Happy Birthday to Mom - Doris Drennan!
During my walks in the morning, I feel like the Pied Piper! Dozens of school children in uniforms walk along with me. These are primarily elementary school age – 6 to perhaps 12. We practice English and they laugh. Today I went further and visited their school. It is a series of open buildings with wooden desks and one blackboard in each room. I was able to meet several teachers – all women and in their 30’s. The children were required before class to sweep all of the school grounds – with branches and bushes.
Each day the driver picks me up at noon for the one hour drive to USOMAMA which is the cooperative I am working with on this trip. The roads are not paved or oiled; just dirt. All over Tanzania (and the other countries of southern Africa) new roads are being constructed in a joint project with the Chinese. At each work site, there will be one or two Chinese men (always with ball caps) and many local workers. The new roads are 30+ feet wide and at the moment, just dirt and rain culverts and bridges. Therefore, all motor traffic currently moves on very narrow, packed dirt and rock “paths”. This includes extremely large transport trucks, buses, cars and bicycles. The driver remains at USOMAMA while I conduct the training and we begin the journey home. He loves to play Johnny Cash tapes – especially those with religious songs!
The USOMAMA Cooperative is quite successful as I have mentioned. 20+ members are attending the training which fills the room. So far, the group has developed a Vision and Mission Statement as well as listing the goals for 2011 and 2012. We are still working on 2013. Today we will create financial statements – balance sheet, income statement, and simple cash flow – that can be presented to the bank. As USOMAMA is a SACCOS it has funds on “deposit” and would like to become its own bank. The US comparable would be credit unions in the past where deposits were collected from a group of people who worked or lived together; small loans would be made to that same group. Credit Unions are now quite different in the US and cover many unrelated people; credit unions are now more like banks.
The weather since my return has been stunning – very San Diego with blue skies, sunshine, and mid 70’s! This is the rainy season for Tanzania but perhaps my days in Katesh will be enough rain for me.
Hoping that all of you are safe and well.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday February 20th
I am now back in Babati after several days 2+ hours away in Katesh. The purpose of our trip was to meet and explain CNFA to the District Executive Officer, Goody Pamba, in that region. She was a very impressive woman and Anthony Kissinga (CNFA Program Manager) and I were also introduced to the Community Development Officer and the District Officer in charge of Agriculture, Dr. Maeda. Dr Maeda is very interested in conducting my Business and Financial Management program in Katesh for many cooperatives so Kissinga will follow up with this District during the coming week while I am conducting the program in USOMAMA Cooperative.
Before we left Babati on Thursday, it was necessary to again obtain a short term work permit from the regional Immigration office. As you may recall from my previous trip, this process is ineffective and inefficient. The good news is we were successful! The other good news is that there is a 2-year work permit which can be obtained only at the Immigration Headquarters in Dar es Salaam. Kissinga will follow up with that possibility. Also on Thursday we had a brief meeting with the Board of Directors of Gendi Cooperative. This was my client during my last stay in Babati. What a delight to see them again and to see the successful conclusion of the Warehouse Receipt System! The warehouse is 2/3 full and the process (involving NMB National Microfinance Bank, the District Government, and the Cooperative) is in place. Gendi invited us to their annual Assembly on Saturday February 26th and we accepted. In addition, Bahati Nzunda the CNFA Country Director will come from Dar es Salaam will attend as well as meet the USOMAMA Cooperative at the final debriefing.
The drive to Katesh from Babati is 2+ hours over dirt roads. It is now the rainy season in Tanzania and the roads require 4 wheel drive. The CNFA drive, Evance is superb and we arrived safely at the Katesh Guest House. An interesting place – formerly the housing for the staff of NMB. It is similar to Kai Guest House in Babati – beds are firm, fans in the ceiling, and a slight flow of hot water in the shower. Kissinga lived in Katesh as a young man and met his wife there. She is a medical doctor and was posted to the clinic in Katesh while Kissinga was the Agricultural officer. Now they reside north of Kilimanjaro with two teenage sons and one nephew.
RAIN!! I had forgotten how fast it can appear and how strong it can be. Most buildings have tin roofs so the rain sound at night is wonderful. I remember that from my years in Athens, OH. Electrical power is rationed throughout Tanzania and on Friday the region that Katesh is in had no electricity. I paid the Guest House for the petrol to run the generator for 4 hours so that we could get some computer work accomplished.
Saturday we drove back to Babati and the Kai Guest House. Most of the staff are the same as my last trip so all of the “crazy American lady” requests are automatic. Coke Light, scrambled eggs with brown toast, a cup in my room for my early coffee and soup. I walked into town and said hello to many of the Gendi farmers as well as the store keepers from my last trip. There were 4 white men – 2 from Scotland, 1 from Wales, and 1 from England who are in Babati for a month-long school project. They are staying at the Khembe Guest House which is directly on the main “square” and is the bus center. Noisy!
As I walked today, I went to a Pentecostal church and stood outside. For some of the service, it was very similar to my experience. However, the congregation began to speak in tongues which is not part of my religious background.
Off to Babati for another adventure. Wishing all of you a wonderful Sunday!!
Before we left Babati on Thursday, it was necessary to again obtain a short term work permit from the regional Immigration office. As you may recall from my previous trip, this process is ineffective and inefficient. The good news is we were successful! The other good news is that there is a 2-year work permit which can be obtained only at the Immigration Headquarters in Dar es Salaam. Kissinga will follow up with that possibility. Also on Thursday we had a brief meeting with the Board of Directors of Gendi Cooperative. This was my client during my last stay in Babati. What a delight to see them again and to see the successful conclusion of the Warehouse Receipt System! The warehouse is 2/3 full and the process (involving NMB National Microfinance Bank, the District Government, and the Cooperative) is in place. Gendi invited us to their annual Assembly on Saturday February 26th and we accepted. In addition, Bahati Nzunda the CNFA Country Director will come from Dar es Salaam will attend as well as meet the USOMAMA Cooperative at the final debriefing.
The drive to Katesh from Babati is 2+ hours over dirt roads. It is now the rainy season in Tanzania and the roads require 4 wheel drive. The CNFA drive, Evance is superb and we arrived safely at the Katesh Guest House. An interesting place – formerly the housing for the staff of NMB. It is similar to Kai Guest House in Babati – beds are firm, fans in the ceiling, and a slight flow of hot water in the shower. Kissinga lived in Katesh as a young man and met his wife there. She is a medical doctor and was posted to the clinic in Katesh while Kissinga was the Agricultural officer. Now they reside north of Kilimanjaro with two teenage sons and one nephew.
RAIN!! I had forgotten how fast it can appear and how strong it can be. Most buildings have tin roofs so the rain sound at night is wonderful. I remember that from my years in Athens, OH. Electrical power is rationed throughout Tanzania and on Friday the region that Katesh is in had no electricity. I paid the Guest House for the petrol to run the generator for 4 hours so that we could get some computer work accomplished.
Saturday we drove back to Babati and the Kai Guest House. Most of the staff are the same as my last trip so all of the “crazy American lady” requests are automatic. Coke Light, scrambled eggs with brown toast, a cup in my room for my early coffee and soup. I walked into town and said hello to many of the Gendi farmers as well as the store keepers from my last trip. There were 4 white men – 2 from Scotland, 1 from Wales, and 1 from England who are in Babati for a month-long school project. They are staying at the Khembe Guest House which is directly on the main “square” and is the bus center. Noisy!
As I walked today, I went to a Pentecostal church and stood outside. For some of the service, it was very similar to my experience. However, the congregation began to speak in tongues which is not part of my religious background.
Off to Babati for another adventure. Wishing all of you a wonderful Sunday!!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Wednesday February 16th
Safely in Arusha Tanzania! The New Safari Hotel continues to improve – bed was excellent, hot shower and great breakfast. My flights were full but uneventful. Arrived very late in a thunder/lightening/rain storm – I don’t see that often in San Diego.
Off to Babati which is the small town where I worked before with the Gendi Cooperative. I am planning to see the Gendi Board there and celebrate their success with the Warehouse Receipt System. The Cooperative I will be working with this assignment is also a group that I met briefly during my last trip.
I will post this today as I am not sure of the internet connection in Babati.
Off to Babati which is the small town where I worked before with the Gendi Cooperative. I am planning to see the Gendi Board there and celebrate their success with the Warehouse Receipt System. The Cooperative I will be working with this assignment is also a group that I met briefly during my last trip.
I will post this today as I am not sure of the internet connection in Babati.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Saturday February 12
Arrived home safely and on time! In Luanda, had an interesting experience with the "Fiscal" Police. Angola does not allow kwanzas to leave the country so the last stop in the airport is with a currency officer. In my past three trips, there was not issue. This time I was told "OPEN your wallet!" I had a few kwanzas left (for my next trip)which she took. She gave me a receipt but it was not correct - 1,000 kwanzas short. I demanded that she recount it and the receipt was corrected!
Lots of security in Luanda (including a screening machine on the tarmack) and South Africa (4 separate screenings). The flight from Joburg to Atlanta was only 50% full so all of us in coach were able to stretch out on three seats!
Home until Monday the 14th and off again to Africa - Tanzania.
Happy Valentine's Day to all.
Lots of security in Luanda (including a screening machine on the tarmack) and South Africa (4 separate screenings). The flight from Joburg to Atlanta was only 50% full so all of us in coach were able to stretch out on three seats!
Home until Monday the 14th and off again to Africa - Tanzania.
Happy Valentine's Day to all.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Random Monday thoughts
Lobito Angola's statue of a pink flamingo but the real birds are white! Not enough shrimp in their diet!
An ice house where blocks of ice (50+ pounds) are sold.
Solar powered light poles in very remote villages with electric line to computers below. Lines of young people waiting for access to a computer and the internet.
Thousands of young people (95% male) enjoying Sunday on the beach. Mansions across the road with armed guards.
Great beer which seems to settle my stomach (ha!)
An ice house where blocks of ice (50+ pounds) are sold.
Solar powered light poles in very remote villages with electric line to computers below. Lines of young people waiting for access to a computer and the internet.
Thousands of young people (95% male) enjoying Sunday on the beach. Mansions across the road with armed guards.
Great beer which seems to settle my stomach (ha!)
Week Two from Bengula Angola
Monday morning we left for the Cooperatives; the training site was ~110 km north from Benguela. Very close to Benguela is Lobito, another coastal town. It is a port city and quite prosperous. Then driving east away from the Atlantic Ocean and into the interior. Roads are good. However, one hour into the trip we came to a complete stop – part of miles of stopped cars. Extremely large pieces of equipment to build a cement plant in the north were being transported from the Lobito port. None of the bridges were strong enough to support the weight so temporary bridges were being constructed. On Monday we waited for 3+ hours and then went back to Benguela. I created my flipcharts at the CLUSA office.
Tuesday we left again at 6am; made it past the first day’s stop but then were stopped again for 3+ hours. However, we traveled on to the Cooperative and arrived ~noon. We were all concerned that we would not be able to return to Benguela so met the Cooperative leaders and then started back. Wise decision as it took 3+ hours to return.
Wednesday we left again at 6am and made it to the Cooperative school room by 8:30am! Success.
There were three Cooperatives in the training – all fairly small in terms of members and hectares of land. The training had 14 offices every day – very attentive. Covered the same material as in the past: how to create a Business Plan, financial statements, how to deal with the bank and the bank loan; responsibilities of the Board of Directors; goals and managing change. I left all the flip charts (translated) in the school room.
Lunch was in a local marketplace – beef or goat or chicken in a tomato sauce with rice or cassava. I ate rice only as I was still careful of my GI system. I brought Protein bars and Cup of Soup as well as Triscuit crackers with me.
Friday was a national holiday in Angola – Start of the Liberation War Day. CLUSA and I went back to the Cooperative to make up for our lost Monday. We completed the training; handed out certificates; had a celebration lunch; and traveled back to Benguela.
Benguela is a typical beach town and only 4 hours from Luanda by car. On Thursday night the town filled up and only today, Sunday are the cars leaving. As I walk along the beach it is filled with young men – swimming, drinking, and laughing. On Saturday night I went to a local restaurant – Cassanga Bar. Pizza (quite good), a Cuca beer and NBA from Friday night on the TV! Cassanga was filled with young men from Luanda – many spoke English; physicians, engineers, accountants. Delightful company.
Today is Sunday. I attended Catholic Church where my prayers included Gail Daly and her sons. Jack died yesterday after a valiant fight with cancer. Contributions in his memory can be made to Ronald McDonald House. He was a wonderful man, husband and father.
I am leaving Benguela on Tuesday; overnight in Luanda; back to San Diego by Thursday morning. I am ready.
Tuesday we left again at 6am; made it past the first day’s stop but then were stopped again for 3+ hours. However, we traveled on to the Cooperative and arrived ~noon. We were all concerned that we would not be able to return to Benguela so met the Cooperative leaders and then started back. Wise decision as it took 3+ hours to return.
Wednesday we left again at 6am and made it to the Cooperative school room by 8:30am! Success.
There were three Cooperatives in the training – all fairly small in terms of members and hectares of land. The training had 14 offices every day – very attentive. Covered the same material as in the past: how to create a Business Plan, financial statements, how to deal with the bank and the bank loan; responsibilities of the Board of Directors; goals and managing change. I left all the flip charts (translated) in the school room.
Lunch was in a local marketplace – beef or goat or chicken in a tomato sauce with rice or cassava. I ate rice only as I was still careful of my GI system. I brought Protein bars and Cup of Soup as well as Triscuit crackers with me.
Friday was a national holiday in Angola – Start of the Liberation War Day. CLUSA and I went back to the Cooperative to make up for our lost Monday. We completed the training; handed out certificates; had a celebration lunch; and traveled back to Benguela.
Benguela is a typical beach town and only 4 hours from Luanda by car. On Thursday night the town filled up and only today, Sunday are the cars leaving. As I walk along the beach it is filled with young men – swimming, drinking, and laughing. On Saturday night I went to a local restaurant – Cassanga Bar. Pizza (quite good), a Cuca beer and NBA from Friday night on the TV! Cassanga was filled with young men from Luanda – many spoke English; physicians, engineers, accountants. Delightful company.
Today is Sunday. I attended Catholic Church where my prayers included Gail Daly and her sons. Jack died yesterday after a valiant fight with cancer. Contributions in his memory can be made to Ronald McDonald House. He was a wonderful man, husband and father.
I am leaving Benguela on Tuesday; overnight in Luanda; back to San Diego by Thursday morning. I am ready.
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