A few more cultural differences
on Volunteers Abroad (Uganda), 28/May/2009 09:52, 34 days ago
RainEverything and everybody stop when it rains. Students and teachers don't go to school. Employees don't go to work. This even happens in Kampala. It was explained to me by a university-educated bank employee that the reason they wait until the rain is off to go to work is that people will get their shoes and nice clothes wet and muddy due to all the puddles in the bad roads. No one seems to consider the fact that there are alternatives. People who can afford it can wear rainboots, long raincoat, or simply wear old shoes and casual clothes, changing into work clothes upon arrival at one's place of employment. People in the trading centres and villages are not worried about getting business clothes muddy, but seem to simply prefer not to get wet, even if this means losing money at their business.I am sure this contributes to Uganda's slow journey to progress, along with little understanding of the importance of good timekeeping and punctuality.School practice and trucksPTC students partipate in several student teaching practices at local primary schools. The tutors at the core primary teachers' colleges observe, grade and advise them.Transportation to these schools, most of which are a long distance down bumpy dirt roads, is by 4 door pickup truck. All the tutors can't fit in the seats so they sit in the back of the truck on the edge, holding on where possible. Many stand up as it's less jolting when going over the bumps. The back of a truck is a common mode of transport here, and, of course, in an accident many are killed. We've been met with disbelief when we point out that in our countries the driver would be arrested for this.Cold bath/showerRecently we were discussing cold showers and baths with a couple of our neighbours, and mentioned that we heat water for hot bath or camping shower. They found this incomprehensible, saying they prefer a cold bath/shower, even when the weather is chilly. One person thought taking a hot bath or shower would make you sweat!