One year later

I have found it difficult finding the time to sit down and write about what has been going on in my life. Perhaps because a lot of the work I do now consists of sitting at a computer and analyzing/editing/re-working reports rather than seeing and experiencing things first hand. Nonetheless, I am still learning and enjoying life out here, so let me recap about what has been going on.

I worked for Plan International for one year. During that time, the Manager of Monitoring, Evaluation and Research went on maternity leave, allowing me the opportunity to step in her shoes, gain some valuable experience and contribute a few things from my perspective. This also allowed my travels to Malawi for an M and E (monitoring and evaluation) workshop conference with all of Plan East Africa country offices. My mom was actually visiting me at the time, but if you know my mom, you also know that she fits in with pretty much any crowd, including NGO M and E specialists.

After a year of Plan Tanzania, the time had come to move on. While I had committed to 2 years; I knew that I wanted to do something different. I have had my eyes set on a charcoal project for awhile now. Basically that project involves using organic waste (corn cobs, rice husks, sugar cane bagasse, etc.) and using it to make charcoal for cooking. I have been talking with a PhD student from MIT University and visited some charcoal projects in both Kenya and Tanzania. Right now, people cook over charcoal made from burnt trees. This is not only devastating for the forests and environment, but also for human health as the smoke byproduct is considerable. Cooking over organic waste benefits local farmers, saves the forests, and is better for human health AND can be made cheaper than the traditional charcoal.

This is a picture of a project I visited in Tanzania. Ironically, this organization was also started by someone who used to be a VSO volunteer. I probably also should have mentioned that I got accepted to the MPA program (Masters of Public Administration) at UVic. I applied for the online component so that I could continue with my life out here in East Africa while earning this degree. Suffice to say, I am a little bit busier than I thought and when Russell (my liaison manager at VSO) offered my part-time work with VSO while completing my studies, I couldn't refuse. Therefore, I have not yet started on my charcoal endeavor. Funding for my part-time work as an M and E Specialist runs out in March therefore I am forced to move on to something else in a couple of months.

Meanwhile, life in Dar Es Salaam is hot, hot hot! I have also befriended a street youth (Dani) who was falsely arrested for armed robbery. I am doing what I can to get him out and to let the system know that I am watching this case. I recently visited the State Attorney in Charge for Dar Es Salaam and went over the particulars of Dani's case, and why the charge is atrocious. I have hope that he will be released. In the meantime, I visit him at Segerea jail bringing food, hygiene products and some hope whenever I am able. Here are a few pictures of that experience.

This is a picture of people waiting to see their loved ones in prison. Not surprisingly, it is made up primarily of women. They bring food, soap, toothpaste and whatever else they are allowed to bring to their family/partners. Its a long day. Often I wait for 2 hours before I can see Dani. And seeing Dani is equivalent to about 5 minutes with a billion other people yelling across a wire mesh communicating with someone who stands 30 feet apart.

Here is a sneak picture of Segerea jail through the bush. It is fairly plain, smells really awful, and prisoners (not like Dani who is on remand) are made to work around the prison grounds. Surprisingly for Tanzania, the prison grounds are spotless. The lawns are well manicured, the gardens are immaculate, it is quite the sight.

Here is a picture of Dani's friends. The one in the gray is Edward. He is a loyal friend of Dani, and has become a good friend of mine as well. The one in the pink I have just recently met, and actually cannot even remember his name.

The Christmas holidays are upon us. On a fun note, I have one more working day before I get a week and a half of vacation and I plan on heading up to Arusha, which is much cooler at this time of year. Also, a good friend of mine from Kenya (Jah Pillah) is playing music up there which I look forward to experiencing. I also plan on heading to Zanzibar very soon as I have not yet enjoyed the spices, beaches, snorkeling, or the ancient city that this island has to offer since moving to Tanzania.

Merry Christmas everyone. I will try to update more often. I miss you all, but know that we will meet again soon.