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.