The Magic Bag
on Um Zayd wa Atheer (Uganda), 29/Oct/2009 15:09, 34 days ago
Small back packs are standard issue to volunteers, part of the uniform, unisex, usually non-descript but occasionally unique. Mostly they carry everyday useful things, a pen and notebook, an umbrella, a camera, water and something to eat if the day proves to be a bit too long. Some people carry bags that look special or carry special things.As you can see, mine is about 10 years old, 2 shades of olive green and appropriatley has Karrimor embroided across the top flap. I have thought about replacing it, have admired 'cooler' across the shoulder models but without seccumbing. It has been a comfortable friend along many walkers' footpaths. I accept that it is past its best. Frayed seams have turned into holes, now cobbled together and too many washes have withered the waterproof lining. BUT it is still giving good service. It will be a hard decision to make in December. Will it have made its last journey? It has so many stories to tell but will Uganda be its final chapter?On net sales it became known as the 'magic bag'. Stephen and the volunteers, apparently, were amazed at what this bag could produce on demand. 'Have you scissors?' 'Have you got string?' Have you any pain killers?' Do yo have Emmanuel's telephone number?' Usually, I could say yes and would smuggly delve into the disordered contents.The reputation of the 'magic bag' has now spread further afield. At a squeeze I can carry 5 mosquito nets on the motorcycle. It has proved useful to take some with me when going out to remote villages. Seams have bulged, the extra weight as acted as good ballast on the bumpy tracks and people have been pleased to have the unexpected chance of getting a net.Last Tuesday I was at a village called Rwemegali. It's far and way off the beaten track with huddles of young men drunk by mid morning. We have chosen it as one of our pilot villages for Young Mens Health Clubs, trying to improve their health, to give them accurate information so that they can make informed choices, especially about their sexual behaviour. We give a health talk, they get a game of football and the offer of free condoms.When we arrived, the shade under the mango tree was already spoken for by the producer and purveyor of local brew, 'real ale'. To avoid the sun, our rows of benches were shifted against a high but crumbling wall. The young men came, more than previously. Dixon, their self appointed leader, sat right at the front and was making uncomfortable eye contact. Was there a problem, had someone been offended? Once the formal greetings were over Dixon spoke. 'We are very pleased to see you Pamela but have you brought the magic bag?' It took me only a few seconds to realise the importance of the question, had I brought more condoms? I smiled, gave a thumbs up and the rows of faces lit up. The 'magic bag' had come up trumps again!