Since schools are out of session and a lot of the office has been away on vacation, today was the first day that we actually had a scheduled work event. At 2 pm we had a development session (DS) for our coaches. DSs are the weekly meeting between our coaches (the people who deliver our curriculum to the kids) and their program managers to make sure that the coaches are keeping their facilitation skills sharp between the annual trainings that we hold for them. We were running errands in town before the meeting and decided to stop in at a coffee shop and grab a quick coffee before heading to the DS. We sit down, order our coffees, and enjoy the MTV jams music videos playing on all the TVs in the café. (MTV jams is always playing at any establishment that has a TV here. Dear diary, Jackpot.) About 10 minutes later our waiter returns to tell us that the power has gone out in the half of the café that has the coffee machine so he has to go make us coffee at the restaurant next door. He assured us, “don’t worry. This happens all the time, it should only take about 5 minutes.” Thankfully the MTV jams still had a power source because we were about to be waiting for a while. 40 minutes later we finally get our coffee and headed out to the DS – about 15 minutes late already. We arrive about 30 minutes late to 30 coach DS with only 5 coaches there, who had arrived just about the same time that we did. We waited for about 30 more minutes for the rest of the coaches to show up before starting.
This is one example of about 5 different instances of this type of thing that I have already experienced so far in my 3 days here. In a country where the word “milo” means both yesterday and tomorrow, you can’t expect that they hold timeliness in too high a regard. The world moves a bit slower here. People don’t feel pressured to do anything in any specified amount of time. Things just happen when they happen. This coming from a Californian, that’s really saying something. I think I could get used to this.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
What can you do in 40 hours, 6 minutes, and 49 seconds?
Run the Boston Marathon 18.5 times at record pace or 8.9 times at Tim Dolan pace, watch D2:The Mighty Ducks 23 times, get rich on Minute to Win it 2,406 times, or travel from Dartmouth College to Lusaka, Zambia. That’s what my stopwatch told me it took to leave my door in Hanover, NH and arrive at my new home at 252B Twin Palm Road in Lusaka, Zambia. After a 9 hour layover in London, a quick exit for a breath of fresh air at the Johannesburg, South Africa airport, and about 21 hours of flight time we finally landed in the Lusaka Airport, which looked exactly like I imagined it would.
One terminal, one very large animal running across the field next to the runway, two airplanes in total, and about 20 palm trees.
We (my 2 roommates, Katie, Amanda, and I) have been members of the Grassroot Soccer family for 6 days now. Orientation for all the new interns, heading to different GRS sites from Malawi to Zimbabwe to South Africa to Zambia, began 6 days before our arrival in Africa. The orientation was led by current GRS employees from the Cape Town, South Africa office who specialize in GRS “SKILLZ” curriculum, GRS culture, and facilitation of the GRS games used in our interventions (interventions are our 10 session camps where we deliver our HIV/AIDS education and prevention curriculum to 12-18 year old kids around Lusaka). The leader’s expertise in the curriculum is important because the goal of orientation was very much the same as the goal of our interventions. Firstly, to get a group of young adults to feel comfortable in an uncomfortable setting. In the case of our interventions, the uncomfortable setting is discussing the very socially taboo topic of HIV and AIDS (Saying “HIV” or “AIDS” in Africa is like saying “Voldemort” in the world of Harry Potter – not cool). In our case the uncomfortable setting was being with 23 other brand new faces about to leave the comfort of their lives in the US for the unknown of a year in Africa. Secondly, the curriculum aims to heighten self efficacy – the belief in one’s self to overcome obstacles in life. The obstacle that lies ahead of both us and the kids in Africa is a devastating virus called Human Immunodeficiency Virus. In order to empower African youth to act on their knowledge of how to prevent HIV and AIDS they must feel like they can make a difference- that their decisions and their actions can actually keep themselves and others HIV free. The same type of self efficacy works in a slightly different way for people like us trying to fight HIV and AIDS on a large scale. HIV is such an overwhelming problem in the parts of Africa where we are working (1 in 7 people in Zambia have HIV) that it can be very easy for a volunteer to lose motivation because our mission of creating an AIDS free generation can seem so insurmountable, so impossible that our actions and the energy we put into defeating AIDS is wasted. But its not. Its making a difference, however small that difference is, we are making a difference and we have to know that to harness the motivation necessary to continue our work and reach our goal. (addendum on Sept 22 Sports Illustrated published an article featuring GRS that cited a 50% decrease in the HIV infection rate among teens in South Africa between ’05 and ’08. GRS has been in South Africa since ’05. The change is happening, however slow it may be.) Looking back, the first goal was achieved in a big way. The 24 interns left to their own devices at the very beginning of the orientation did what most large groups do when they first meet each other. We had the same “where are you from? … Where did you go to school? … How did you hear about GRS?” conversation with 23 people. Painful. When the chattering subsided, the facilitators took over with GRS games, energizers, and icebreakers and the power of the GRS curriculum got us joking around and pranking each other within 24 hours. These became the fastest friendships I had ever formed. After 3 more days learning about GRS and HIV and a bunch of other acronyms like ARVs (antiretrovirals – the drugs that halt the progression of HIV) and VCT (voluntary counseling and testing – we specialize in these events in Lusaka so I will be talking about this a lot more) we left for Africa equipped with the knowledge and motivation to take on a huge challenge.
So I’ve traded in Dollars for Kwachas, redwood trees for palm trees, fast internet for snail mail, driving on the right side of the road to driving on the left side, watching football for watching football (soccer), and a failing economy for a failing economy. Can’t wait to see how the next year goes.
One terminal, one very large animal running across the field next to the runway, two airplanes in total, and about 20 palm trees.
We (my 2 roommates, Katie, Amanda, and I) have been members of the Grassroot Soccer family for 6 days now. Orientation for all the new interns, heading to different GRS sites from Malawi to Zimbabwe to South Africa to Zambia, began 6 days before our arrival in Africa. The orientation was led by current GRS employees from the Cape Town, South Africa office who specialize in GRS “SKILLZ” curriculum, GRS culture, and facilitation of the GRS games used in our interventions (interventions are our 10 session camps where we deliver our HIV/AIDS education and prevention curriculum to 12-18 year old kids around Lusaka). The leader’s expertise in the curriculum is important because the goal of orientation was very much the same as the goal of our interventions. Firstly, to get a group of young adults to feel comfortable in an uncomfortable setting. In the case of our interventions, the uncomfortable setting is discussing the very socially taboo topic of HIV and AIDS (Saying “HIV” or “AIDS” in Africa is like saying “Voldemort” in the world of Harry Potter – not cool). In our case the uncomfortable setting was being with 23 other brand new faces about to leave the comfort of their lives in the US for the unknown of a year in Africa. Secondly, the curriculum aims to heighten self efficacy – the belief in one’s self to overcome obstacles in life. The obstacle that lies ahead of both us and the kids in Africa is a devastating virus called Human Immunodeficiency Virus. In order to empower African youth to act on their knowledge of how to prevent HIV and AIDS they must feel like they can make a difference- that their decisions and their actions can actually keep themselves and others HIV free. The same type of self efficacy works in a slightly different way for people like us trying to fight HIV and AIDS on a large scale. HIV is such an overwhelming problem in the parts of Africa where we are working (1 in 7 people in Zambia have HIV) that it can be very easy for a volunteer to lose motivation because our mission of creating an AIDS free generation can seem so insurmountable, so impossible that our actions and the energy we put into defeating AIDS is wasted. But its not. Its making a difference, however small that difference is, we are making a difference and we have to know that to harness the motivation necessary to continue our work and reach our goal. (addendum on Sept 22 Sports Illustrated published an article featuring GRS that cited a 50% decrease in the HIV infection rate among teens in South Africa between ’05 and ’08. GRS has been in South Africa since ’05. The change is happening, however slow it may be.) Looking back, the first goal was achieved in a big way. The 24 interns left to their own devices at the very beginning of the orientation did what most large groups do when they first meet each other. We had the same “where are you from? … Where did you go to school? … How did you hear about GRS?” conversation with 23 people. Painful. When the chattering subsided, the facilitators took over with GRS games, energizers, and icebreakers and the power of the GRS curriculum got us joking around and pranking each other within 24 hours. These became the fastest friendships I had ever formed. After 3 more days learning about GRS and HIV and a bunch of other acronyms like ARVs (antiretrovirals – the drugs that halt the progression of HIV) and VCT (voluntary counseling and testing – we specialize in these events in Lusaka so I will be talking about this a lot more) we left for Africa equipped with the knowledge and motivation to take on a huge challenge.
So I’ve traded in Dollars for Kwachas, redwood trees for palm trees, fast internet for snail mail, driving on the right side of the road to driving on the left side, watching football for watching football (soccer), and a failing economy for a failing economy. Can’t wait to see how the next year goes.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Living up to a Name
I've been delaying the creation of this blog because I was missing by far the most important piece; a good name. After all, this thread is going to be my closest connection with my friends and family for my 12 month internship with GrassrootSoccer; so the name has to have a ring to it. With the help of a couple friends, I have found a name that is worthy.
"Youbuntube" is a hybrid of "YouTube" and the Bantu word "Ubuntu" (ooo-boon-too), an African concept that translates to, "I am who I am because of who we all are." As best as a single word can, it captures a critical philosophy of African life. Ubuntu emphasizes the importance of togetherness - a crucial concept that led to the successful eradication of apartheid in South Africa and a key to the eradication of HIV and AIDS from that very same region.
As I begin my plans to start this journey I'm very excited about the experience that lies ahead of me but also can't help but be slightly nervous about leaving what and who I know to go halfway across the world. But the support of family and friends through donations and friendly words of encouragement remind me that we are all in this together.
Now with a name in place, I will do my best to live up to it. I will do my best to entertain you like only YouTube can and make you feel like you are right there in the red sand with me.
Thank you to everyone who has offered support, it means a lot to me and I am very appreciative.
"Youbuntube" is a hybrid of "YouTube" and the Bantu word "Ubuntu" (ooo-boon-too), an African concept that translates to, "I am who I am because of who we all are." As best as a single word can, it captures a critical philosophy of African life. Ubuntu emphasizes the importance of togetherness - a crucial concept that led to the successful eradication of apartheid in South Africa and a key to the eradication of HIV and AIDS from that very same region.
As I begin my plans to start this journey I'm very excited about the experience that lies ahead of me but also can't help but be slightly nervous about leaving what and who I know to go halfway across the world. But the support of family and friends through donations and friendly words of encouragement remind me that we are all in this together.
Now with a name in place, I will do my best to live up to it. I will do my best to entertain you like only YouTube can and make you feel like you are right there in the red sand with me.
Thank you to everyone who has offered support, it means a lot to me and I am very appreciative.
What will I be doing in Africa?
From August 2011 to August 2012 I will be interning with GrassrootSoccer in southern Africa (exact location TBD). GrassrootSoccer is a non-profit organization that uses the power of soccer in the fight against HIV and AIDS. It was founded by former professional soccer players in 2002, GRS trains African stars, coaches, peer educators, and teachers to deliver an interactive HIV prevention and life skills curriculum to youth. For more information, check out the videos on the right side of this page.
Throughout the year-long internship I will be involved in many aspects of the GRS program:
- Planning youth-targeted HIV prevention programs
- Networking with community organizations to build relationships and promote GRS services
- Coordinating events such as voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) soccer tournaments
- Building capacity of GRS field staff and and local GRS coaches
- Recruiting community-based volunteers
- Assisting in curriculum and business development
Since this is a volunteer role with GRS, in order to cover living expenses for my time in Africa I will need to raise roughly $10,000. If you would like to donate to my experience you can use the checkout buttons on the right side of this blog. The donations through GRS go into a GRS expense account under my name. This will be a tax deductible donation. If you would like to give a personal donation, you can use the Paypal checkout button. These funds will go into my personal bank account and will not be tax deductible - but these funds will serve as a base to pay for my expenses before being reimbursed by GRS.
Thanks to everyone who is helping to make this possible. I greatly appreciate all your support.
Throughout the year-long internship I will be involved in many aspects of the GRS program:
- Planning youth-targeted HIV prevention programs
- Networking with community organizations to build relationships and promote GRS services
- Coordinating events such as voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) soccer tournaments
- Building capacity of GRS field staff and and local GRS coaches
- Recruiting community-based volunteers
- Assisting in curriculum and business development
Since this is a volunteer role with GRS, in order to cover living expenses for my time in Africa I will need to raise roughly $10,000. If you would like to donate to my experience you can use the checkout buttons on the right side of this blog. The donations through GRS go into a GRS expense account under my name. This will be a tax deductible donation. If you would like to give a personal donation, you can use the Paypal checkout button. These funds will go into my personal bank account and will not be tax deductible - but these funds will serve as a base to pay for my expenses before being reimbursed by GRS.
Thanks to everyone who is helping to make this possible. I greatly appreciate all your support.
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