A Uniterra volunteer in Nepal recently posted information about this amazing young American woman who is literally changing lives in the tiny village of Surkhet, Nepal.
I now obsessivly follow her escapades as she navigates being a principal, teacher, mother and caregiver to a growing number of children in one of the most remote places in Nepal.
She is truly awe-inspiring. I do not aspire to do what she does. I think I'm a bit too selfish, but this woman reminds me that I can do more than what I've been doing.
Oh, and she's 23!
Check our her foundation's website and read her journal entries: Blink Now Foundation
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Village of Hope
I've been in Botswana for ten months now. I've had my ups and downs, some of them documented in this blog, others in personal emails.
The beginning of 2011 has been a bit rough with the move and the appearance of the tennis-ball shaped cyst on my right ovaries which is extremely painful but benign.
I've been mopping and wallowing the last few days and frankly, I'm driving myself crazy. So this morning, I made it my mission to regain some gratitude. Funny thing is, I didn't have to look very hard to find it. I was going through some photos taken a few weeks ago at a ceremony to honour the graduating class at Motse wa Thsolofelo daycare and pre-school where I work, and I was instantly reminded of how lucky I am.
Motse wa Tsholofelo Orphan and Vulnerable Children daycare was established in 2000 as a response to the needs of orphans and other vulnerable children in Maun, surrounding villages and settlements. The project is community-based and operates under Maun Counselling Centre. The daycare looks after 52 HIV-affected children aged two to six years-old and their caregivers. It provides educational activities, psychosocial support, meals, caregiver support and home visits to families.
Motse has a huge impact on both the lives of the children who attend the daycare and their caregivers. At the centre, children learn to develop social and academic skills that will prepare them for their future - both in school and in the community. The daycare supports orphan and vulnerable children from some of the poorest and hopeless communities in the regions. They are malnourished, vulnerable to illness and generally "forgotten" children. The centre provides them with three meals a day, basic education and a chance to play in a safe and friendly environment. Children learn basic social skills and how to interact with others.
Motse wa Tsholofelo Orphan and Vulnerable Children daycare was established in 2000 as a response to the needs of orphans and other vulnerable children in Maun, surrounding villages and settlements. The project is community-based and operates under Maun Counselling Centre. The daycare looks after 52 HIV-affected children aged two to six years-old and their caregivers. It provides educational activities, psychosocial support, meals, caregiver support and home visits to families.
Motse has a huge impact on both the lives of the children who attend the daycare and their caregivers. At the centre, children learn to develop social and academic skills that will prepare them for their future - both in school and in the community. The daycare supports orphan and vulnerable children from some of the poorest and hopeless communities in the regions. They are malnourished, vulnerable to illness and generally "forgotten" children. The centre provides them with three meals a day, basic education and a chance to play in a safe and friendly environment. Children learn basic social skills and how to interact with others.
Being a part of Motse is easily one of the best parts of living in Maun. The kids are hilarious and greet me with giant smiles and loud screams. Since they come from some of the poorest families in the region, their parents have no means to provide them with school uniforms or school supplies.
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| The kids always put on a serious face whenever I try to take their photos. In an effort to make them smile, I place my fingers on either side of my mouth and show them how to smile. The photo above is the result: A bunch of kids with their fingers next to their mouth! At least the kid in the middle got it! |
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| A graduating student receives her diploma from a volunteer teacher. Motse is run almost entirely by committed volunteers. The head teacher receives P2,000 (approximately $290 CDN) a month and the other teachers receive volunteer stipends of around $100 CDN/month. |
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| A student patiently waits for his diploma. |
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| One of the non-graduating students is all smiles during the graduation ceremony. |
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| The backpacks I helped purchase with money from Bonepwa +. |
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| The school supplies which will help our kids as they move on to Standard 1. |
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| The kids explore the contents of their new backpacks. |
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| My favourite little girl wears her best dress as she receives her new backpack. |
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| The kids pose with their new school gear. |
Thursday, January 20, 2011
You are all welcome in our home
I recently moved out of a huge, river view, air-conditionned mansion with a pool and into a modest, cinderblock home with no view, no hot water, no oven and tons of bugs!
The transition happened because the family I was living with moved to a smaller home and had no room for me. Housing is scarce in Maun and although I looked and looked, I couldn't find a place to call my own. Since no one offered me a couch, I reluctantly moved in with the guy I'm seeing. Reluctant because I'm just not ready to cohabit. I'm a very independent person and I enjoy my space. When I lived with the family, there was a lot of room for us to decompress and stay away from each other if necessary. Now, I do not have that luxury.
Instead, I'm faced with an influx of people who seemingly waltz in and out of my house whether they're invited or not. And eat our food, use our internet and complain when there is no food in the fridge. It drives me insane. My boyfriend and his roommate are from Zimbabwe and apparently this gives everyone an open invitation to our home. Makes sense, right? Not to this Canadian girl!
These boys have a strong sense of community, family and responsibility for others. In our case, our home is open to guests whether they leave at the end of the night or not and doubles as a storage unit for Zimbabweans who leave Botswana even those who may never come back. Seriously, we are storing a microwave-oven, a large metal chest, two computer monitors (not flat screen), two large boxes and a few camping mats for a man who left Botswana last year with no plans to return. But because he MIGHT return, we need to hold this crap for him...but we're not allowed to use any of it. We don't have an oven! I'm ready to rip that microwave oven out of its box and start cooking!
Maybe I'm just in culture shock, but I expect my home to be a safe haven; a place where I can go after a long day at work to relax, read a book, watch TV, do some yoga, etc. in relative peace. I'd also like to invite a few friends over but since I have no idea how many people will be in my house at any given time, I'm skeptical to send out invitations.
I know I've just moved in and it's not really "my" house so I've tried to be accepting but everyone has their limits. I pity the ungrateful, lazy, food stealing "guest" who feels my wrath when I finally blow up. It's coming. Wait for it.
The transition happened because the family I was living with moved to a smaller home and had no room for me. Housing is scarce in Maun and although I looked and looked, I couldn't find a place to call my own. Since no one offered me a couch, I reluctantly moved in with the guy I'm seeing. Reluctant because I'm just not ready to cohabit. I'm a very independent person and I enjoy my space. When I lived with the family, there was a lot of room for us to decompress and stay away from each other if necessary. Now, I do not have that luxury.
Instead, I'm faced with an influx of people who seemingly waltz in and out of my house whether they're invited or not. And eat our food, use our internet and complain when there is no food in the fridge. It drives me insane. My boyfriend and his roommate are from Zimbabwe and apparently this gives everyone an open invitation to our home. Makes sense, right? Not to this Canadian girl!
These boys have a strong sense of community, family and responsibility for others. In our case, our home is open to guests whether they leave at the end of the night or not and doubles as a storage unit for Zimbabweans who leave Botswana even those who may never come back. Seriously, we are storing a microwave-oven, a large metal chest, two computer monitors (not flat screen), two large boxes and a few camping mats for a man who left Botswana last year with no plans to return. But because he MIGHT return, we need to hold this crap for him...but we're not allowed to use any of it. We don't have an oven! I'm ready to rip that microwave oven out of its box and start cooking!
Maybe I'm just in culture shock, but I expect my home to be a safe haven; a place where I can go after a long day at work to relax, read a book, watch TV, do some yoga, etc. in relative peace. I'd also like to invite a few friends over but since I have no idea how many people will be in my house at any given time, I'm skeptical to send out invitations.
I know I've just moved in and it's not really "my" house so I've tried to be accepting but everyone has their limits. I pity the ungrateful, lazy, food stealing "guest" who feels my wrath when I finally blow up. It's coming. Wait for it.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Bring on the Russians
Tonight, Team Canada faces the Russians in a showdown for the gold medal at the World Junior Hockey Championships. This tournament is by far my favourite part of the New Year. Forget the parties, the champagne, the resolutions and all that jazz, the real wonder of the new year is seeing our young hockey talent take on the world.
Living in Botswana makes it difficult, if not impossible to watch any of this tournament. For some reason (probably the lack of ice), the Batswana would prefer watching Arsenal vs Chelsea or a game of cricket (which by the way, I still don't understand. How can a game last for days????).
Every morning, since Dec. 26, I wake up desperately needing TSN.ca. It used to be pretty easy as my house had internet access, but with the recent move (which I will update everyone about soon) and the office closed for the holidays, I was left texting my father in Canada and begging people who have internet in this town to check the score for me.
What a relief to know we demolished the Americans on Monday. I tossed and turned all night wishing I could watch the game and made sure to get the score as soon as I could. Now I must get ready for tonight. Although the game will start at 1 a.m. my time, I'm sure I'll be awake, stressing about the result. I love this championship. I love it more than the Stanley Cup Finals. But missing out on this year's tournament is the price I must pay for wearing flip flops and a summer dress on New Year's Eve.
Tomorrow morning, when I get to work and load TSN.ca, I fully expect to see our Canadian boys wearing gold!
Go Canada Go!!!!
Living in Botswana makes it difficult, if not impossible to watch any of this tournament. For some reason (probably the lack of ice), the Batswana would prefer watching Arsenal vs Chelsea or a game of cricket (which by the way, I still don't understand. How can a game last for days????).
Every morning, since Dec. 26, I wake up desperately needing TSN.ca. It used to be pretty easy as my house had internet access, but with the recent move (which I will update everyone about soon) and the office closed for the holidays, I was left texting my father in Canada and begging people who have internet in this town to check the score for me.
What a relief to know we demolished the Americans on Monday. I tossed and turned all night wishing I could watch the game and made sure to get the score as soon as I could. Now I must get ready for tonight. Although the game will start at 1 a.m. my time, I'm sure I'll be awake, stressing about the result. I love this championship. I love it more than the Stanley Cup Finals. But missing out on this year's tournament is the price I must pay for wearing flip flops and a summer dress on New Year's Eve.
Tomorrow morning, when I get to work and load TSN.ca, I fully expect to see our Canadian boys wearing gold!
Go Canada Go!!!!
How much is your life worth?
Three hundred and fifty pula. (about 54Canadian dollars)
That's how much the prostitutes who live near my house charge for unprotected sex. It's only 50 pula if you wear a condom. You'd be surprised how many people pay the big bucks for condomless sex, with reasons like "you wouldn't eat a candy with the wrapper on, would you?"
A lot of people prefer the feeling of unprotected sex, but that doesn't mean they partake in it, especially not with people they don't know and those who work in the sex trade. It makes no sense. Especially in Botswana.
The HIV prevalence rate in Botswana is 17.6 percent.
You do the math.
So, how much is your life worth?
Mine is worth a lot more than 350 pula and a hell of a lot more than a night of great sex.
That's how much the prostitutes who live near my house charge for unprotected sex. It's only 50 pula if you wear a condom. You'd be surprised how many people pay the big bucks for condomless sex, with reasons like "you wouldn't eat a candy with the wrapper on, would you?"
A lot of people prefer the feeling of unprotected sex, but that doesn't mean they partake in it, especially not with people they don't know and those who work in the sex trade. It makes no sense. Especially in Botswana.
The HIV prevalence rate in Botswana is 17.6 percent.
You do the math.
So, how much is your life worth?
Mine is worth a lot more than 350 pula and a hell of a lot more than a night of great sex.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
leth-ar-gy
leth·ar·gy
[leth-er-jee]
–noun,plural-gies.
the quality or state of being drowsy and dull, listless and unenergetic, or indifferent and lazy; apathetic or sluggish inactivity.
This is how I've been feeling lately. Lethargic. It's most evident in my work. I'm struggling to simply work. I'm busy. I've got tons of stuff to do which usually inspires me, but for the last week, I sit at the computer and struggle to type. I want to spend my day on Facebook, even though I don't really like Facebook. I read the same articles over and over again in the paper and my obsession with gossip blogs is through the roof. It's like I'm finding any excuse in the world not to work. And it bugs me.
Although it's very evident in my work, this lethargy is taking hold of other aspects of my life. I haven't opened a book in about two weeks which is so unlike me as I've usually got a few on the go at a time. I hadn't blogged in almsot a month until I forced myself to do so yesterday. I wrote my piece for a newspaper freelance gig I have back home at the last minute because I just couldn't be bothered to write. I'd rather lay in my room watching movies 24/7. It's a depressing lifestyle. Not one that I am accustomed to.
This has happened to me before for brief periods of time, mostly when I was working for the govermenment and well, let's face it, that's an excuse enough in itself! But what's bothering me the most is this dread I have that I don't really like what I'm doing. I used to think I didn't like working for the government, but I'm starting to believe that it is the subjet matter and not the office that made me so miserable.
I don't think I like communications anymore. I was trained as a journalist but never really sought out that career as I was sucked in by the money and security of the government. I thought to myself, "communications is sort of like journalism." Well, it's not, and in the end, it's quite boring.
I know a lot of people work jobs they don't really enjoy. It's a part of life. And with my jobs right now, it's not all about communications. It's about communities and local organizations and building up their capacities so they can better serve their communities. So many of the organizations I work for are dedicated to child welfare and empowering children and teens. I respect and admire them and truly want to do my part in helping the organizations thrive.
So, I need to get my head out of my ass. Seriously. Who cares if communications isn't my passion? I have passions and while they might not be part of my employment today, eventually they will be if I so desire. This is an opportunity for me to learn more about myself - my likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses.
During my time in Botswana, I've learned that I enjoy working with children. Back home, I loath them. No joke. But here, it's different. Children suffer through unimaginable hardship and yet do so with a smile on their face. I'm not implying that all kids are happy smilly children. They aren't. But there is something special about working with kids in need. I learn so much more from them than I could ever teach them.
Therefore, my homework for the rest of the week is: Attitude of Gratitude. I need to be grateful to be here, to be healthy and relatively happy and simply accept that I am not 100 % happy with my choice of career so far. I'm on my third one anyways, so I know that I can change and move on as I please.
[leth-er-jee]
–noun,plural-gies.
the quality or state of being drowsy and dull, listless and unenergetic, or indifferent and lazy; apathetic or sluggish inactivity.
This is how I've been feeling lately. Lethargic. It's most evident in my work. I'm struggling to simply work. I'm busy. I've got tons of stuff to do which usually inspires me, but for the last week, I sit at the computer and struggle to type. I want to spend my day on Facebook, even though I don't really like Facebook. I read the same articles over and over again in the paper and my obsession with gossip blogs is through the roof. It's like I'm finding any excuse in the world not to work. And it bugs me.
Although it's very evident in my work, this lethargy is taking hold of other aspects of my life. I haven't opened a book in about two weeks which is so unlike me as I've usually got a few on the go at a time. I hadn't blogged in almsot a month until I forced myself to do so yesterday. I wrote my piece for a newspaper freelance gig I have back home at the last minute because I just couldn't be bothered to write. I'd rather lay in my room watching movies 24/7. It's a depressing lifestyle. Not one that I am accustomed to.
This has happened to me before for brief periods of time, mostly when I was working for the govermenment and well, let's face it, that's an excuse enough in itself! But what's bothering me the most is this dread I have that I don't really like what I'm doing. I used to think I didn't like working for the government, but I'm starting to believe that it is the subjet matter and not the office that made me so miserable.
I don't think I like communications anymore. I was trained as a journalist but never really sought out that career as I was sucked in by the money and security of the government. I thought to myself, "communications is sort of like journalism." Well, it's not, and in the end, it's quite boring.
I know a lot of people work jobs they don't really enjoy. It's a part of life. And with my jobs right now, it's not all about communications. It's about communities and local organizations and building up their capacities so they can better serve their communities. So many of the organizations I work for are dedicated to child welfare and empowering children and teens. I respect and admire them and truly want to do my part in helping the organizations thrive.
So, I need to get my head out of my ass. Seriously. Who cares if communications isn't my passion? I have passions and while they might not be part of my employment today, eventually they will be if I so desire. This is an opportunity for me to learn more about myself - my likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses.
During my time in Botswana, I've learned that I enjoy working with children. Back home, I loath them. No joke. But here, it's different. Children suffer through unimaginable hardship and yet do so with a smile on their face. I'm not implying that all kids are happy smilly children. They aren't. But there is something special about working with kids in need. I learn so much more from them than I could ever teach them.
Therefore, my homework for the rest of the week is: Attitude of Gratitude. I need to be grateful to be here, to be healthy and relatively happy and simply accept that I am not 100 % happy with my choice of career so far. I'm on my third one anyways, so I know that I can change and move on as I please.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Diamonds in the Rough
I've complained a few times on this blog about the lack of anything remotely cosmopolitan in Maun. This wouldn't be so terrible if there was some sort of distinct culture, arts scene, theater, fashion... ANYTHING to balance the bush and safari culture that eats up this village.
I've been trying to alter my perspective, look at things in a gentler, softer way instead of through my pessimistic view. And you know what? I've found a few gems. The first being shopping. I know this is going to sound shallow to many but when you are surrounded by khakis and hiking boots 24-7, it's a delight to remember that Maun has some alternative options for those of us who don't spend most of our days in the bush and work in offices.
When I moved from Canada, I brought five suitcases. I packed most of my summer wardrobe and reasoned that I wouldn't spend any money on clothes in Botswana. In seven months, some of my clothes has been ruined by dirty water, some has disappeared and a lot of it has become boring.
So it's not like I had to shop but it was worth looking around.
Surprise, surprise. Maun's got a few gems. And I've got the photos to prove it.
My new favourite place to buy shoes is Pep. A mix of dollar store meets department store, Pep has by far the best shoes and the best prices in town.
Case study one: My studded flats.
I first came across these beauties when I saw my neighbour Sarah walking through our yard wearing these sandals. I immediately asked where she got them and proceeded to tell her that I would be purchasing the same pair. It took a while for me to find my size, but eventually I got my own pair for the bargain price of $54 pula (about $8 Cdn).
Case study 2: The Summer Dress
Found at my new favourite store Mr. Price, this pretty dress is a perfect weekend addition to my wardrobe. It's also great during the boiling summer months.
Case study three: Polka Dots
Again, a Mr. Price gem, this blue and white polka dot fake bustier is versatile enough to wear with jeans or a cute skirt. The flower belt adds a little flash of colour. For 50 pula ($8 Cdn), it's a steal.
Case study four: Flower Power
In my previous life in Canada, I thought I was too old to wear short skirts. Maun has squashed this myth because of the heat and because people simply don't care about how they look. So if I'm showing off what I think are less than adequately toned thighs, most likely, I'm the only one who's going to notice.
The skirt below is my latest purchase. I have no clue whether flowers and patterns are the rage in the real world, but I saw this skirt in a add in the paper and I decided it was the perfect summer skirt. I'm telling you, Mr. Price is amazing. It is my new favourite store and I have to stop myself from going there every day.
I plan on trying to make this a regular part of my blog. Not the shopping bit, but new and interesting tidbits I keep unearthing that make this place not just bearable, but sometimes, even enjoyable.
I've been trying to alter my perspective, look at things in a gentler, softer way instead of through my pessimistic view. And you know what? I've found a few gems. The first being shopping. I know this is going to sound shallow to many but when you are surrounded by khakis and hiking boots 24-7, it's a delight to remember that Maun has some alternative options for those of us who don't spend most of our days in the bush and work in offices.
When I moved from Canada, I brought five suitcases. I packed most of my summer wardrobe and reasoned that I wouldn't spend any money on clothes in Botswana. In seven months, some of my clothes has been ruined by dirty water, some has disappeared and a lot of it has become boring.
So it's not like I had to shop but it was worth looking around.
Surprise, surprise. Maun's got a few gems. And I've got the photos to prove it.
My new favourite place to buy shoes is Pep. A mix of dollar store meets department store, Pep has by far the best shoes and the best prices in town.
Case study one: My studded flats.
I first came across these beauties when I saw my neighbour Sarah walking through our yard wearing these sandals. I immediately asked where she got them and proceeded to tell her that I would be purchasing the same pair. It took a while for me to find my size, but eventually I got my own pair for the bargain price of $54 pula (about $8 Cdn).
Case study 2: The Summer Dress
Found at my new favourite store Mr. Price, this pretty dress is a perfect weekend addition to my wardrobe. It's also great during the boiling summer months.
Case study three: Polka Dots
Again, a Mr. Price gem, this blue and white polka dot fake bustier is versatile enough to wear with jeans or a cute skirt. The flower belt adds a little flash of colour. For 50 pula ($8 Cdn), it's a steal.
Case study four: Flower Power
In my previous life in Canada, I thought I was too old to wear short skirts. Maun has squashed this myth because of the heat and because people simply don't care about how they look. So if I'm showing off what I think are less than adequately toned thighs, most likely, I'm the only one who's going to notice.
The skirt below is my latest purchase. I have no clue whether flowers and patterns are the rage in the real world, but I saw this skirt in a add in the paper and I decided it was the perfect summer skirt. I'm telling you, Mr. Price is amazing. It is my new favourite store and I have to stop myself from going there every day.
I plan on trying to make this a regular part of my blog. Not the shopping bit, but new and interesting tidbits I keep unearthing that make this place not just bearable, but sometimes, even enjoyable.
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