Tuesday 3rd November - Computers
on A Zambian Experience (Zambia), 04/Nov/2009 13:53, 34 days ago
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Today I placed my first order for computer equipment on behalf of Dzithandizeni Nutrition Group. I worked with my colleague Mr Zulu to write the order which we’ve placed through a charity in the UK, which sends second hand computer equipment and accessories to developing countries. I really hope something comes of it as my colleagues are really excited about the prospect of finally owning a couple of computers in the office. It would make such a difference to the organisation, as it would mean the equipment would support them in implementing their badly needed nutrition programmes.In the meantime, we visit Provident House for computer and internet access, which we use for our office work. It’s a central prominent building in town, which is about 10km walk from Dzithandizeni Nutrition Group (it feels longer in the heat). At the building two lovely ladies Christine and Martha are there to help us with printing, photo-copying and accessing the internet. Unfortunately the computers are loaded with viruses, so a 10 minute email to a donor can take about half an hour as the equipment is so slow. Dzithandizeni has an account with them and we are charged 2, 500 Kwacha per page printed and 1, 500 Kwacha per minute to use the internet, so as you can imagine the bills mount up with everysecond that goes by. Still, I perservere and chat to the people around. One old gentleman (whose name I’ve ashamedly forgotten) introduces himself to me and welcomes me to Zambia. He’s head of the Scouts association in Chipata and he proudly tells me that he’s been to England before. He was in Canterbury last year at a Scouts convention and he proudly tells me that he managed to survive the cold winter by drinking lots of hot chocolate. He’s even kept some gloves as souvenirs of his time. After a morning of sending an email, printing 10 pages and photocopying 15 pages, I’m really tired as the process is so slow but I’m thankful that at least we have access to the outside world.
