the ship but I understand that internet is slow and $$$. You are all worth it but the slowness may be a problem.
I will try to blog while on the ship but I understand that internet is slow and $$$. You are all worth it but the slowness may be a problem.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Luanda Part 2
What a wonderful day! This is a national holiday honoring the first President of Angola - Agostinho Neto MD. He was in office from 1975 - 1979. He died in Russia during a cancer operation. To the right is his burial monument.I walked there today - more of an adventure that I expected - almost 2 hours round trip. The grounds were closed until the festivities honoring his birth date. The monument overlooks an extensive shanty town - cardboard and tin structures all of which have tv antennaes or tv dishes.
Luanda is deserted - only 1/20 of the traffic, cars or humans. Everyone has left for a 3 day holiday.
I have been invited to lunch with the family who own Soleme House. More on that later.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Reflections on Luanda - Part 1
I am now back in Luanda, the capital of Angola. I arrived with little fuss yesterday on TAAG, the Angolan airline. This was an accomplishment as TAAG is known for canceling or re-routing flights on the day of departure. TAAG has petitioned for a direct route from Houston TX to Luanda; hard to imagine those Texans understanding flights which do not go on time or ever!
To finish commenting on my assignment: at one of the Cooperatives the SOW (Scope of Work) was fully completed. This is a Coop which is extremely organized and has been mentored by a Portuguese NGO for several years. The other Coop is not as organized and the SOW was only 2/3 completed. I was unable to train the Treasurer on Excel spreadsheets due to a change in my time allocation by the President of the Coop. He invited other Coop Presidents to come for 3 days of Financial Management training. He is more political so this change was his agenda.
As I arrived early in Luanda on Friday morning from Huambo, I began walking in Luanda. It was a lovely day – not too hot or humid. Following are some of my reflections:
A dead man on the sidewalk. I passed him four times during the day. Finally on the last pass, the police (?) were zipping him into a body bag.
The Port is very industrial. However, at one time there was a pedestrian walkway (like the Strand in Shanghai). It is however in disrepair.
Buying a grilled half chicken for dinner. The supermarket is called EATS. Dozens of chickens are “butterflied” and put on holders over a charcoal grill. I ordered ½ with black beans. I was helped in this ordering by two young men – one was Portuguese and Zimbabwe. Perfect English and works in an import—export company. The other was Chinese; he is a laborer (building buildings) who has been here for 6 years. His English improved as we waited for our dinners.
Found Coke Zero in the supermarket!
Traffic is awful – compares to Vietnam. Motorcycles drive on the sidewalk. Traffic signals (signs and lights) are only suggestions, not requirements. Too many cars. Gasoline is subsidized by the Angolan government so no incentive to drive less or in smaller vehicles. Everyone has a big SUV.
Soleme Guest House is a wonderful oasis in Luanda. In the middle of the property is the family home with at least 4 generations in residence, so children are always around. The guest rooms are in buildings which form the boundaries. There is also an on site bakery which makes the typical bread – a long roll. My room this time is over the bakery so I awoke hungry to the smell of baking bread at 4:30am!
To finish commenting on my assignment: at one of the Cooperatives the SOW (Scope of Work) was fully completed. This is a Coop which is extremely organized and has been mentored by a Portuguese NGO for several years. The other Coop is not as organized and the SOW was only 2/3 completed. I was unable to train the Treasurer on Excel spreadsheets due to a change in my time allocation by the President of the Coop. He invited other Coop Presidents to come for 3 days of Financial Management training. He is more political so this change was his agenda.
As I arrived early in Luanda on Friday morning from Huambo, I began walking in Luanda. It was a lovely day – not too hot or humid. Following are some of my reflections:
A dead man on the sidewalk. I passed him four times during the day. Finally on the last pass, the police (?) were zipping him into a body bag.
The Port is very industrial. However, at one time there was a pedestrian walkway (like the Strand in Shanghai). It is however in disrepair.
Buying a grilled half chicken for dinner. The supermarket is called EATS. Dozens of chickens are “butterflied” and put on holders over a charcoal grill. I ordered ½ with black beans. I was helped in this ordering by two young men – one was Portuguese and Zimbabwe. Perfect English and works in an import—export company. The other was Chinese; he is a laborer (building buildings) who has been here for 6 years. His English improved as we waited for our dinners.
Found Coke Zero in the supermarket!
Traffic is awful – compares to Vietnam. Motorcycles drive on the sidewalk. Traffic signals (signs and lights) are only suggestions, not requirements. Too many cars. Gasoline is subsidized by the Angolan government so no incentive to drive less or in smaller vehicles. Everyone has a big SUV.
Soleme Guest House is a wonderful oasis in Luanda. In the middle of the property is the family home with at least 4 generations in residence, so children are always around. The guest rooms are in buildings which form the boundaries. There is also an on site bakery which makes the typical bread – a long roll. My room this time is over the bakery so I awoke hungry to the smell of baking bread at 4:30am!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sunday September 12th
A week as passed since my last blog. Most of the week was spent in Ecunha, a very small village 1 hour outside of Huambo. Coopechuna is a fairly new cooperative with a strong Portuguese NGO background. I worked with a relatively small group of Coop officers in March and am assisting the same on this trip.
The first activity has been difficult. I am requiring that the Coop officer in charge of a subsidiary helps me document the sources of revenue and the expenses. The difficulty is the Coop thinks only in terms of cash receipts and disbursements. If there was money spent two months ago, they do not make the connection with revenue received today. As with the first Coop, some of the subsidiaries spend more than they receive.
I have now created Profit and Loss Excel spreadsheets for both Cooperatives and their subsidiaries. These will be loaded onto the computers and appropriate individuals will be trained in basic Excel techniques. Hopefully, there will be continued training by a local consultant or bookkeeping firm.
Another volunteer has arrived – Dr. Jeffrey Engels. He is an American who just finished his doctorate in marketing at the University of Melbourne Australia. He and his wife Carla have lived there for several years after NGO stints around the world including Armenia and Peru. He is working with another Coop and developing marketing plans for various vegetables. It has been great to have someone to walk around the city with as well as share dinner. As some of you may recall, son Rob spent one semester of his undergraduate years at the University of Melbourne so it has been fun to hear about the changes that have taken place in that wonderful city.
We walked to the church I visited last Sunday in term to hear the choir as they left the sanctuary. What joyful singing and dancing with instruments! The church emptied and a hundred+ children ran inside! The noon service must be geared for the young ones. A group of girls wanted to speak English and were able to say “My name is..”. That is more than I can do in Portuguese so I feel very linguistically inadequate.
I am very grateful to CNFA Farmer to Farmer for the opportunity to volunteer again in southern Africa. This is one of the best NGOs that I have worked for in my 40+ year career. CNFA Farmer to Farmer is committed to capacity building; enabling individuals’ success by providing agricultural and financial skills. This strategy leaves people able to provide for themselves and their children.
A pause to reflect yesterday – the ninth anniversary of 9/11. I was in Italy with Mother and her friend, Sally Dempsey. As we were walking thru Bellagio, people came out with tears and hugs – devastated by the disaster. This day in Angola, was just another Saturday to the population which has experience multiple bombings over the decades. Every building bears the scars..
The smells of Angola defy description – nothing compares in the USA that I have experienced.
A small bout of GI distress is now over; the weather has been excellent – blue sky, sunshine, and 80’s but very low humidity and all is right with the world. Off for another walk.
The first activity has been difficult. I am requiring that the Coop officer in charge of a subsidiary helps me document the sources of revenue and the expenses. The difficulty is the Coop thinks only in terms of cash receipts and disbursements. If there was money spent two months ago, they do not make the connection with revenue received today. As with the first Coop, some of the subsidiaries spend more than they receive.
I have now created Profit and Loss Excel spreadsheets for both Cooperatives and their subsidiaries. These will be loaded onto the computers and appropriate individuals will be trained in basic Excel techniques. Hopefully, there will be continued training by a local consultant or bookkeeping firm.
Another volunteer has arrived – Dr. Jeffrey Engels. He is an American who just finished his doctorate in marketing at the University of Melbourne Australia. He and his wife Carla have lived there for several years after NGO stints around the world including Armenia and Peru. He is working with another Coop and developing marketing plans for various vegetables. It has been great to have someone to walk around the city with as well as share dinner. As some of you may recall, son Rob spent one semester of his undergraduate years at the University of Melbourne so it has been fun to hear about the changes that have taken place in that wonderful city.
We walked to the church I visited last Sunday in term to hear the choir as they left the sanctuary. What joyful singing and dancing with instruments! The church emptied and a hundred+ children ran inside! The noon service must be geared for the young ones. A group of girls wanted to speak English and were able to say “My name is..”. That is more than I can do in Portuguese so I feel very linguistically inadequate.
I am very grateful to CNFA Farmer to Farmer for the opportunity to volunteer again in southern Africa. This is one of the best NGOs that I have worked for in my 40+ year career. CNFA Farmer to Farmer is committed to capacity building; enabling individuals’ success by providing agricultural and financial skills. This strategy leaves people able to provide for themselves and their children.
A pause to reflect yesterday – the ninth anniversary of 9/11. I was in Italy with Mother and her friend, Sally Dempsey. As we were walking thru Bellagio, people came out with tears and hugs – devastated by the disaster. This day in Angola, was just another Saturday to the population which has experience multiple bombings over the decades. Every building bears the scars..
The smells of Angola defy description – nothing compares in the USA that I have experienced.
A small bout of GI distress is now over; the weather has been excellent – blue sky, sunshine, and 80’s but very low humidity and all is right with the world. Off for another walk.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sunday September 5th
Hello to all! College football is underway.
It is my custom to attend church services throughout the world. The hotel directed me to the nearest (only 8 blocks) – Se Cathedral, a Catholic church. Services were 6am, 8am and 10am. I walked over for the last service and found it was packed with several hundred participants outside, sitting on stools. Everyone was very dressed up – much more than my casual pants and shirt. I stayed outside, listening to the joyful choir. There is also a large percentage of Seventh Day Adventists in Huambo who celebrate the Sabbath on Saturday. I walked by that church as it is preparing for a wedding today.
I have changed rooms in the hotel: it is smaller (good), a working toilet (good); hot water in the shower (good); and two windows that open (excellent). It is also cheaper (logical?).
Last night dinner was local pizza – the crust is so thin that it is very difficult to pick up! The pizza was cheese, tomatoes, green olives, and small pieces of “bacon”. I gave ½ to a young man from Rwanda who asked if he could talk with me. Back to protein bars today.
I am walking the town this entire weekend. All of the buildings retain the scars of the Civil War – bullet and mortar holes. I am ignorant about the conflict; my breakfast companion Thomas (born in Angola of Belgian parents) said there were 3 rebel groups fighting; the one with Portuguese arms won. In his opinion, the Portuguese are still in control. At another breakfast, a Portuguese Angolan Victor joined me. He has lived in South Africa for 30+ years but is now conducting an irrigation business in Angola. His son, a banker from Standard Charter, will be arriving soon to talk about financing.
The project with Chipipa has been different. It is like walking in quick sand as it is never clear on a daily basis as to what is expected of me from the Coop. We have not been given the data/ information from the President/Executive Committee to create the Excel Spreadsheets. The President asked me to repeat the Financial Management classes to new Cooperative members; that objective was completed Friday. On several occasions in the last week, the President has requested a meeting with Luciano and me – but then has not shown up.
The CNFA office has a permanent Angolan Country Director – Chipilika Barbosa. When I was here in February, Dr. Nelson Jacobs was an interim director. The two Project Coordinators, Luciano and Angelino are still extremely effective; the Office Manager, Victoria is out on medical leave so I am able to use her office and internet connection but I miss her.
The weather has been excellent – blue sky, sunshine, and 80’s but very low humidity. Off for another walk.
It is my custom to attend church services throughout the world. The hotel directed me to the nearest (only 8 blocks) – Se Cathedral, a Catholic church. Services were 6am, 8am and 10am. I walked over for the last service and found it was packed with several hundred participants outside, sitting on stools. Everyone was very dressed up – much more than my casual pants and shirt. I stayed outside, listening to the joyful choir. There is also a large percentage of Seventh Day Adventists in Huambo who celebrate the Sabbath on Saturday. I walked by that church as it is preparing for a wedding today.
I have changed rooms in the hotel: it is smaller (good), a working toilet (good); hot water in the shower (good); and two windows that open (excellent). It is also cheaper (logical?).
Last night dinner was local pizza – the crust is so thin that it is very difficult to pick up! The pizza was cheese, tomatoes, green olives, and small pieces of “bacon”. I gave ½ to a young man from Rwanda who asked if he could talk with me. Back to protein bars today.
I am walking the town this entire weekend. All of the buildings retain the scars of the Civil War – bullet and mortar holes. I am ignorant about the conflict; my breakfast companion Thomas (born in Angola of Belgian parents) said there were 3 rebel groups fighting; the one with Portuguese arms won. In his opinion, the Portuguese are still in control. At another breakfast, a Portuguese Angolan Victor joined me. He has lived in South Africa for 30+ years but is now conducting an irrigation business in Angola. His son, a banker from Standard Charter, will be arriving soon to talk about financing.
The project with Chipipa has been different. It is like walking in quick sand as it is never clear on a daily basis as to what is expected of me from the Coop. We have not been given the data/ information from the President/Executive Committee to create the Excel Spreadsheets. The President asked me to repeat the Financial Management classes to new Cooperative members; that objective was completed Friday. On several occasions in the last week, the President has requested a meeting with Luciano and me – but then has not shown up.
The CNFA office has a permanent Angolan Country Director – Chipilika Barbosa. When I was here in February, Dr. Nelson Jacobs was an interim director. The two Project Coordinators, Luciano and Angelino are still extremely effective; the Office Manager, Victoria is out on medical leave so I am able to use her office and internet connection but I miss her.
The weather has been excellent – blue sky, sunshine, and 80’s but very low humidity. Off for another walk.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
As always, Angola is an adventure!
September 1st
I am at the same hotel in Huambo but a different room. Spent the first afternoon with the staff correcting some of the challenges: non flushing toilet,broken bedside lamp, no electrical outlet adaptor, air conditioner did not work, one TV channel set to English! They also brought back to me the hot water kettle I had during my last trip. So I have now “feathered” my nest as Mother would say! I will be in this room for 8 nights – then off to the bush!
Dinner last night was next door – a very local grilled chicken joint. As before, the chicken was excellent and the local beer tasted wonderful. Breakfast is in the hotel is good coffee with cooked eggs. There is also cereal (like Cocoa Puffs), bread (fresh with a crisp crust but not sourdough), juice, some mystery bologna (not for me), and cheese. Lunch is an energy bar and apple. I am currently sipping some Scotch (in a water bottle from home), watching CSI with Portuguese subtitles and getting ready for Cup of Soup. Can life be any better?
The Chipipa Cooperative has 39 Associations with >1,200 farmers. In the 6 months since I was here, the Cooperative building has been completed, the shed where I taught is now storage, the yard is cleaned up, and operations are in full swing. Crops are harvested and I saw: maize, cassava (a root crop that I first saw in Mozambique which is ground for flour), and “Irish” potatoes (neither our Russet nor red – in between). There is lumber from the Coop’s mill stored in another area, and several piece of rolling stock (tractors and trucks) were utilized. The building has several offices- along with some storage. An issue is no lighting but there are outlets in the room that I am using.
Today there were almost 20 people in the session – many more than we expected! Only 4 had been in the February training, so the President asked me to conduct the Financial Management training for the new association members. I will start tomorrow and for the next 3 mornings will talk about Business Plans, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and talking with a Banker. In the past, the government provided fertilizer and seeds to farmers but that is not the case now. It is my understanding that the farmers are purchasing individually but will verify. I have asked all of the new Association Presidents to bring statistics with them tomorrow as we will create Business Plans. Other than Chipipa, none of the Associations have any computers. Chipipa has kept its records in Word format; so I will explore the conversion of that information to Excel which gives them significantly more functionality. Tomorrow we will meet the young man who is to be the accountant/bookkeeper. We will work with him individually each afternoon.
Well, the power strip has just frizzed so off to get a new one! Power like clean water can be a scarce commodity.
I am at the same hotel in Huambo but a different room. Spent the first afternoon with the staff correcting some of the challenges: non flushing toilet,broken bedside lamp, no electrical outlet adaptor, air conditioner did not work, one TV channel set to English! They also brought back to me the hot water kettle I had during my last trip. So I have now “feathered” my nest as Mother would say! I will be in this room for 8 nights – then off to the bush!
Dinner last night was next door – a very local grilled chicken joint. As before, the chicken was excellent and the local beer tasted wonderful. Breakfast is in the hotel is good coffee with cooked eggs. There is also cereal (like Cocoa Puffs), bread (fresh with a crisp crust but not sourdough), juice, some mystery bologna (not for me), and cheese. Lunch is an energy bar and apple. I am currently sipping some Scotch (in a water bottle from home), watching CSI with Portuguese subtitles and getting ready for Cup of Soup. Can life be any better?
The Chipipa Cooperative has 39 Associations with >1,200 farmers. In the 6 months since I was here, the Cooperative building has been completed, the shed where I taught is now storage, the yard is cleaned up, and operations are in full swing. Crops are harvested and I saw: maize, cassava (a root crop that I first saw in Mozambique which is ground for flour), and “Irish” potatoes (neither our Russet nor red – in between). There is lumber from the Coop’s mill stored in another area, and several piece of rolling stock (tractors and trucks) were utilized. The building has several offices- along with some storage. An issue is no lighting but there are outlets in the room that I am using.
Today there were almost 20 people in the session – many more than we expected! Only 4 had been in the February training, so the President asked me to conduct the Financial Management training for the new association members. I will start tomorrow and for the next 3 mornings will talk about Business Plans, Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and talking with a Banker. In the past, the government provided fertilizer and seeds to farmers but that is not the case now. It is my understanding that the farmers are purchasing individually but will verify. I have asked all of the new Association Presidents to bring statistics with them tomorrow as we will create Business Plans. Other than Chipipa, none of the Associations have any computers. Chipipa has kept its records in Word format; so I will explore the conversion of that information to Excel which gives them significantly more functionality. Tomorrow we will meet the young man who is to be the accountant/bookkeeper. We will work with him individually each afternoon.
Well, the power strip has just frizzed so off to get a new one! Power like clean water can be a scarce commodity.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Luggage in Luanda!
My 30+ hour trip ended successfully in Angola with checked bags arriving as expected. I was able to upgrade on the United flights - so had a flat bed seat from San Francisco to Frankfurt. Lovely! A long lay over in Frankfurt and then 8+ hours in a full plane to Luanda. Arrived early at 4:30am local time.
Spending the day in Luanda at Solembe House which is a family run guest house. Have showered and will go out for a long walk. The weather here is fine - blue sky, sunshine and about 75 degrees.
More later.
Spending the day in Luanda at Solembe House which is a family run guest house. Have showered and will go out for a long walk. The weather here is fine - blue sky, sunshine and about 75 degrees.
More later.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Angola - Part 2
Leaving on August 28th for a 3 week assignment. I will again be based in Huambo and working with the same two cooperatives. It was an excellent connection the last time and I am anticipating more progress. I will be helping the Agricultural Cooperatives in automating the financial records.
Fingers are crossed that my checked bag arrives in Luanda this time! I was very bored with my grey pant suit during my last visit as it was the only outfit that I had for the 3 weeks.
Wishing all of you a very wonderful end of summer. I will blog when internet and electricity are available.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
San Diego is still home
My flights home were fine - just very long 32+ hours. I am finally getting back on local time.
This was one of the best projects that I have worked on because it went so far to implementation. The Cooperative is 95% of the way to Warehouse Receipt Process Completion which will allow the farmer - the Cooperative - the Provincial Government - and the bank to work for the betterment of the community. At the last meeting, there were over 25 farmers present who all supported the efforts of the Board of Directors.
The Board has now authorized monthly meetings, open to membership, and minutes will be posted. This transparency is very new and will require some adjustments on everyone's part.
I am very anxious to return to Tanzania - and hope that I can contribute my knowledge of this Process to other Cooperatives.
Have a great summer. I will be spending 6 weeks in Michigan training for RMA.
This was one of the best projects that I have worked on because it went so far to implementation. The Cooperative is 95% of the way to Warehouse Receipt Process Completion which will allow the farmer - the Cooperative - the Provincial Government - and the bank to work for the betterment of the community. At the last meeting, there were over 25 farmers present who all supported the efforts of the Board of Directors.
The Board has now authorized monthly meetings, open to membership, and minutes will be posted. This transparency is very new and will require some adjustments on everyone's part.
I am very anxious to return to Tanzania - and hope that I can contribute my knowledge of this Process to other Cooperatives.
Have a great summer. I will be spending 6 weeks in Michigan training for RMA.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Friday June 18th
Only a short note as the electricity is off and on in Arusha. I am very sad to be leaving. This has been the most fulfilling assignment to date – wonderful people, a small town Babati with an incredible Cooperative, and more local brews to sample. I will write when I am back in San Diego on Sunday.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Happy Thursday June 10th
Last night I dreamed about goats - bleating. This am as I left for my walk, there were 6 goats in a Heifer International truck - off to a rural family. This is a wonderful NGO and I value all of the Christmas donations that people have given me over the years. There are "Lynda" goats in many countries.
I leave for my walk at 6am every day but already there are many people walking to school and work. Bicycles are common here; private cars are not; there is a motorized vehicle with 3 wheels - the passengers sit in the back and the driver operates "scooter" controls in the front. Fortunately, CNFA has provided a car and driver for me for work assignments. On Sunday I walk.
Houses here are built of concrete block rather than hand baked bricks as I saw in Mozambique and Angola. Roofs are metal rather than thatch. It may be in the more remote villages that the basic shelter is different.
My assignment is going well. The goal is to ensure that the Gendi Cooperative is accepted for the Warehouse Receipt System. More on that later. Needless to say, it is complicated as it involves the Cooperative, a bank, various government officers and the Tanzanian Warehouse Board. I have said it is like herding cats.
The Cooperative's main cash crop is maize; followed by two crops that I can not compare with; then beans and coffee. Most farmers have ~2 -5 acres of cultivated land; oxen; sheep; goats; chickens; ducks; and large families.
Have a wonderful day! I am off to talk with a potential candidate for the Collateral Manager position (Warehouse requires it) and then training on financial statements.
I leave for my walk at 6am every day but already there are many people walking to school and work. Bicycles are common here; private cars are not; there is a motorized vehicle with 3 wheels - the passengers sit in the back and the driver operates "scooter" controls in the front. Fortunately, CNFA has provided a car and driver for me for work assignments. On Sunday I walk.
Houses here are built of concrete block rather than hand baked bricks as I saw in Mozambique and Angola. Roofs are metal rather than thatch. It may be in the more remote villages that the basic shelter is different.
My assignment is going well. The goal is to ensure that the Gendi Cooperative is accepted for the Warehouse Receipt System. More on that later. Needless to say, it is complicated as it involves the Cooperative, a bank, various government officers and the Tanzanian Warehouse Board. I have said it is like herding cats.
The Cooperative's main cash crop is maize; followed by two crops that I can not compare with; then beans and coffee. Most farmers have ~2 -5 acres of cultivated land; oxen; sheep; goats; chickens; ducks; and large families.
Have a wonderful day! I am off to talk with a potential candidate for the Collateral Manager position (Warehouse requires it) and then training on financial statements.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Happy Monday June 7th!
Yesterday the electricity was off for most of the day. Fairly common on Sunday in this part of Tanzania I am told. It reminds me of Angola - no power at night as all were expected to be sleeping. For those of us in the world where electricity is a right, having none is always more difficult. No power - no hot water so I was back to the bucket bath with hot water from an open fire.
I walked into Babati (1.5 miles) and wandered around. Every business has a sign and all were donated by Coke. This includes businesses with no connection to food. Pepsi is nowhere to be found. The town is very clean which is a difference from Nampula Mozambique and Huambo Angola but similar to Blantyre Malawi. Both Moz and Angola were former Portuguese colonies while Malawi and Tanzania were part of the British group.
There are two open markets in town - one is a farmers' market with crops and meats. One banana was a dime and delicious. The other market is for household goods. There are no arts/crafts as Babati is off the tourist map.
I must remember to bring black pepper with me when I come again to southern Africa. This is the 4th country where it is non existent.
I attended church at Children of the Promise. I have no idea what was said or sung but it was joyful. Much of the country Roman Catholic with Protestant denominations ranging from Anglican to Pentecostal to Seventh Day Adventists. There is a large Muslim population.
My hotel room is very basic. The pillows are solid foam so more like a block of wood than I am used to. Fortunately I have my own "pillow" which I carry on the airplane. I am sleeping under mosquito netting but still accumulating a series of bites. Yes taking Malarone daily. My bathroom is very small with the shower pan in the middle of the floor - have to jump over to use the toilet. No problem with falling down as there isn't room.
I am walking every morning to the top of a close hill. Everyone greets me and the school children want to talk - English. As compared to Malawi, I have found that fewer adults speak English here.
Off to work with the Cooperative. First a joint meeting with the local Government District Cooperative Officers; then a 4-5 hour training session.
Have a great day!
I walked into Babati (1.5 miles) and wandered around. Every business has a sign and all were donated by Coke. This includes businesses with no connection to food. Pepsi is nowhere to be found. The town is very clean which is a difference from Nampula Mozambique and Huambo Angola but similar to Blantyre Malawi. Both Moz and Angola were former Portuguese colonies while Malawi and Tanzania were part of the British group.
There are two open markets in town - one is a farmers' market with crops and meats. One banana was a dime and delicious. The other market is for household goods. There are no arts/crafts as Babati is off the tourist map.
I must remember to bring black pepper with me when I come again to southern Africa. This is the 4th country where it is non existent.
I attended church at Children of the Promise. I have no idea what was said or sung but it was joyful. Much of the country Roman Catholic with Protestant denominations ranging from Anglican to Pentecostal to Seventh Day Adventists. There is a large Muslim population.
My hotel room is very basic. The pillows are solid foam so more like a block of wood than I am used to. Fortunately I have my own "pillow" which I carry on the airplane. I am sleeping under mosquito netting but still accumulating a series of bites. Yes taking Malarone daily. My bathroom is very small with the shower pan in the middle of the floor - have to jump over to use the toilet. No problem with falling down as there isn't room.
I am walking every morning to the top of a close hill. Everyone greets me and the school children want to talk - English. As compared to Malawi, I have found that fewer adults speak English here.
Off to work with the Cooperative. First a joint meeting with the local Government District Cooperative Officers; then a 4-5 hour training session.
Have a great day!
Friday, June 4, 2010
June 4th - Week 1 from Tanzania
I have been in Babati Tanzania for almost a week - and the only "game" I have seen are one mongoose and two swarms of bees! The bees are at my hotel trying to find a new home. So far, no problems.
The town is very small but has electricity. My hotel is 2 miles outside of town and very quiet in the country. Yes, on some days I have a hot shower; others I use the cold water and scoop from the bucket. Makes an interesting walk up call. I do have a tv with one English language channel so am keeping up on all the tragedies in the world.
Breakfast is scrambled eggs with toast and very strong coffee. I purchased a hot water pot for my room so I can fix decaf and soup on my own schedule. I will leave it with the CNFA office for future volunteers along with the books and DVDs that I finish. Lunch or dinner is rice with chicken or beef in sauce, some chopped green vegetables and beans. The alternative to rice is a maize product called sima - all eaten with fingers.
I am told that there are 13 local Tanzanian beers. I have tried 4. All excellent for me as light. (Rob you would not like them!) There are some dark beers also.
To work (even as a volunteer) I had to obtain a Work Permit. The process is very long and tedious but we successfully finished on Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday we journeyed to 3 out of town Cooperatives that have successful Warehouse Receipts Programs. This allows farmers storage facilities and the ability to borrow against that collateral. One of my deliverables on this project to help the Gendi Cooperative set up the program in Babati.
As always, the farmers are wonderful and very open. We met with two maize coops and 1 that handles rice. I am going to do one day trainings for them as a "thank you" for the information which was given to CNFA and the Chairman and Treasurer of Gendi.
My translator is with the Ministry of Agriculture. He is an expert and a great trainer in his regular job so I am very grateful to have him by my side. He is more of an economist and will conduct part of the training related to pricing and market dynamics.
So I am well. My luggage arrived; the food is excellent; the beer cold and the countryside is peaceful.
My best to all of you. I love emails but please do not send big attachments or photos as the internet is marginal.
Lynda
The town is very small but has electricity. My hotel is 2 miles outside of town and very quiet in the country. Yes, on some days I have a hot shower; others I use the cold water and scoop from the bucket. Makes an interesting walk up call. I do have a tv with one English language channel so am keeping up on all the tragedies in the world.
Breakfast is scrambled eggs with toast and very strong coffee. I purchased a hot water pot for my room so I can fix decaf and soup on my own schedule. I will leave it with the CNFA office for future volunteers along with the books and DVDs that I finish. Lunch or dinner is rice with chicken or beef in sauce, some chopped green vegetables and beans. The alternative to rice is a maize product called sima - all eaten with fingers.
I am told that there are 13 local Tanzanian beers. I have tried 4. All excellent for me as light. (Rob you would not like them!) There are some dark beers also.
To work (even as a volunteer) I had to obtain a Work Permit. The process is very long and tedious but we successfully finished on Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday we journeyed to 3 out of town Cooperatives that have successful Warehouse Receipts Programs. This allows farmers storage facilities and the ability to borrow against that collateral. One of my deliverables on this project to help the Gendi Cooperative set up the program in Babati.
As always, the farmers are wonderful and very open. We met with two maize coops and 1 that handles rice. I am going to do one day trainings for them as a "thank you" for the information which was given to CNFA and the Chairman and Treasurer of Gendi.
My translator is with the Ministry of Agriculture. He is an expert and a great trainer in his regular job so I am very grateful to have him by my side. He is more of an economist and will conduct part of the training related to pricing and market dynamics.
So I am well. My luggage arrived; the food is excellent; the beer cold and the countryside is peaceful.
My best to all of you. I love emails but please do not send big attachments or photos as the internet is marginal.
Lynda
Friday, May 28, 2010
Back to Africa - again
I am very excited about my next assignment with CNFA- Babati Tanzania.
My flights are Delta thru Detroit - Amsterdam - Kilamanjaro.
Babati is 100+ km south of Arusha.
Hoping that my checked bag arrives with me!
My flights are Delta thru Detroit - Amsterdam - Kilamanjaro.
Babati is 100+ km south of Arusha.
Hoping that my checked bag arrives with me!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Lisbon and then San Diego!
I left on Saturday very early for Frankfurt and then San Francisco/San Diego.
Lisbon is a delightful city. The weather has been San Diego perfect for my 2+ days here so I have seen the city and walked for miles.
The old sections – Alfama, Bairro Alto and Belem are winding streets which change names in mid block. It is a hilly city (like San Francisco) and the waterfront is on the River Tejo. There are churches, museums and great benches to watch people.
My hotel is at the intersection of the old towns and the new town. A 20 minute walk and I was at the water – that was the easy part. The Castle Sao Jorge is high on the bluff – fortunately I was able to ride up on a public bus. Walking down, the Cathedral Se is a blend of architectural styles – do spend 1 Euro to see the cloister and the chapels behind the sanctuary. There is a Nativity scene carved from cork. (Another cork scene is at the Basilica da Estrela). The most lavish of the cathedrals that I visited was Sao Roque with a Treasury that sparkled with gold and jewels transported from Brazil during colonial days.
Some interesting museums: Marionette with puppets from around the world. Coaches with examples from the last 500 years. Port – not my favorite wine but I did taste. In Belem, there is a famous pastry that is like a miniature crème Brule. The Monastery dos Jeronoimos is incredible.
I had a great small hotel for two nights – Florida. Open since 1941 with about 40 rooms; each one is named for a movie star and has photos inside. The elevators are Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn – life size. A great breakfast and all of the staff is excellent. A block away was a good internet café and a casual restaurant that had homemade soup! Did I mention that I also found a used book store?
Happy to be home. I am looking forward to changing my clothes as I have lived in my Chico’s grey pantsuit for 2+ weeks. My luggage never arrived in Angola!
Lisbon is a delightful city. The weather has been San Diego perfect for my 2+ days here so I have seen the city and walked for miles.
The old sections – Alfama, Bairro Alto and Belem are winding streets which change names in mid block. It is a hilly city (like San Francisco) and the waterfront is on the River Tejo. There are churches, museums and great benches to watch people.
My hotel is at the intersection of the old towns and the new town. A 20 minute walk and I was at the water – that was the easy part. The Castle Sao Jorge is high on the bluff – fortunately I was able to ride up on a public bus. Walking down, the Cathedral Se is a blend of architectural styles – do spend 1 Euro to see the cloister and the chapels behind the sanctuary. There is a Nativity scene carved from cork. (Another cork scene is at the Basilica da Estrela). The most lavish of the cathedrals that I visited was Sao Roque with a Treasury that sparkled with gold and jewels transported from Brazil during colonial days.
Some interesting museums: Marionette with puppets from around the world. Coaches with examples from the last 500 years. Port – not my favorite wine but I did taste. In Belem, there is a famous pastry that is like a miniature crème Brule. The Monastery dos Jeronoimos is incredible.
I had a great small hotel for two nights – Florida. Open since 1941 with about 40 rooms; each one is named for a movie star and has photos inside. The elevators are Humphrey Bogart and Audrey Hepburn – life size. A great breakfast and all of the staff is excellent. A block away was a good internet café and a casual restaurant that had homemade soup! Did I mention that I also found a used book store?
Happy to be home. I am looking forward to changing my clothes as I have lived in my Chico’s grey pantsuit for 2+ weeks. My luggage never arrived in Angola!
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Best of Times - The Worst of Times
It is now Monday, March 8th. As in Eastern Europe, International Women’s Day is celebrated with office closings. Lufthansa in Luanda……..closed. Still no luggage or information as to where it is. I am less concerned with my things and more concerned with the telephone and computer printer cartridges I was transporting for the Huambo CNFA office. Of course, I had packed gifts for the two Cooperatives and the CNFA staff.
My second Cooperative was 1 hour outside of Huambo. Coopechuna was created and has been mentored by a Portuguese NGO. Very interesting differences from Chipipa. Coopechuna has a plant nursery and sells citrus cuttings all over Angola. It has also provided bee hives to its members and makes honey twice a year. I stayed in a nearby town – Acaala – in a guest house. Electricity sometimes and no running water. The mattress was good though!
Back to Huambo on Saturday and am now preparing to leave for Luanda tomorrow (if the plane flies). Otherwise, I made contact with an Angola computer specialist (graduated from University of Houston) and he is driving. Not the best of circumstances, but I must get to Luanda tomorrow. My flight to Lisbon is Wednesday am.
The CNFA staff in Huambo have been great…….but this has been a tremendously difficult trip. I will be very thankful to see San Diego.
My second Cooperative was 1 hour outside of Huambo. Coopechuna was created and has been mentored by a Portuguese NGO. Very interesting differences from Chipipa. Coopechuna has a plant nursery and sells citrus cuttings all over Angola. It has also provided bee hives to its members and makes honey twice a year. I stayed in a nearby town – Acaala – in a guest house. Electricity sometimes and no running water. The mattress was good though!
Back to Huambo on Saturday and am now preparing to leave for Luanda tomorrow (if the plane flies). Otherwise, I made contact with an Angola computer specialist (graduated from University of Houston) and he is driving. Not the best of circumstances, but I must get to Luanda tomorrow. My flight to Lisbon is Wednesday am.
The CNFA staff in Huambo have been great…….but this has been a tremendously difficult trip. I will be very thankful to see San Diego.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Happy Birthday Rob!!
Today is March 2nd and my son Rob turns 31! I have always believed that his creation was the best thing I could contribute to the world. I tried to reach him on Skype at the CNFA office but only was able to sing to his voice mail box.
Angola – just the word conjures up images of fighting, destruction and lawlessness. This has not been my experience. I am in Huambo which is south of Luanda. It is a beautiful small city with large plazas and fountains. I am staying in Nova Estella Hotel. The décor is early Las Vegas with chandeliers, statues and fountains everywhere. My room had several areas needed correction (no working light bulbs) but it is now comfortable. The assistant manager has been extremely gracious including converting one of the hotel’s TV channels to CNN. I was saddened by all of the pictures of earthquake in Chile.
The interim CNFA Country Director is Nelson Jacob. He is a delightful man who is running the program until a permanent local replacement can be hired. His staff includes Victoria (office manager) and 2 program directors. I am working with Luciano who also serves as my translator. He is excellent!
The cooperative that I have worked with since arriving is only 2+ years old. However, it was granted a very large bank loan which purchased fertilizer, tractors, trucks, grinding machines and equipment for a sawmill. The loan had a 1 year grace period. My work with them has been training in accounting and financial management. I only had 3 ½ days as I leave on Thursday am for another city and another cooperative. It is my understanding that I will encounter the same issues: underdeveloped project planning and financial management skills. This is not disrespectful to the farmers – just not the competencies that have made them successful in the past.
Internet is very very spotty here. To answer the question, no my luggage has not shown up. I am wearing the same clothes which are hand washed every night. The experience teaches me again how little is necessary.
Angola – just the word conjures up images of fighting, destruction and lawlessness. This has not been my experience. I am in Huambo which is south of Luanda. It is a beautiful small city with large plazas and fountains. I am staying in Nova Estella Hotel. The décor is early Las Vegas with chandeliers, statues and fountains everywhere. My room had several areas needed correction (no working light bulbs) but it is now comfortable. The assistant manager has been extremely gracious including converting one of the hotel’s TV channels to CNN. I was saddened by all of the pictures of earthquake in Chile.
The interim CNFA Country Director is Nelson Jacob. He is a delightful man who is running the program until a permanent local replacement can be hired. His staff includes Victoria (office manager) and 2 program directors. I am working with Luciano who also serves as my translator. He is excellent!
The cooperative that I have worked with since arriving is only 2+ years old. However, it was granted a very large bank loan which purchased fertilizer, tractors, trucks, grinding machines and equipment for a sawmill. The loan had a 1 year grace period. My work with them has been training in accounting and financial management. I only had 3 ½ days as I leave on Thursday am for another city and another cooperative. It is my understanding that I will encounter the same issues: underdeveloped project planning and financial management skills. This is not disrespectful to the farmers – just not the competencies that have made them successful in the past.
Internet is very very spotty here. To answer the question, no my luggage has not shown up. I am wearing the same clothes which are hand washed every night. The experience teaches me again how little is necessary.
Friday, February 26, 2010
The highs and lows of travel
Highs: United Airlines flights from San Diego to Chicago to Frankfurt. Absolutely delightful and fabulous crews.
Lows: Lufthansa did not connect my luggage to Luanda Angola. Why? No one is taking responsiblity.
TAAG flight from Luanda to Huambo cancelled. Happens often I am told.
Hotel in Luanda next to out door night club so band played from 10 pm to 5am
Off now to airport and hopefully a flight. I will be living in my one outfit for a few days!
Lows: Lufthansa did not connect my luggage to Luanda Angola. Why? No one is taking responsiblity.
TAAG flight from Luanda to Huambo cancelled. Happens often I am told.
Hotel in Luanda next to out door night club so band played from 10 pm to 5am
Off now to airport and hopefully a flight. I will be living in my one outfit for a few days!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The "far" East - Washington DC and NC
My short trip to Washington DC and Wake Forest NC was wonderful. I think that the weather which should have been in San Diego followed me. Had a great time with my forever friend Sue DeWine, her daughter Leigh Anne, and LA's friend David Roth. If you have not been to the American Indian Museum, it is wonderful and a superb food court with ethnic food.
Then to Wake Forest NC and a visit with Richard and Lyailya Lewis. He was my "boss' during all the assignments in Bulgaria. A lovely part of the state which I had not visited before.
Home now for a week.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Rain in San Diego?
Home safely after 31+ travel hours. It is a long trip. No "ghosts" on any of the three flights but slept well from JoBurg to Atlanta. Our flight was delayed into the US (headwinds) but Delta Airlines did a great job! I ran to the connection and my checked bag was expediated - so the bag and I arrived together in San Diego.
Off to Washington DC and Wake Forest NC on Thursday. Angola is potentially my next Africa trip in late February.
Off to Washington DC and Wake Forest NC on Thursday. Angola is potentially my next Africa trip in late February.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Good by Malawi
My hostess, Nellie and her gift of an apron with Malawi to me! The owner of Naturals, Towera and Malawi fabric. And the debriefing by CNFA Project Coordiator Quirino. I leave tomorrow for JoBurg and then Atlanta and San Diego.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Blantyre Presbyterian Church
A magnificant structure built by the Scots! Lots of ornate stained glass windows and a crucifix with a Christ. Very different from our Presbyterian churches now.
The Anglican Church which I attended was much plainer.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Baobab 101
The Production crew at naturals.m The tree is pictured on an earlier blog. The fruit is below; juice is made from the segments inside which create a powder. It is then cooked, cooled, sugar added and bottled. A very hard manual process. All of the ladies have arm muscles that Michelle Obama would envy! The lady in light blue is Towera Jalakasi is founder, owner and general manager. Two locations with over 20 employees!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Can you say football?
It is now Tuesday afternoon. The whole country is celebrating as the Malawi football (soccer) team defeated Algeria yesterday afternoon. It was unexpected! 3-0! The African Cup matches are being played in Angola; as you may have heard, the team from Togo was fired upon and 3 of the staff are dead. That team withdrew from the tournament. A sad event which makes FIFA in South Africa in the Spring somewhat tarnished.
The weekend was great. There is another volunteer here – George Kegode – an ag prof from Northwest Missouri State University. He is originally from Kenya and says he is a “weed man.” We walked all over and he collected weeds. There was a good internet café in town which we used both days. On the walk back, into a bar which said ‘slots”. But alas, no such items – just good beer and pool to watch. Saturday night was goat curry and wonderful.
Went to an Anglican Church with my hostess, Nellie at 7:30am. I could follow along but some difference from All Saints Episcopal in San Diego. The biggest was a hymnal that had only words, no music. Even on the hymns I knew the notes were different. I was asked to stand as a visitor but I think everyone knew already!
I am reading a lot and hope that I will not run out of books as I am in the next to the last. Nellie is thrilled to have my cast offs. The TV is on football constantly as James (husband of Nellie) and George are enthusiastic followers of many clubs.
The weather has been glorious for me – I will repeat, it is like Maui. However, it is very bad for the farmers as this is supposed to be the rainy season. In church, there was a very specific prayer for rain! It is still quite warm (80’s), blue sky and sunshine. I wouldn’t mind rain at night.
I have 90% of the project completed and will finish on schedule by tomorrow. This has been much more like a consulting assignment versus my training in Mozambique.
So adieu for now and hoping that all of you are having a glorious beginning to 2010!
The weekend was great. There is another volunteer here – George Kegode – an ag prof from Northwest Missouri State University. He is originally from Kenya and says he is a “weed man.” We walked all over and he collected weeds. There was a good internet café in town which we used both days. On the walk back, into a bar which said ‘slots”. But alas, no such items – just good beer and pool to watch. Saturday night was goat curry and wonderful.
Went to an Anglican Church with my hostess, Nellie at 7:30am. I could follow along but some difference from All Saints Episcopal in San Diego. The biggest was a hymnal that had only words, no music. Even on the hymns I knew the notes were different. I was asked to stand as a visitor but I think everyone knew already!
I am reading a lot and hope that I will not run out of books as I am in the next to the last. Nellie is thrilled to have my cast offs. The TV is on football constantly as James (husband of Nellie) and George are enthusiastic followers of many clubs.
The weather has been glorious for me – I will repeat, it is like Maui. However, it is very bad for the farmers as this is supposed to be the rainy season. In church, there was a very specific prayer for rain! It is still quite warm (80’s), blue sky and sunshine. I wouldn’t mind rain at night.
I have 90% of the project completed and will finish on schedule by tomorrow. This has been much more like a consulting assignment versus my training in Mozambique.
So adieu for now and hoping that all of you are having a glorious beginning to 2010!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Could this be Maui?
Greetings from the top of the tallest building in Blantyre Malawi! As I look out the window on Friday morning it is almost like Maui. The area that I am in has the same tropical, mountain feel with palms and trees. Flowers are everywhere.
The company that I am working with is Naturals. Started by Towera Jalakasi several years ago, it produces juice from the “powder” which surrounds the seeds of the Baobab tree. The process is 90% manual labor so the two locations employ more than 15 people in production, sales and distribution. It has grown very rapidly and recently was the recipient of a grant. It is Towera’s vision that the local villages can use the seeds (which are a by product of her process) to produce an oil; it is especially suitable for cosmetics and soap. There are two locations for Naturals – Lilongwe and Blantyre. My project was to work with her to create the Human Resource function: Personnel Policy Manual, Job Descriptions, Employment Contracts, Organizational Chart and Performance Appraisal forms. To accomplish this, I have studied the Employment Law of Malawi passed in 2000 and interviewed all of the staff. This has been quite a different project from my training in the villages of Mozambique!
I am staying in the home of a lovely family who are friends of Towera. The wife, Nellie and Towera are part of a women’s group of business owners. Nellie and her husband James are owners of several businesses – including a travel agency, property development, and fish wholesaling! I have a bedroom with private bath – and two resident geckos. Just like Hawaii. I wish there were more as this is the rainy season and insects are prevalent. I have cereal, banana and yoghurt for breakfast at 6:30 am after waking at 4:30am. As always, I am eating my energy bars for some meals.
No surprise to many of you, but I had a great Chinese dinner last night with Nellie and her youngest son who is in medical school. There are three other sons – all professionals. One is in Indiana; one in Manchester England; and the third in Malawi.
Everyone in Malawi is very gracious and welcoming. As the majority of the population speaks English, I have not had a formal translator with me. During interviews of the staff at Naturals, there were some production workers who did not speak English so another of the staff assisted. As an interesting note, I miss having a translator as that person was always a good source of information about the country (as in Mozambique).
Saturday is the large farmer’s market in town and I will walk to see it. Sunday I will attend the Anglican Church at 7:30 am for the English session. The 9:00 am is in the local tribal dialect and I may stay for part of that.
Internet has been very difficult in the lodging and the company. Only today I am in the CNFA office where I am wired.
Wishing all of you a wonderful weekend and great upcoming week. It is unlikely that I will post again until I am back in the office later this coming week.
The company that I am working with is Naturals. Started by Towera Jalakasi several years ago, it produces juice from the “powder” which surrounds the seeds of the Baobab tree. The process is 90% manual labor so the two locations employ more than 15 people in production, sales and distribution. It has grown very rapidly and recently was the recipient of a grant. It is Towera’s vision that the local villages can use the seeds (which are a by product of her process) to produce an oil; it is especially suitable for cosmetics and soap. There are two locations for Naturals – Lilongwe and Blantyre. My project was to work with her to create the Human Resource function: Personnel Policy Manual, Job Descriptions, Employment Contracts, Organizational Chart and Performance Appraisal forms. To accomplish this, I have studied the Employment Law of Malawi passed in 2000 and interviewed all of the staff. This has been quite a different project from my training in the villages of Mozambique!
I am staying in the home of a lovely family who are friends of Towera. The wife, Nellie and Towera are part of a women’s group of business owners. Nellie and her husband James are owners of several businesses – including a travel agency, property development, and fish wholesaling! I have a bedroom with private bath – and two resident geckos. Just like Hawaii. I wish there were more as this is the rainy season and insects are prevalent. I have cereal, banana and yoghurt for breakfast at 6:30 am after waking at 4:30am. As always, I am eating my energy bars for some meals.
No surprise to many of you, but I had a great Chinese dinner last night with Nellie and her youngest son who is in medical school. There are three other sons – all professionals. One is in Indiana; one in Manchester England; and the third in Malawi.
Everyone in Malawi is very gracious and welcoming. As the majority of the population speaks English, I have not had a formal translator with me. During interviews of the staff at Naturals, there were some production workers who did not speak English so another of the staff assisted. As an interesting note, I miss having a translator as that person was always a good source of information about the country (as in Mozambique).
Saturday is the large farmer’s market in town and I will walk to see it. Sunday I will attend the Anglican Church at 7:30 am for the English session. The 9:00 am is in the local tribal dialect and I may stay for part of that.
Internet has been very difficult in the lodging and the company. Only today I am in the CNFA office where I am wired.
Wishing all of you a wonderful weekend and great upcoming week. It is unlikely that I will post again until I am back in the office later this coming week.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Rain on a tin roof
I am staying at Cluny Lodge, a B&B in Lilongwe Malawi. It is run by a South African couple who have "retired" here to be near grandchildren. Besides me, there are two forensic accountants staying in the 4 rooms. Nice simple dinner with boxed South African wine. (It was ok - especially after the second swallow) It has been raining hard and the house has a tin roof. I remembered the sound from the farm house in Athens OH - a very long time ago when Rob was born.
Off by car to Blantyre and my host organization, a female owned company Naturals who make products out of the plants grown in their region.
Go Chargers!
Off by car to Blantyre and my host organization, a female owned company Naturals who make products out of the plants grown in their region.
Go Chargers!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
No "ghosts" on my Delta flight to JoBurg
Happy January 2nd! In my previous flights to and from Johannesburg South Africa to Atlanta I was very fortunate to have an empty middle seat next to me. Makes sleeping so much easier. Ah, but 2010 was different. A completely full flight with many, many children - mostly young and with well developed lungs. I did sleep but not my usual 8 hours. I am still very grateful that the flight was safe.
In the hotel in JoBurg. The country is gearing up for the World Cup FIFA championships in the Spring. Everyone is very excited. Everyone hopes that there are no incidents.
Off to Lilongwe Malawai on a South African flight in the morning of January 3rd.
In the hotel in JoBurg. The country is gearing up for the World Cup FIFA championships in the Spring. Everyone is very excited. Everyone hopes that there are no incidents.
Off to Lilongwe Malawai on a South African flight in the morning of January 3rd.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
