It is the eve of one of the most anticipated days of the year, Christmas. People ask me all the time, "aren't you going to miss celebrating Christmas?". I think if I were in England or another part of the world that "gets into the Christmas spirit" in the way that I have grown up with I think it would be really hard since it will be familiar.
Before my travel restrictions were lifted I asked my host family what they were doing for the holidays. She said that maybe they'll get together and have dinner but that's it. While still in that area there was barely any indication that Christmas was approaching. Nobody at school was asking me if there were holiday plans, the classrooms weren't decorated, none of the houses in my village had an army of ridiculous lawn ornaments. The only place that seemed to recognize it was the Christmas season was ShopRite, a U.S. grocery store chain; in the true American spirit, they started playing Christmas music right after Halloween.
I've been traveling since mid-December and despite the occasional Christmas song in the supermarket I haven't even notice that Christmas has been approaching. Another major factor in the not realizing it's Christmas is where I've been traveling. So far I've attended a Swazi celebration of the beginning of the harvest, been adventure caving, relaxed by my tent watching monkeys swing from tree to tree, and faced off with a Rhino in a Toyota Yaris; not your typical Christmasy activities; the 90+ degree weather in the day, the nasty sunburn, and rainy nights don't help either.
Don't get me wrong, I will miss spending time with my family, all the food, and all other parts of the season but I won't be bored. I'll be spending this year hanging out with other volunteers at BIB's, a backpacker in St. Lucia so at least I'll be in good company.
Merry Christmas to all!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Vacation Time!!!!!
As of today the 3-month cultural integration period (lovingly referred to as "lockdown") is over and travel restrictions have been lifted. Along with three other volunteers I will be hopping on a BAZ bus to go to Swaziland for a week. I will spend Christmas in Hluhluwe (north of St. Lucia) and New Year's in Durban with a backpacker full of other volunteers.
We have planned the housing and a game reserve visit at some point but that is about it so I don't know what to tell you to expect. I will not be posting until I return which will be after the New Year (January 2ndish) but I should have a lot of interesting new things to write about.
Have a safe and happy holiday season!!!
We have planned the housing and a game reserve visit at some point but that is about it so I don't know what to tell you to expect. I will not be posting until I return which will be after the New Year (January 2ndish) but I should have a lot of interesting new things to write about.
Have a safe and happy holiday season!!!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Me? A Counselor?
As part of my assigning educators to classrooms initiative, the HOD and I would like to create an additional classroom for use by the Intermediate Phase students(4-6). The plan was to move the second grade R class into the same building as the first grade R class. Since the grade R class is small it would be able to fit in the smaller room. I presented the idea to my principal and she said no because she had separated them since they couldn't stand each other. Since they are all adults I figured there was probably something far deeper than that involved so I decided to investigate.
Yesterday I explained to both of the grade R educators that I wanted to move them into the same building in adjoining rooms. They agreed pending the installation of an outside door to the other classroom. I was ecstatic and told the principal and she said she would make the announcement today.
I wanted to confirm with the educators today that they were on board with the plan. I went to talk to one of the educators in her classroom and she said "no". So I asked her why and she said I could go ask the principal and she would tell me the reasons. Since I knew if I had a conversation with the principal about someone else's opinions they would be skewed because she would take all the points that supported her own opinion and only present those to me. So I explained that to the educator and then she told me, "No, I don't trust you because you're white and all white people live easy, problem-free, relaxing lives so they don't understand us. You're always happy and enjoying life." I explained to her that I do harbor some problems I just don't expose them to everyone, all people have problems even if you can't see them. I also explained that I am a mediator here to help the school as a whole and that I wouldn't share her problems with anyone. After a long awkward silence she decided to open up to me.
We started talking and the reason she gave me for not wanting to have the educator in the room next to her was because the other class was isiNdebele-speaking and hers was Northern Sotho-speaking and she didn't want them getting confused. I offered the point that all of the Intermediate Phase educators have rooms that are next to each other and she countered with the belief that since they were older they could cope with the distraction. I knew this wasn't the real issue so I continued to probe.
I asked her what the conflict between her and the other educator was that the principal had told me about. She said it was because having the other educator was causing her stress and anxiety. Since leaving a perfectly good room vacant that could be put to better use didn't seem like the best solution and that probably wasn't the true cause of her problems I continued. She was constantly coughing and clearing her throat and I found out she was snorting snuff (a powdered tobacco) to make her feel more relaxed and ease that pain; also not a good solution. She told me she's been seeing psychologists and taking pills for the past few years and when she's in their office is the only time she feels really comfortable and relaxed. I was starting to really doubt that having the educator in room next to her was the source of her anxiety.
I asked her what the rest of her life not related to work was like. She gave me a very detailed depressing account of her life which can be summed up as praying about her problems when she gets home, praying with church friends about other people's problems, and talking about her problems with her mother at her mother's house. I very quickly realized that all three activities entailed thinking depressing thoughts and were stress contributors. I asked her what she does for fun or relaxation and if she exercised. The only exercise she does is the short walk to work and home and that her relaxation is the praying. She has no other relaxation activities.
Since she believes in God, I explained to her that God doesn't want her to only pray to him but also to enjoy the Earth that he has provided to her. I suggested that she find something that she likes to do such as gardening and relax. She said she has a vegetable garden and likes gardening but never really thought about how much she likes it. After a little more discussion there was a consensus that her problem was the lack of something relaxing and enjoyable so she would try incorporating gardening as a relaxation method into her life. We also agreed that installing a door to the outside so that the other educator would be able to get into the other room without walking through her room would solve the major problem presented by the move.
I talked to the principal today afterwards and told her the good news. She informed me that the idea had been brought up at the faculty meeting and both spoke out adamantly against it; I was shocked! I thought yesterday there was a general understanding and agreement to the proposal. So the faculty said if the grade R educators didn't agree then it wouldn't happen; I don't disagree with their position. The educator who I talked to today was the one who spoke out against it first then the second educator, who told me she would be fine with the transition if a door to the outside was installed, also spoke out against it. I think the reason the second spoke out against it was because it seems that very few people are willing to disagree with the status quo so she just fell in line. I explained to the principal the conversation that I had with the first educator (leaving out the personal details of course)and said I would talk to the two educators to clarify what will happen and then re-present the idea to the faculty tomorrow afternoon.
I may be naive in thinking that I have discovered the educator's problem; I might have just scratched the surface to a slew of other problems she has. Either way, today was an extremely good day because I built a trusting relationship with another one of the educators. Now, regardless of the outcome of the room situation, it will be much easier to work with this educator because I have gained her trust. Lesson learned: qualifications get you the job, trust allows you to get the job done.
Yesterday I explained to both of the grade R educators that I wanted to move them into the same building in adjoining rooms. They agreed pending the installation of an outside door to the other classroom. I was ecstatic and told the principal and she said she would make the announcement today.
I wanted to confirm with the educators today that they were on board with the plan. I went to talk to one of the educators in her classroom and she said "no". So I asked her why and she said I could go ask the principal and she would tell me the reasons. Since I knew if I had a conversation with the principal about someone else's opinions they would be skewed because she would take all the points that supported her own opinion and only present those to me. So I explained that to the educator and then she told me, "No, I don't trust you because you're white and all white people live easy, problem-free, relaxing lives so they don't understand us. You're always happy and enjoying life." I explained to her that I do harbor some problems I just don't expose them to everyone, all people have problems even if you can't see them. I also explained that I am a mediator here to help the school as a whole and that I wouldn't share her problems with anyone. After a long awkward silence she decided to open up to me.
We started talking and the reason she gave me for not wanting to have the educator in the room next to her was because the other class was isiNdebele-speaking and hers was Northern Sotho-speaking and she didn't want them getting confused. I offered the point that all of the Intermediate Phase educators have rooms that are next to each other and she countered with the belief that since they were older they could cope with the distraction. I knew this wasn't the real issue so I continued to probe.
I asked her what the conflict between her and the other educator was that the principal had told me about. She said it was because having the other educator was causing her stress and anxiety. Since leaving a perfectly good room vacant that could be put to better use didn't seem like the best solution and that probably wasn't the true cause of her problems I continued. She was constantly coughing and clearing her throat and I found out she was snorting snuff (a powdered tobacco) to make her feel more relaxed and ease that pain; also not a good solution. She told me she's been seeing psychologists and taking pills for the past few years and when she's in their office is the only time she feels really comfortable and relaxed. I was starting to really doubt that having the educator in room next to her was the source of her anxiety.
I asked her what the rest of her life not related to work was like. She gave me a very detailed depressing account of her life which can be summed up as praying about her problems when she gets home, praying with church friends about other people's problems, and talking about her problems with her mother at her mother's house. I very quickly realized that all three activities entailed thinking depressing thoughts and were stress contributors. I asked her what she does for fun or relaxation and if she exercised. The only exercise she does is the short walk to work and home and that her relaxation is the praying. She has no other relaxation activities.
Since she believes in God, I explained to her that God doesn't want her to only pray to him but also to enjoy the Earth that he has provided to her. I suggested that she find something that she likes to do such as gardening and relax. She said she has a vegetable garden and likes gardening but never really thought about how much she likes it. After a little more discussion there was a consensus that her problem was the lack of something relaxing and enjoyable so she would try incorporating gardening as a relaxation method into her life. We also agreed that installing a door to the outside so that the other educator would be able to get into the other room without walking through her room would solve the major problem presented by the move.
I talked to the principal today afterwards and told her the good news. She informed me that the idea had been brought up at the faculty meeting and both spoke out adamantly against it; I was shocked! I thought yesterday there was a general understanding and agreement to the proposal. So the faculty said if the grade R educators didn't agree then it wouldn't happen; I don't disagree with their position. The educator who I talked to today was the one who spoke out against it first then the second educator, who told me she would be fine with the transition if a door to the outside was installed, also spoke out against it. I think the reason the second spoke out against it was because it seems that very few people are willing to disagree with the status quo so she just fell in line. I explained to the principal the conversation that I had with the first educator (leaving out the personal details of course)and said I would talk to the two educators to clarify what will happen and then re-present the idea to the faculty tomorrow afternoon.
I may be naive in thinking that I have discovered the educator's problem; I might have just scratched the surface to a slew of other problems she has. Either way, today was an extremely good day because I built a trusting relationship with another one of the educators. Now, regardless of the outcome of the room situation, it will be much easier to work with this educator because I have gained her trust. Lesson learned: qualifications get you the job, trust allows you to get the job done.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Replacement Light Bulbs
Eskom is the electric company run by the government responsible for providing power to South Africa. They have started a new initiative to reduce energy costs and encourage energy conservation. They have started delivering free energy-saving light bulbs to every home. In a country overrun with corruption, the fact that a large corporation is taking steps to reduce energy consumption is encouraging. The way that electricity is sold has required them to use old-school tactics to make it successful.
In the U.S., the electric company keeps track of the amount of electricity you use via a meter and then sends you a monthly bill that you pay for via check or debit/credit card.
They hook your house up to electricity and maintain the power lines but they do not send you a bill at the end of the month. They use a debit system that will shut off your power automatically when your account reaches 0.
Each house has its own card that looks like a flimsy cardboard card that you would use on the subway and has the meter number that belongs to a house on it. You bring your used card to an electricity shop and give it, along with the amount of money worth of electricity you want to purchase in cash to the employee. The employee then inserts the card and the amount of electricity you purchased into a machine. The machine then prints out a new card that has your meter number and the amount of electricity on it. At your house, you insert your card into your meter and it recharges your meter with the amount on the card then punches a hole in it so that it is no longer valid.
This system works well for three reasons. First, the electric company does not have to worry about mailing bills at the end of the month which cuts back on costs. Since it is a debit system, you can only use electricity that you have already paid for so the only people who you need to answer to when there is no electricity are the people who use the house. And finally, a checking account or credit card is not required.
The problem with this system is that since there are no monthly bills being sent out, they don't have a regular medium to send propaganda and advertising through. Advertising is further complicated by the high illiteracy rate and people not owning TVs or radios. As a result, Eskom has to resort to old school techniques; they have people drive cars with loud speakers attached to them announcing any important information. As the use of modern technology becomes more widespread in rural areas, as it did in the U.S., we'll find out if this type of advertising becomes obsolete.
In the U.S., the electric company keeps track of the amount of electricity you use via a meter and then sends you a monthly bill that you pay for via check or debit/credit card.
They hook your house up to electricity and maintain the power lines but they do not send you a bill at the end of the month. They use a debit system that will shut off your power automatically when your account reaches 0.
Each house has its own card that looks like a flimsy cardboard card that you would use on the subway and has the meter number that belongs to a house on it. You bring your used card to an electricity shop and give it, along with the amount of money worth of electricity you want to purchase in cash to the employee. The employee then inserts the card and the amount of electricity you purchased into a machine. The machine then prints out a new card that has your meter number and the amount of electricity on it. At your house, you insert your card into your meter and it recharges your meter with the amount on the card then punches a hole in it so that it is no longer valid.
This system works well for three reasons. First, the electric company does not have to worry about mailing bills at the end of the month which cuts back on costs. Since it is a debit system, you can only use electricity that you have already paid for so the only people who you need to answer to when there is no electricity are the people who use the house. And finally, a checking account or credit card is not required.
The problem with this system is that since there are no monthly bills being sent out, they don't have a regular medium to send propaganda and advertising through. Advertising is further complicated by the high illiteracy rate and people not owning TVs or radios. As a result, Eskom has to resort to old school techniques; they have people drive cars with loud speakers attached to them announcing any important information. As the use of modern technology becomes more widespread in rural areas, as it did in the U.S., we'll find out if this type of advertising becomes obsolete.
Photos: Slaughtering of a Cow
I was hesitant to put up an album that documented the slaughtering of the cow in honor of Jonas Mnguni's death. I have decided to post it since it was part of my experience and a few people have requested it:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2134921&l=f2339&id=10505223
Due to the graphic nature of these photos, viewer discretion is advised.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2134921&l=f2339&id=10505223
Due to the graphic nature of these photos, viewer discretion is advised.
Photos: My House
It is no longer shrouded in mystery; this album contains pictures of my house and the property it sits on:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2133651&l=bc4ba&id=10505223
My living quarters are modest but it is not even close to the stereotypical living condition of some of the volunteers who don't have electricity or water.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2133651&l=bc4ba&id=10505223
My living quarters are modest but it is not even close to the stereotypical living condition of some of the volunteers who don't have electricity or water.
Photos: Mnyamana Primary School Before the Renovation
As I've already posted about, my key school, Mnyamana Primary is in extremely bad condition. These are pictures taken on 10/20 that present the current conditions in my school:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2133560&l=8618f&id=10505223
I will take more of the school during and after renovation as the project progresses.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2133560&l=8618f&id=10505223
I will take more of the school during and after renovation as the project progresses.
Photos:I Google Earthed My House
I had some time to kill one day and people were asking where I live so I used Google Earth to take pictures of my village.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2131727&l=362ce&id=10505223
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2131727&l=362ce&id=10505223
Photos: Pre-Service Training
The photos contained in this album are from Pre-Service Training. Pictures include: my homestay family and house, visit to the traditional healer, hanging out pictures, various events, and other miscellaneous pictures.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2126838&l=9e2dd&id=10505223
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2126838&l=9e2dd&id=10505223
Photos Can Now Be Viewed Online
Since it has been brought to my attention that many of you do not have Facebook accounts and since that is where I post all of my pictures, many of you do not get to view them. From now on, whenever I post pictures I will post the external link to the album so that they can be viewed without a Facebook account.
Hope you enjoy them!
Hope you enjoy them!
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