Zimbabwe, I'll see you very soon!
on Z for Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe), 07/Dec/2010 17:24, 34 days ago
It's been confirmed - I'll be leaving for Zimbabwe on January 4th! As excited as I am that this is finally getting all figured out, I think I'll miss Mozambique, its beautiful beaches and its friendly people, as well as my amazing VSO friends here…Also it seems that Kelly and Aubrey will not be going to Zimbabwe at all. There's been some type of a problem with the partner organization Kelly was supposed to be working with in Harare, and her work permit was not approved. So, it appears they will be staying in Mozambique and Kelly will be assigned to a project here.There are currently no other VSO volunteers in Zimbabwe. The program there was stopped several years ago when the political situation was becoming iffy. Now that things are improving VSO (as well as other development organizations) are restarting their work and increasing their presence in the country once again. I will be the first VSO volunteer and more will follow in February 2011. There is a VSO office in Harare, so I will not be on my own and I'll definitely have a support group as it appears this new program will be watched very closely by VSO's headquarters to ensure its success. Eric, the Country Director for Mozambique and Zimbabwe, called me the other day to ask if they could use my name on reports and presentations in London as they discuss the VSO Zimbabwe program with outside agencies.It's exciting to be given the privilege of being the first Zimbabwe volunteer after so many years. I feel like I'll have the opportunity to help shape the VSO volunteer efforts there. I'll try my best to provide as much information and feedback as possible to make it easier for VSO and future volunteers to have maximum impact through their work in the country.I am happy that I'll finally go to Zimbabwe, experience another African culture and begin making contributions.