New arrivals
on Marika VSO-ing in Namibia (Namibia), 14/Mar/2010 12:05, 34 days ago
This weekend we have had new VSO arrivals. Rani and Manna, a lovely, lovely couple from South Africa, with Indian descent, but having lived in Australia and Hong Kong. Rani is replacing Elaine as English advisor and Mana is her accompanying husband, a multi-talented individual sure to have lots to offer. It’s such a relief to us that they are so nice. They are such interesting people who give off really positive energy which is much needed around here. They will be living close by but despite weeks of our hassling, and months of them knowing of their arrival, the Ministry have yet to get their act together and the house is not really in the best condition to put it simply, so they don’t have even have hot water as just one example. They have reacted well considering what they’ve been faced with. They plan on being here for two years, and you get a sense they have much talent to offer and brilliant people skills to inspire. So we managed to put together a VSO dinner for everyone on Saturday to meet again as they did for me in January.This Friday, Joy, the (first female) Katima circuit inspector arranged the first award ceremony for teachers and schools that had good results in order to encourage the poor results. The teachers were not keen initially, but then seemed to enjoy the competitiveness of it all. It was surprising to discover that it is the town schools (the Katima circuit) that are bringing down the region’s results, even though technically they have the most resources available, compared to the village schools. On the other hand the class sizes are huge in town, whereas in the villages they are reducing. I had a good talk with my Principal this week, another reminder of how intelligent and wise heis. He always seems to say the right thing whenever you talk to him. Even if the Maths staff at Mavuluma are not motivated in the right way, he definitely is, as well as supportive and with a vision. Even though, I am constantly reminded how I was placed in the wrong school, I am grateful for having him as my employer, especially after having met some of the others. I have found myself warming more to the women here. They have been so friendly and I am so often warmly greeted, even by women I don’t recognise.This week, has been hot hot hot and the car needed to go back to the government garage for repairing so I’ve been back on the bike, the sand getting deeper. Am hoping for a replacement next week, but like many things here, their word always changes from week to week. For example I’ve still yet to be paid, am without a bank card, without a legal visa as of tomorrow, without passport as it has been sent to Windhoek to be renewed by VSO (too late as usual). Jesse’s visa was thoroughly checked on a road block just 100km from this town so I should also not move around for a while. All of these out of my control and despite regular reminders and with a three-day weekend approaching next week. Asthey say, this is Africa...Last week International Women's Day passed in Katima unannounced. This is a shame as it was celebrated in many parts of the world and the women here really need it. They are still not treated well by men and deserve a lot more respect than what they get. In the UK today it is Mother's Day, so here's to all the mothers we know. What an amazing job they are doing for us as individuals and society in general - Thank you.