The final few days involved one last morning of training. Together we discovered that during the year 2009 over ten million kawacha had been paid by parents towards the education of their chilren in Little Angels Community School. In addition to this, details of how this money had been used had been identified for the first time ever. By adding this information to that already collected for money received from donors the whole cost of running the entire school for 2009 could now be put together.
A small acheivment, maybe, but a large step forward in understanding the past ready for planning for the future.
My final working day was spent discussing the progress made over my time in Nodla with Mr Mwelwa, headteacher, and how to use this new information to better inform the Parents Committee and understand the very minimum amount required for the school to operate on a day to day basis. Completing all the review forms together to ensure that it was a joint opinion and talking through objectives for new volunteers was the final act.
My very last day included a visit to the local airport to check upon details with them, a visit to the internet cafe to check international flight details and that no changes had occurred with a visit to the hairdressers. Following this I joined the other teachers cooking for a farewell party which kicked off at 14 hours. That was a real feast and absolutely delicious. We danced and had a really good time, they appeared to have really appreciated my working with them and I have most certainly enjoyed sharing with them.
The final day ended with my return to the Guesthouse and the news that there would be no electricity or water between then and my departure in the morning! Typical life in Africa!
Saturday, 28 August 2010
Monday, 23 August 2010
End of Week Two
Written
This week has seen busy mornings with further training on Excel. I am trying to get them to put together the Petty Cash Book for 2009, not only for practice, but so I have a complete twelve months of entries to demonstrate the benefit of having this information.
All of them have improved in speed with using the keyboard. This morning Head Teacher Mwelwa had a go and it was really pleasing to see them teaching him and being able to explain the whys and wherefores. They have learnt well and I feel confident that they will continue with what they have learnt even after I have left.
They had some good news yesterday when a message arrived to say the Government had paid them some funds for Term 1 (January to March). How they survive is quite amazing as they have no credit available nor could they obtain a bank loan but still they are managing. Hopefully future volunteers can lead them to obtaining further and more reliable funding for their long term financial security.
With only a week to go I am drawing my work with them to a close and ensure that I have empowered them with their first step towards cash accounting. The progress may not have been as much as they wanted before I arrived but they appear to have enjoyed mastering something new and they have become firm friends with me.
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
Written Monday 16 August 2010
I went shopping Zambian style on Saturday at Masala Market. Tightly packed stalls selling everything you could think of, mostly second hand. Lots of fresh fruit, beans, rice and dried fish (as long as you don’t mind the flies!), There was very little room between the stalls, I would not like to be there if it is crowded as it was difficult to find room to pass one other person let alone if there had been many more.
The market is located in the compound of Masala and is the largest market in Ndola. I spent several hours there browsing and enjoying the sights and smells. I am certain if I had not been with Mwelwa and Abigail I would be wandering round, still, entirely lost, trying to find my way out!
I also visited the smaller market in Mushili Compound as well and discovered it is only at the far end of the road I am staying in. Unfortunately this market does not have any fresh fruit to have me scampering back there for supplies.
The people of Ndola are predominantly Christian and hold a very strong faith. Almost the first question you are asked is what church do you attend. So Sunday’s are the day to attend Church and they can be found along every street. In town there is a Catholic Cathedral but in general the buildings can be any size, any state of repair and even made of wood. There are so many denominations it makes your head spin.
So I decided to attend the United Church of Zambia in Lubuto Compound. There was an impressive array of Girls Brigade members and the service was dedicated to enrolling new Lieutenants, there must have been about twenty young ladies moving into this position. After two hours I crept out but the service was still going on, the sermon had not even started! The best part of the service was the use of music, singing and dancing which was to a really high standard. I should have stayed as I returned to my accommodation to prepare for work for the week and found out there was a power cut and I could not use my laptop.
All part of the life and culture of an African country!
I went shopping Zambian style on Saturday at Masala Market. Tightly packed stalls selling everything you could think of, mostly second hand. Lots of fresh fruit, beans, rice and dried fish (as long as you don’t mind the flies!), There was very little room between the stalls, I would not like to be there if it is crowded as it was difficult to find room to pass one other person let alone if there had been many more.
The market is located in the compound of Masala and is the largest market in Ndola. I spent several hours there browsing and enjoying the sights and smells. I am certain if I had not been with Mwelwa and Abigail I would be wandering round, still, entirely lost, trying to find my way out!
I also visited the smaller market in Mushili Compound as well and discovered it is only at the far end of the road I am staying in. Unfortunately this market does not have any fresh fruit to have me scampering back there for supplies.
The people of Ndola are predominantly Christian and hold a very strong faith. Almost the first question you are asked is what church do you attend. So Sunday’s are the day to attend Church and they can be found along every street. In town there is a Catholic Cathedral but in general the buildings can be any size, any state of repair and even made of wood. There are so many denominations it makes your head spin.
So I decided to attend the United Church of Zambia in Lubuto Compound. There was an impressive array of Girls Brigade members and the service was dedicated to enrolling new Lieutenants, there must have been about twenty young ladies moving into this position. After two hours I crept out but the service was still going on, the sermon had not even started! The best part of the service was the use of music, singing and dancing which was to a really high standard. I should have stayed as I returned to my accommodation to prepare for work for the week and found out there was a power cut and I could not use my laptop.
All part of the life and culture of an African country!
Friday, 13 August 2010
First week over!
It is now over a week since I arrived. The weather has been colder for a couple of days but is warm to day.
I am busy training three of the teachers in petty cash, so far this has taken two mornings with a third planned for Monday. Teaching people who know nothing about accounts is a slow process.
I have just watched the Little Angels Football team win a match before coming into town.
I wil have to spend the weekend planning the activities for next week and working out how far I can go to establishing the very basics of what is needed. Working in an unfamiliar set up is making the old cogs grind into action to think of the best way to approach things.
Tonight I have asked for some beans! I am sure they are a staple of the diet here but have not tried them.
I am busy training three of the teachers in petty cash, so far this has taken two mornings with a third planned for Monday. Teaching people who know nothing about accounts is a slow process.
I have just watched the Little Angels Football team win a match before coming into town.
I wil have to spend the weekend planning the activities for next week and working out how far I can go to establishing the very basics of what is needed. Working in an unfamiliar set up is making the old cogs grind into action to think of the best way to approach things.
Tonight I have asked for some beans! I am sure they are a staple of the diet here but have not tried them.
Busy Busy Busy
Written Wednesday 11 August 2010
I was fully expecting to have three weeks reviewing and working in Ndola and presenting a report on my return. Things don’t always work out the way you think and I have put the review together within three days. I have worked harder and longer hours than if I was at home AND in the heat without air conditioning or fans! Did someone say this was a holiday?
I was fully expecting to have three weeks reviewing and working in Ndola and presenting a report on my return. Things don’t always work out the way you think and I have put the review together within three days. I have worked harder and longer hours than if I was at home AND in the heat without air conditioning or fans! Did someone say this was a holiday?
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Second day of work
Access to the internet is difficult but I am here at last.
My first day working here was a bit of a surprise. I was put in front of four teachers and the headmaster in the classroom as if I was to spend the day teaching them accounts!
Instead I spent the morning asking questions and making notes unti lmy head span.
Then I went to meet the main donor to the programme in the town centre.
I then spent my evening writing up my notes and thinking about how I could make a difference to this organisation and what needed to be developed to assist them in the future. At first I had no ideas but graduall y these are coming to me. It is surprising what a bit of reflection and a Zambian meal of fish, cheema and pumpkin leaves can do! Especailly when eaten with the fingers.
Today I have met again with the staff and now realise that the support that is needed is as much at the top level of the organisation as well as with those trying to maintain the accounts. Now I have to reflect and my first day of real training and helping staff will be on Thursday.
The Zambian people are friendly and being english speakers this is a real advantage. There is a bar in the garden of the guesthouse where I am staying which locals use, so I am beginning to make a few friends.
My first day working here was a bit of a surprise. I was put in front of four teachers and the headmaster in the classroom as if I was to spend the day teaching them accounts!
Instead I spent the morning asking questions and making notes unti lmy head span.
Then I went to meet the main donor to the programme in the town centre.
I then spent my evening writing up my notes and thinking about how I could make a difference to this organisation and what needed to be developed to assist them in the future. At first I had no ideas but graduall y these are coming to me. It is surprising what a bit of reflection and a Zambian meal of fish, cheema and pumpkin leaves can do! Especailly when eaten with the fingers.
Today I have met again with the staff and now realise that the support that is needed is as much at the top level of the organisation as well as with those trying to maintain the accounts. Now I have to reflect and my first day of real training and helping staff will be on Thursday.
The Zambian people are friendly and being english speakers this is a real advantage. There is a bar in the garden of the guesthouse where I am staying which locals use, so I am beginning to make a few friends.
Immediate Reactions
Written Saturday 7th August 2010
Ndola is a large bustling town centre and on the first visit, with so many new things to see, a little disorientating. I am working and living in the Kabushi area of the town. This is not a wealthy area but neither is it like a ‘township’. Small council houses (often only one or two rooms) were provided for rent in the past and due to a policy introduced by the Government a while ago many people have now been able to buy their homes. This has led to families extending and increasing their properties to cater for increasing family members.
Friday morning was an early start having arrived at the Guest House only 8 hours earlier, giving little chance of sleep. This was the last day of school and the children would not be back in school until after my return, so I had to make the effort. How could I travel all this way and have a lie in?
I was welcomed with a delightful song in both English and Bemba by staff and pupils. It was report day with parents attending to find out how their children were progressing and I sat with Charity, Grade 2 teacher, to hear these reports. They are just the same as our children – those with poor attendance had lowest marks! School broke up with the singing of the Zambian National Anthem.
My accommodation is basic and clean. I have an on-suite shower room – but the shower only has cold water, you get a couple of spurts then a small dribble before it stops completely. Not enough to get your hair wet! So bucket showers it is! The coordinator, Precious, is a lovely friendly young lady who is looking after my needs and has already introduced me to Zambian foods and eating with my fingers.
Mwelwa, my host, has been very welcoming and has a lovely wife, Abigail, who is a good cook! I have sampled her stew, yummy! For now I am settling in, with real work starting on Monday morning.
Ndola is a large bustling town centre and on the first visit, with so many new things to see, a little disorientating. I am working and living in the Kabushi area of the town. This is not a wealthy area but neither is it like a ‘township’. Small council houses (often only one or two rooms) were provided for rent in the past and due to a policy introduced by the Government a while ago many people have now been able to buy their homes. This has led to families extending and increasing their properties to cater for increasing family members.
Friday morning was an early start having arrived at the Guest House only 8 hours earlier, giving little chance of sleep. This was the last day of school and the children would not be back in school until after my return, so I had to make the effort. How could I travel all this way and have a lie in?
I was welcomed with a delightful song in both English and Bemba by staff and pupils. It was report day with parents attending to find out how their children were progressing and I sat with Charity, Grade 2 teacher, to hear these reports. They are just the same as our children – those with poor attendance had lowest marks! School broke up with the singing of the Zambian National Anthem.
My accommodation is basic and clean. I have an on-suite shower room – but the shower only has cold water, you get a couple of spurts then a small dribble before it stops completely. Not enough to get your hair wet! So bucket showers it is! The coordinator, Precious, is a lovely friendly young lady who is looking after my needs and has already introduced me to Zambian foods and eating with my fingers.
Mwelwa, my host, has been very welcoming and has a lovely wife, Abigail, who is a good cook! I have sampled her stew, yummy! For now I am settling in, with real work starting on Monday morning.
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Countdown!
Less than a week to go.
Cannot think of anything more to do except put the last things in my bag and catch the train.
Reading up on the training notes to grasp the task in hand:
Assess Little Angels' financial processes.
Build a relationship with Little Angels, gain their confidence.
Introduce simple measures to start them on the road.
Identify areas for further support for following volunteers.
Now I am ready!
Cannot think of anything more to do except put the last things in my bag and catch the train.
Reading up on the training notes to grasp the task in hand:
Assess Little Angels' financial processes.
Build a relationship with Little Angels, gain their confidence.
Introduce simple measures to start them on the road.
Identify areas for further support for following volunteers.
Now I am ready!
Sunday, 11 July 2010
In the beginning
This is it!
The Beginning!
Training done. Project selected. Preparations underway. Just waiting for THE DAY to start my journey. Nervous, apprehensive, wary, excited, confident.
What is it all about? Trying to make a difference that will benefit others by using the skills I take for granted and at the same time experiencing life away from my comfort blanket.
What will be the measure of my success?
Helping one person towards empowerment in accounts leading them to help others in their community, creating on-going, sustainable benefit.
The Beginning!
Training done. Project selected. Preparations underway. Just waiting for THE DAY to start my journey. Nervous, apprehensive, wary, excited, confident.
What is it all about? Trying to make a difference that will benefit others by using the skills I take for granted and at the same time experiencing life away from my comfort blanket.
What will be the measure of my success?
Helping one person towards empowerment in accounts leading them to help others in their community, creating on-going, sustainable benefit.
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