Thursday, September 25, 2008
How a sticker relates to development theory:)
I had a kid steal a sticker from me the other day. After washing my pots, I let them choose a sticker and then they like to look at the rest. They never take more than one sticker. However, the other day when they left I noticed many more stickers gone than pots scrubbed. I’ll be honest, I felt betrayed. I thought these kids were cool; I thought they were my friends. Its just a sticker, but its also the principle behind it. Really more than one principle, even. Stealing is bad, they shouldn’t steal from me or anyone. However, it also brings up the issue of volunteers being seen as “donors.” Because so many NGOs, Aid agencies, missionaries frequently address development by giving both things and money away, a relationship of dependence often develops among those in developing nations. An organization (typically white people) comes in and dumps a bunch of food or stuff on a community for a number or years and then when the organization pulls out and moves on, the people are left not knowing how to satisfy their needs. When PCV CJ moves in they see another white person and just more money. Every new group that I work with has to be sensitized to the idea that I’m not here to give them money or even stickers. Peace Corps philosophy is about capacity-building, developing people not things, and teaching people to meet their own needs. Many people ask me if I know donors who can help them. While I know of some grants to apply for, this is not the point of me being here and I hesitate to associate with a project that will perpetuate the idea of “white person as donor.” This is also why when people at home ask me how they can help or what they send me that my villagers need or would like, I am hesitant. What they need can’t be sent in a box from America. To be fair, many development organizations are moving away from the donation paradigm but it continues to persist and is frustrating for those of us trying to offer a different approach. So while I feel like an old curmudgeon complaining about a sticker thief, there is more to it than the loss of a dime-sized piece of entertainment.
tsitsi lali fupi (short hair)
So the hair is gone. Why would she be so crazy, you might be asking yourself.
1. I’m in Africa. Less than 10 degrees south of the Equator. Its HOT.
2.Its really hard to keep your hair clean, no matter the season, when you wash it upside down in a bucket.
3. I would never have the nerve to do this in America, and a lot of Zambian women have hair this short so I blend in a bit more.
4. As a result of living in a foreign environment, my hair is falling out. Not in chunks but just enough to be annoying. The medical officer told me this is one of the most common complaints of PCVs worldwide, due to the stress of living weirdly.
5. To let go of a natural vanity most women have regarding their hair (I haven’t shaved my legs in 7 months either! Imagine!?)
6. Its just hair, it will grow back.
7. I think secretly, I was always jealous that my brother could do this as a kid and be so cool in the summer. I’ve always wondered what it would be like.
I can’t stop rubbing my head.
The wind-in-my-hair thing has a whole new meaning now.
My mom said, “It looks weird, it will look better when it grows out.”
My friend said, “Man, I wish we had a basketball court here.” (In reference to the very round orangeness in front of him)
The housekeeper here in Chipata said I look like a boy.
I’m really enjoying it so far.
1. I’m in Africa. Less than 10 degrees south of the Equator. Its HOT.
2.Its really hard to keep your hair clean, no matter the season, when you wash it upside down in a bucket.
3. I would never have the nerve to do this in America, and a lot of Zambian women have hair this short so I blend in a bit more.
4. As a result of living in a foreign environment, my hair is falling out. Not in chunks but just enough to be annoying. The medical officer told me this is one of the most common complaints of PCVs worldwide, due to the stress of living weirdly.
5. To let go of a natural vanity most women have regarding their hair (I haven’t shaved my legs in 7 months either! Imagine!?)
6. Its just hair, it will grow back.
7. I think secretly, I was always jealous that my brother could do this as a kid and be so cool in the summer. I’ve always wondered what it would be like.
I can’t stop rubbing my head.
The wind-in-my-hair thing has a whole new meaning now.
My mom said, “It looks weird, it will look better when it grows out.”
My friend said, “Man, I wish we had a basketball court here.” (In reference to the very round orangeness in front of him)
The housekeeper here in Chipata said I look like a boy.
I’m really enjoying it so far.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
September 10, 2008
6 months in Zambia! Woot!
So upon returning to my village after being away for two weeks I felt a bit lost. The city, transport, and training were all highly stimulating so back to village life I felt a bit underwhelmed. School break had been extended a week because of the death of the President, so i didn't have much to do. The villagers were often gone or busy, so I was a bit lonely. Also, I discovered that my various vermin had decided to re-take up residence in my house while I was away. Yes. Bats and Rats. I'll spare the details because I feel like this blog has become a story of Peace Corps volunteer vs. the common pest. Anyway, this mad me both furious and a bit depressed. After I discovered the mouse had somehow worked its way into my bag of peanut M&Ms from Monika (who sent me a super awesome package!) it was the last straw. You just don't mess with my M&Ms. My counterattack has begun. Yesterday I purchased poison and hopefully the sucker is now dead. However, I am scared that he has crawled into my roof and may at some point just fall on me. or my stuff. Mice are so stressful. I'm also fearing that I will wake up to a giant fat rat dead on my floor. Why am I so afraid?
School finally started yesterday, so I have stuff to do. What I'm doing...still not exactly sure. Feeling my way in the dark.
Its hotttt in Zambia, only to get hotter.
I miss everyone from home!! Thanks for the recent packages!! Mom and friends, Zack and family, Monika , Dad and Pat!
Email me!
Love,
Caitlin
So upon returning to my village after being away for two weeks I felt a bit lost. The city, transport, and training were all highly stimulating so back to village life I felt a bit underwhelmed. School break had been extended a week because of the death of the President, so i didn't have much to do. The villagers were often gone or busy, so I was a bit lonely. Also, I discovered that my various vermin had decided to re-take up residence in my house while I was away. Yes. Bats and Rats. I'll spare the details because I feel like this blog has become a story of Peace Corps volunteer vs. the common pest. Anyway, this mad me both furious and a bit depressed. After I discovered the mouse had somehow worked its way into my bag of peanut M&Ms from Monika (who sent me a super awesome package!) it was the last straw. You just don't mess with my M&Ms. My counterattack has begun. Yesterday I purchased poison and hopefully the sucker is now dead. However, I am scared that he has crawled into my roof and may at some point just fall on me. or my stuff. Mice are so stressful. I'm also fearing that I will wake up to a giant fat rat dead on my floor. Why am I so afraid?
School finally started yesterday, so I have stuff to do. What I'm doing...still not exactly sure. Feeling my way in the dark.
Its hotttt in Zambia, only to get hotter.
I miss everyone from home!! Thanks for the recent packages!! Mom and friends, Zack and family, Monika , Dad and Pat!
Email me!
Love,
Caitlin
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