The Law of Unintended Consequences.
on Pam Kerruish (Tajikistan), 27/May/2010 16:30, 34 days ago
- has been at work in Tajikistan! I think I have mentioned some very important - but fairly basic, training that an EU funded project is doing in Tajikistan.It is taking place in Chorborg in Dushanbe ,a flagship home for disabilities here, and the director and one of the staff went down to Dushanbe for an introductory seminar last week.I am putting a lot of faith in the training as the EU carry a lot of clout - and I dont . AnywayI went to see the director about something else today ( sorry about the change of font) and she was evidently very displeased with me. I imagine its because I told the staff that Degmai is the worst placeI have visited ( ah back to normal- and I havent done anything! ) but she wouldn't refer to that of course -she was just extremely cold towards me. I asked her what was wrong , and she said the staff had complained that I was making a big mess trying to teach some of the disabled children to feed themselves.(Absolutely true .)She said that I was making a mess of the carpet and that the carpet would be damaged ( not true )and that when inspectors came they would see the carpet and be very angry! I said it was true that we made a mess but that children needed to be able to make a mess when they were learning to feed themselves -and that they must be allowed to do as much as possible for themselves.To cut a long story short, she said that she had just been to Chorborg ( a modern building whereas Degmai is pretty decrepit) and she now knew how CLEAN a place could be!What was more , the two staff who were travelling there for the first real training today would be able to see how CLEAN a place could be too!So my great hope of good effects has been dashed! In fact it has set my campaign for helping the children fulfil their potential back miles. Some people call this place "Absurdistan" and today I cant help but agree.The reason Sharon quotes when she calls it that is that they have to keep their cars clean ( by law ) in Dushanbe ! I dont know if thats true but it fits with my current problem.Against that I had a good experience earlier in the week . On Saturday I met a young Dutchman , an OT , at Sharons, and asked him to come and help us in Degmai. I especially wanted him to come and help with positioning the lying down children and he came on Monday; he was wonderful .By supporting the children in ways I wouldn't have thought of he was able to get some who hadn't ever been able to sit up to sit in chairs . A miracle.And he is a really nice bloke - Nathan. It was interesting to see the staff react to him. He is very tall and clearly knows his job and of course a man and so they were delighted with him.On Friday I finally met Regina , the German lady who I met on my way in to Tajikistan,again. She has been back since March , but on Friday she , her husband Fred( the only other Brit ) and their son Daniel came to our Friday tea.It was lovely to see her again but disappointing to find that the family are not having their visa renewed and are having to go home.I'm sorry as I'll be without Anne Marie and Sharon throughout June and July and I was hoping to see a bit of them. Never mind. Perhaps I'll finally catch up on my e-mails!I was pretty pleased to hear from the EU trainer on Friday that the two staff from Degmai who have gone to Chorborg have blotted their copy book already. They are both people I wouldnt have chosen - one the directors sister -and both disinterested in improving care.Anyway they are staying in Chorborg and played up because they "didn't want to be with disabled children "and they were "tired".They evidently wanted to be put up in a hotel.Claire, the trainer was horrified by their manner . I am pleased only because they have shown her what I am up against.I have had a couple to nice days . Midge and I were in for the evening yesterday and ended up eating Osh with the staff. It was a really nice impromptu get together. We found our that they were baking bread this morning so we got up to see that and then went to "YakShambe " the Sunday market. We went to see the cattle/ sheep being sold ,but unfortunately did nt see any deals sealed in the entertaining way I had on an earlier trip.Its hot today. 30ish. After the market we met Sharon for lunch and then went to Anne Marie's . I felt drugged it was so hot ( I think that was the reason ) and fell fast asleep at Anne-maries. I'm OK now though.Midge helped me put up a mosquito net yesterday but there are still loads getting in.I reckon some of the bugs here are like Doodlebugs. They make a loud squealing noise in your ear and spin round really fast.Anyway, the battle continues!We have had some nice conversations with people along the way. I am now learning that as well as David Beckham and Wayne Rooney ( and some other footballers I can't remember) Pamela Anderson and "Deeanna "Princess Di, are also known. I've had the Pamela Anderson reference made a couple of times when I've told people my name.Oh yes , Michael Jackson is known about too.I had a bit of a setback earlier in the week when I had my purse stolen at the Bazoor. It was my own fault. I just wasn't careful enough and someone saw me put it in my bag and NOt close itOnce I got my wits about me I cancelled the cards and miraculously the replacements have come in time for Annie to bring them out to me this week.Midge goes tomorrow but I meet Annie and co on Thursday so I'm doing well for company at the moment. Sorry about the lack of photos . I'll do better next time. Pamx