News from Nairobi: March 2007

So I was doing a search on the web and found that a website had posted my blog on the Java House as "Kenya News". I guess the website gathers interesting stories pertaining to the region and puts them all in this one place.

Things are going real well in Nairobi. Within the country of Kenya, final preparations for the World Cross Country Championships race in Mombasa is underway. The local papers are posting photos of all the athletes flying into the country for the race and excitement building for this weekend. On the other side of the coin, the papers have also been reporting on the poor gentrification process. Instead of assisting to clean up the filthy alleys of the city, the committee responsible has instead put up large sheets of metal to cover up the realities. Also streetchildren have been "swept away" for the event and rumours of protest line the newspaper columns. It is a bit sad that some poor results of preparing well in advanced for a world class event has again surfaced and what can one do but hope the race goes well??

Aling Mary's on the Vancouver Sun!

After doing my weekly call back home to my parents, I found out my cousin and aunt were on the business section of the Vancouver Sun for their infamous Filipino shop on Main Street and in Surrey called Aling Mary's. The photo was taken by the Vancouver Sun's Bill Keay. Read more...

Hoodo and I having a java jolt before concert!

Hoodo and I having a java jolt before concert!
Originally uploaded by make_change.

Java House is this uber Nairobi trendy coffee shop that is making quite the scene in the city. The place was packed on the Wednesday night, but I've heard that it's always busy no matter what time of day. This can be saying something about demand for coffee by the middle-upper class of this place. Then we moved on to check a Kenyan dance performance by Alema Dance. Check out the photos by clicking on Hoodo and I!


By the way, check out the funky scarf that I'm sporting. Before coming over to the Java House, Hoodo and I did an out-of-town shop for funky goods at a place called maridadi fabrics. Some super finds and has been supporting poor women since 1967. I will be bringing back this product for sale to you in Vancouver! :)

Kenya Music at the Mater Heart Run

I touched a child's heart.

I touched a child's heart.
Originally uploaded by make_change.

I ran my first 10 km race during The Mater Heart Run on Saturday, March 10, 2007. This run was organized to fundraise for the children’s unit for the Mater Hospital in Nairobi. After picking up the troops (co-worker, her sister and her sister’s kids), we drove over the Nyayo Stadium, where the race would kick off. In Nairobi, I’m used to watching these kites (type of predator bird) circle the sky but here, the trees were lined with the marabu storks I first saw at the Nairobi National Park.

We entered the stadium and found a sea of green t-shirts. Of course, I pulled the usual t-shirt ripping tradition and re-designed a once warm oversized shirt to a sleeveless jersey. We were off at the sound of a marching band that squeezed and bottle-necked at the exit of the stadium and ran in the middle of Uhuru highway and around Nairobi. Running is actually a really great way to see the outskirts of the city but I’d probably not do it if it wasn’t for this race. The sea of green started to break up a bit as people started to run-walk but the kids I’d pass (or they’d pass me) were full energy! I finished with the first 2000 people (because the first 2000 get a certificate!) and then proceeded to see the rest of the festivities.

After run events saw loads of high school and elementary school students crowd near the stage to watch their school mates have dance-offs and watch performances by local Kenyan artists. There were also booths surrounding the stadium. One which caught my eye was the Alive and Kicking Kenya – NGO supporting unemployed youth to make hand-stitched soccer and volleyballs and also promote messages of malaria and HIV/AIDS prevention. Very innovative ideas so I bought one of their leather soccer balls for 1000 Kenyan shillings (about $12 CAD).

After the race, I relaxed at home before heading to the nearby mall, Yaya Centre. I enjoyed a healthy roast-beef and strawberry juice at some health fruit juice shop and then found a cute little bookshop called Legacy Books. The shop sells books and reports on community development and is attached to a small coffee shop. Brilliant idea!

Friends are popping over to Africa from the sounds of a few emails. One for child care in Ghana and another assisting with some program promoting Africa bike designs for Kona… sponsor an African bike! Such a good idea because most people cannot afford cars and the bicycle is the best and healthy method of transport considering the road conditions and inaccessibility to some of the villages!

I have just met these Japanese dudes who do a Japanese tour to slum programmes all over Kenya as well as throw in a bit of the tourism bit. One guy buys goods from Kibera and Thika slum workshops (hand crafted pen holders, wire /bead animals, etc) and sells them with their group in Japan.

So many wonderful small ideas assisting with development for the communities. One dollar goes a long way for many of these places so if interested, save your pennies and support a LOCAL African community group!

PICTURE Africa

As part of my internship, I stipulated on my workplan that I would create a blog corresponding to the work that I would be doing here in East Africa. Although most of my work so far has been limited mainly to literature review / desk work, you can check out some of the popular media links and articles that I am picking up on the field of ICTs and development. I have also listed all the partners of this IDRC-funded project with which I am attempting to coordinate. In the next few months, I will start heading out in to the field to participate with PICTURE Africa (Poverty and Information and Communication Technology in Urban and Rural East Africa), a project seeking to learn how ICTs are affecting poverty in East Africa. Take a look if you are interested in Africa's work in ICTs and development.

Diga with Orphan Elephants

Diga with orphan elephants
Originally uploaded by make_change.

I just watched the video twice and think it's hilarious! The baby elephant's trunk just poked right over the fence and stunned Hoodo and I, briefly until I was brave enough to tickle the young ellie! I added a few photos of the orphan elephants, just click on the photo to see! We spent a good hour with these elephants and their caretakers. They take donations and host an adopt-an-orphan-baby-elephant campaign.

Elephant Orphanage visit in Nairobi

This weekend, I took a break from work and cruised over to Karen to visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an organization which cares for orphan elephants and rhinos. We spent the afternoon watching this playful bunch of ellies roam around like children playing in the blankets, and teasing you with their trucks. In our visit, one month old, Kilgoris, was found hanging out with some Maasai cows when he was swept away from his family during a major flood. The Maasai people had then informed Kenyan Wildlife Service to come and take care of this orphan elephant. Adorable!

News from East Africa

River flooded 6 days ago
Originally uploaded by make_change.

Mozambique Cyclone : Wow, I have been following the news mainly from the prior flooding taking place. The flooding came from the release of the dam. Today, I learn about the cyclone. I hope that the prior evacuation had helped to keep the displaced from what could have been disastrous. Read more...



Nairobi: Headlines: "Death of a Gangster"

The last month, the national newspapers have been posting photos of the recently gunned down in Nairobi. After two Americans and a prominant AIDs doctor shocked the international community, steps were taken to oust the crime wave. Apparently this criminal has been causing trouble in his community for a long time charged for 11 murders and many other robberies. Only since high profile individuals had been caught in the killing spree have steps been taken to find individuals like Simon Matheri. However, had the high profile murders not taken place, would the killings continue on in this small neighborhood in Athi River? This is the case for many other neighborhoods of the poor who suffer insecurity and crime in their areas where they have reported activity to the police but do not have the international coverage.
Read more...

NGO-in-a-BOX

The web is a powerful place. I had bought a mac computer because of the ease of its editing software for video, software that I had become fairly familiar with during my time at undergrad setting up UBC TV on campus. We were circuit one and streamed video on sports events through out campus. At that time, we were revolutionary, in having the ability to broadcast the largest intramural program in Canada. Now, I logged onto the UBC TV website and they have caught on with the blaze of videoblogging and show videos created by their team and UBC students. Amazing stuff.

Another revolution. Editing software is expensive. But NGO-in-a-box has gathered all the different Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) so that people can edit and produce video basically for free with their own equipment! Social activism on video is existing and videobloggers on forums like EngageMedia are showing others what is happening on the field in terms of activism. Blown away.

Canadian Senate drills CIDA's poor work in Africa

Wow, this report states that CIDA has not made a difference in the last 40 years and that the whole institution should be disbanded. The Senate had interviews with hundreds of Canadians and Africans on the state of development in Africa and CIDA's work in the field and found that 80% of CIDA staff are in Ottawa, not in the developing country. The recommendation is to reverse this trend and see 80% of staff in Africa and have an Africa-located office. I like that prospect... especially since the people living in Africa are part of the process and more likely to experience the struggles of the people here.


As I have been a CIDA intern in the past, I think that there are certain benefits of sending Canadians abroad to work in the field and actually have a better glimpse of the true nature of development.

They also recommended more economic development projects instead of social welfare programmes... unsure where I stand on this but I suppose if Canada supports economic growth, they assume that the growth will immediately go to social programs - um, bad assumption, especially where civil society and governance is still extremely weak. As much as I support economic development, there still needs to be integration of social policy in order to see that education and health are driving priorities for the countries.

What a wonderful time to re-examine CIDA's work and see how more effective change can take place.

The restaurant below!

I finally had the chance to try out a new restaurant called Slims Restaurant. Now, I know you folks back in Vancouver get the impression of some cheap french fries and even cheaper beverages... but unfortunately, Slims (Nairobi) this is not the case. I entered in my flip flops and noticed, at around 6:30pm, the clientele were apres business folks in suits. Very nice central bar and booth seating on the side and well placed dining setting. Impressed! I sat with my friend Veronique and we ordered the guacamole and chips for a starter then one steak for her and one grilled tilapia for me. We chatted all about life and her getting back to conduct her research in Sudan (boy, have I been brought to another light about the conflict in Sudan!) and other things happening in and around Nairobi. The tilapia was excellent and not sure exactly how they were able to scale the fish and leave no bones! Nice herby type sauce. The crowd started to fill in a bit two hours later of Kenyans and a table of a few foreigners. Nice to try a new place once in a while.

I have been busy typing away at this literature review trying to tie all the amazing ideas and thoughts which can accumulate from this study into some kind of concrete plan. I just read this Working Paper from MIT - Department of Economics called "the Economic lives of the poor" by Banerjee and Duflo, which look at 13 countries and their Living Standard Measurement Surveys (LSMS). These surveys tell you what a person spends their money on in a month, what is their income, where they live and other demographics. They looked particularly at the bottom 10% of the population of these countries and saw that the poor did have gaps in their budget for things like entertainment, alcohol, and other non-needed food items. The problem is having a reliable place to save and psychologically commit to the future when their lives were in many times, such an unstable and insecure state. I should be able to get some great ideas from this paper.

Catherine & I at Lake Naivasha

Catherine & I at Lake Naivasha
Originally uploaded by make_change.

"if you pray for rain, plan for a thunderstorm..." - I just heard this on the BBC Africa this morning on my walk to work... I love how I have a little FM radio on my cell phone. It's actually keeping me up to date with the world news and the interesting debates and opinions. Like last night, they were asking people about Senator Obama and his presidential bid - while the commentators kept pushing for this media-generated, "can he represent African-Americans", the people phoning in kept telling them that it has nothing to do with race and in fact, it's just exciting to have a new face interested in taking leadership in America. By the way, the Kenyans LOVE Obama because his father was Kenyan-born and word on the street say that the Luo tribe (where his father was from) are attaching 'Obama' to the name of their children. Wicked.

There was also BBC debates on the Dixie Chicks and how they just won 5 Grammy awards even after the media exploited their words against Bush and the war and making it seem like the state of Texas was completely against them. Then these callers were saying how it was unfair that the media did not show the Texans who actually were completely against the war and supported the anti-war messages by the Dixie Chicks. I love the BBC Africa radio station, so great!

This last week has been eventful; went to Lake Naivasha for a staff retreat that focused on "stregthening institutional capacity" and noticed themes of integrating montioring and evaluation of programs are still taking a back-burner for many projects when it is always brought up in terms of importance. The lake was nice with hippos in the back and deer wandering the grassy fields. The hotel was incredible with a gym, tennis courts and delicious buffets.

On the weekend, I tried out an Ethiopean restaurant which was very tasty and not too expensive. I also took an afternoon to go to the nearby Nairobi National Park. The park was not too busy but didn't see too many animals. Lots of giraffes and butterflies but the grass was so high and trees so green and lush from the rains. It made it impossible to follow an animal once they entered the dense bush. Midway through the trip, the rain started to fall and our 9 passenger van slipped and slid through the wet soil. It was madness; we didn't get out until 7pm at night (6:30pm was the closing time). Mental note: go to NNP only at winter.

On Sunday, I went with my Japanese neighbor and her 1 year old son to this massive outdoor mall called the Village market. Nice shops but very pricey and nothing that I could really say I wanted to take back as presents except for some of their cool handmade glasses shaped like elephants for $10 USD. The really interesting part was the diversity of people entering the mall. It is this middle to upper class group with their families from all around the world just enjoying the patio atmosphere on a sunny Sunday afternoon at the international food court. That was nice to see.

Who questions the World Bank?

The Bretton Woods Project is fantastic and brave at pointing out the substantial flaws in development research conducted by the World Bank. Evidence come up "technically flawed" and "inconsistent" and many delivered and written only to complement an agenda set up by the institution. Many of the researchers are pressured to not offend their policies or partners and will choose Western researchers who believe in the same objectives they do. The major flaws of the World Bank is that their research is not peer-reviewed like most academic journals and they are unlikely to be conducted by developing country researchers. Other aspects outside of income are rarely conducted in order to truly understand a country's economic and developmental climate.

It is good to question where information has been retrieved and try to understand the flaws because at the end of the day, important policies are passed due to bad research which does not help the country in development.

International Development Week

Being here in Nairobi, I haven't experience too many events involving International Development Week in Canada... however, I'm not too sure how many Canadians are even aware of the week and will be participating in the events an International Development Week. Well, I hope that I will be proven wrong and see Canadians at least try to learn more about the world around us through one of the organized events hosted by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) or trying to look up on the web different development initiatives taking place every day on the other side of the world or even in your own backyard.

I try to follow as closely as possible the different funded programmes that come through town like the Global Aids campaign or organizations setting up the marketing for selling and distributing mosquito nets to the country. It's great to see these programmes happening but it is also important to be critical about these programmes and looking to see that their plans attempt to be local (local staff and local materials) and self-sustainable. The other important aspect is to see that people try to evaluate their successes or challenges and look for ways of improvement vs. just securing funding. Development is not just a donation; it's ensuring that people grow out of poverty through their own decisions and choices and that we try to support their decisions by helping them influence government or look for ways of access to their very dire needs.

Staff Retreat to Lake Naivasha

Today, I'll be leaving at around 10am for our staff retreat to Lake Naivasha. It is a few hours outside of Nairobi into the central Rift Valley. Apparently it is an area where many of the local Maasai people live and the lake is one of Kenya's fresh water lakes. The Rift Valley has recently had cases of "fevers" where the cattle are catching some kind of mozzy bite and meat needs to be treated carefully. Eeee. We are staying at a nice place called Naivasha Simba Lodge which looks really nice and it's in front of the lake. However, we'll see how much time we'll have enjoying the scenery as most of the time will be spent at meetings on personnel people from Ottawa and workshops right until we leave at 4:00pm the next day. Until then...

BOP - Bottom of the Pyramid Marketing!

While here, I am trying to understand how businesses are able to service the poor and it appears that emerging literature on this massive market of 80% of the world's population will soon be seen in a new light. Harvard University had this new article come out on the concept of "bottom of the pyramid" and is one of many universities researching on how companies can look at the emerging economies and develop the right products or services to serve their needs.

The Junction in Nairobi

I moved into the new place yesterday and I'll soon post some photos of the pad. It's really great and there is a small balcony where you can stare out onto the busy main road. There is some kind of church across the way so there were loads of vehicles parked all over. I went over to one of the local malls called the Junction and finally exposed myself to Nairobi coffee at the Java House. This outdoor patio in front of the parking lot was packed with people local and non-local all enjoying a Sunday brunch. I had myself a beef burrito with guacamole and beans - not bad! The coffee is pretty good too with a whole selection that any real coffee shop should host. It is incredible but there is certainly a demand for this type of coffee shop in Nairobi with the mix of expatriates and locals reaching the middle class income level. Attached is a massive Nakumatt for groceries as well as other little clothing shops and the Kazuri beads shop. Great place if you want to be out of the city and need a piece of "home"...

One month in Nairobi - check!

Well, it's been a month and a month which has definitely flown by. Today, I went for a walk around the city and still discovering all kinds of hole in the wall restaurants with brilliant soups (Chinese chicken and spinach) and fresh mango juice. I don't know why I keep waiting for the right time to check out either Java House or Normans - their two big coffeehouses... I'm afraid that I'll be disappointed coming from Vancouver, the coffee village. I now notice that there are cybercafes (big and small) EVERYWHERE in this city and 1 minute costs about 10cents. It's amazing that such infrastructure completely exists here, and it's fairly fast. I have been skype-ing from my office and from a small 6-computer cybercafe across the street from the hostel. It's been great!

Also found a great little bookshop, Book Villa near the pretigious Stanley Hotel which lets you either be a member and borrow books all year for a fee or buy a book and once you return it, you can buy another book for half price. Such a great idea! I also noticed how entreprenuerial people are here. I meet taxi drivers running small food stands on the side of the road. People selling newspapers at every corner (and lots of people read the newspapers in Nairobi), lots of suits during the week heading to their job for the week. Amazing stuff.

It must be my week because a co-worker has offered me her spare bedroom to stay there for my remaining 3 months in Nairobi. She has a great furnished apartment on the 4th floor about 7-10 minute walk to the office. So I'll actually get to cook if I want to or order food in. That's all for now... have a great weekend.

Bridges - Organic Restaurant in Nairobi

Bridges - Organic Restaurant in Nairobi
Originally uploaded by make_change.

Wow, is it Tuesday already? Loads of great things happening here in Nairobi. One of them happened a week ago; I was introduced to a pleasant find: this fantastic organic restaurant place called Bridges! I was so impressed that I'll have to make it a priority to come here as much as possible during my stay here. I had a fresh tilapia with a side of sweet mango-ey sauce, bed of rice and salad. All for less than $4. Oh, organic fresh fruit juice included!

I finally saw that movie, Blood Diamonds, with Leo, actually incredibly impressed by the dramatic and stunningly beautiful backdrops of beach, then hellish dirty city to then majestic forests of Sierre Leone. I remember the rumours of his presence in Maputo during the filming of parts of the film. I swear some of the beach scenes look so familiar to Maputo or Mozambican beaches but I could be wrong. Some of the dialogue also reminds me of the film, Hotel Rwanda, when asked if the West will help now that the reporters write stories or take photos of their strife and the bluntness of "no" and "unlikely" kind of puts a jab at your heart... because there is some truth to the apathy that is referenced. The movie also takes a few strikes at development workers, Peace Corps, and consultants who come in trying to do good with their fancy laptops when their governments may well be funding the arms for the wars or the extremist militia taking place today.

The director also did a great job of leading the watcher through Daniel Archer and him dealing with his demons or inherent goodness in people... of course the discussion goes, "people are just people; it's the action they take chich determines if they are good or bad" He takes us through survival, TIA (this is africa) and that he could never abandon his continent.

Anything else: I saw a small concert at the Alliance Francaise last Thursday: the Ingosi Stars. They were rocking out , some in traditional wear, and singing to the sounds of the drums, guitar and other percussion instruments. The highlight was the actual band starter, Ingosi, was this old man who comes out with his traditional string instrument and taking his small moves like the two-step. Good times.

Book Release - The Media and the Rwanda Genocide

Here in Nairobi office, we have Allan Thompson doing his book release, "The Media and the Rwanda Genocide", and is available online to download or to purchase. Professor at Canada's renowned journalism school, Carleton University, Professor Thompson delivers a collection of writings that display how Rwanda waas infitrated by hate media during the genocide which instigated much of the fighting and how the international media chose to turn a blind eye to the situation and how the presents of media could have changed the results of the horrific events that took place in 1994. In one of the writings, it talks about how censorship is still strong today within government with leaders once in charge of propaganda and military intelligence and this is not just talking about Rwanda. This book describes how even today editors, reporters and those who produce any opposing views to the government is classified as "genocial ideology". Many have been exiled, killed, or persecuted in prison... the same was happening in Mozambique when a reporter was mysteriously murdered after reporting on certain stories implicating governmental officials to misuse of donor funding.

It's happening in the world and I give kudos to those reporters who have been willing to risk their lives to report the truth and even more respect to those who take action.

Motif Records and Tumi Molekane - South Africa

Just been forwarded the information about the new independent label in South Africa, Motif Records and artist Tumi Moelkane. Please click here to listen to his song, Maria or more of his 3 sample tracks on his myspace page.

Saw the film - The Inconvenient Truth

Al Gore gives his climate change speech on video for all to see and understand the real dramatic affects of global warming. Definitely a film worth checking out and see the relevant facts of climate change. However, in terms of suggestions of stopping climate change could be further expanded, well worth the time.


What gets us into trouble
is not what we don't know,

it's what we know for sure
that just ain't so.

-Mark Twain (from the Inconvenient Truth)

Marching for Swaziland's Democracy

Here's another clip of the events that took place at Kasarani stadium in Nairobi, Kenya for the 2007 World Social Forum. These marchers are seeking for justice in democracy as they are currently ruled by one of the last existing monarchies in Africa.

The World Social Forum was an opportunity to meet groups particularly those working in Africa in building a more fair society. I met with youth group leaders, members of church congregations, activists, graphic designers, you name it. In the local papers, there was positive and negative press on the forum, saying that there are never any concrete plans made towards development. While I only briefly attended one planning meeting on how to implement goals from the WSF, I see the determination and passion for many delegates in fighting for a world where water and air is still available to people as a human right and where farmers can continue their traditional ways of farming from generations before and not be forced to buy patented seed that had belonged to the traditional farmers in the first place. It should not be illegal to harvest and keep your seed as one has done years ago. But it's happening...

Friday Night in Nairobi - WSF 2007 Cultural Events!

Friday night was my first taste of Nairobi’s night life, venturing outside of the radius of my safe Y. At 7:15pm, Veronique, Hoodo and I jumped into a cab for 200 ksh and cruised over to the Alliance Francaise, between Utalii and Monrovia Street near Loita. It felt like you had to manoveur into a little side street to get there and in front were loads of guests gathered at the front. It is a nice window-laden buildling and inside you find a small gallery of local sculptures (wood and metal) and some paintings by African artists. On the second floor, one will find a fairly extensive bibliotheque (library) and a display of World Press photography from around Africa. We walked back down to enter the area of the concert stage to see Eric Wainaina, Kenyan musician, now there for his CD release. The stage was set up in the AF’s garden with the steps now made as sitting area. We found a place on the ground near the stage. Eric seems to have formed quite the following with Kenyans singing to his lyrics and getting the crowd into the physical actions to the song, “Sawa sawa” from his first album. Various musicians would also join Eric on stage such as the German ambassador on piano and a the wonderful sounds of Sarah. Not only stunning voice and white dress to dazzle the all-embracing crowd. Just as Eric’s band took over for a few more upbeat sounds, the rain started to pour and those not under the coverage were dancing and smiling in the rain. It did not seem to damper their spirits at all; in fact, it may be re-energizing for many looking for some dancing room. The packed crowd, stoked atmosphere, and well-staged concert gives Eric and Alliance Francaise a wonderful build blocks to the future for culture and the arts in the Nairobi scene.

"A world without AIDS is possible"

"A world without AIDS is possible"
Originally uploaded by make_change.

Action packed weekend with the World Social Forum starting this past Saturday, January 20, 2007. I was walking into town when we crossed paths with some of the people participating in the opening march from the slums of Kibera all the way to the city centre's Uhuru Park. I heard the park means freedom which makes sense in this case as people organize to speak of the freedoms they have been denied - speech, basic services, health, and life. Loads of people from around the world walking around with their participant or volunteer name tags and confused faces of where events where taking place. Kasarani stadium is a massive football field where groups have stands surrounding the outside of the stadium for information on their organization or selling their wares. I attended a workshop on participatory video and saw people actually pick up a camera for the first time in their lives. Empowering experience.

UBC Business school in Africa

Looks like my old faculty is catching up with the development times and trends and have initiated some programs right here in Nairobi last July/August 2006 under the title, "Social Entrepreneurship 101". Why wasn't this course offered when I was around? Take a look at their blogged history of the project while in Africa and the concept behind the project.

World Social Forum registration tent

World Social Forum registration tent
Originally uploaded by make_change.

Well, I arrived at the tents on the Kenya International Conference Centre grounds at 8am and found myself sitting around reading the Nation (to see the other WSF events happening around town) until about 9am. A guy behind me asked if I wanted to register and I said, of course! Luckily I registered online and paid online so actually I was supposed to be there solely to confirm and pick up the registration package. What registration package and wrist band? Registration package? nope, still hasn't arrived and all festivities begin tomorrow. If this is a sign for the next week, I better pack 3 newspapers and a lunch and embrace the positive energetic chaos that will be here in Nairobi!

Tonight, there are several events taking place; Poetry Slam with possibly Dennis Brutus speaking at the Go Down Art Centre at 7pm, another artist performing at the Alliance Francaise (500 ksh) and then the big fundraising (??) concert with Oliver Mtukudzi and friends at 7pm at the KICC hall but its 1000 ksh (2000 ksh for VIP???) general admission. I think it's a bit out of the price range for many people to attend particularly for locals so like other overpriced events I have attended in Africa, I'm sure I'll be within a tiny crowd of foreigners and lots of Kenyan volunteers, which is not what the event should really be about. I hope that the organizing committee of WSF can prove me wrong.

World Social Forum arrives on Saturday!

The city of Nairobi should be bustling in activity as the World Social Forum (WSF)
kicks off this Saturday January 20! It will be the first time that I will be at such a gathering of social activists, academics, development people and artists. I still recall the South African group organizing many months ago in preparation of themes and activities that they wish to present on behalf of the underprivileged, the shack dwellers, the unionists, the voiceless, and the poor. UKZN should be bringing it a few of the students from the Centre for Civil Society so look forward to meeting up with some familiar faces. Those who are not able to attend the event, you can also participate online with your comments or thoughts at www.wsfprocess.net. This website is supposed to engage debate and share ideas of the groups attending and further push the agenda for change for civil society.

Visit to the University of Nairobi

Yesterday, I took most of the morning to spend time at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Nairobi. I brieflly met with Mary Omosa, a research fellow at the institute and met some of the alumni and current students of the Masters' programme. Apparently the intake for the two-year programme is around six-seven students per year and classes are taught for the first 1 1/2 years. To follow is the research component where students conduct work for their dissertation. I hope that I can use this opportunity to start collaboration between UKZN and UON in terms of a student network. The other part of my visit was to see how the research team was doing for the ICT and Poverty project in Kenya. I spent 2 1/2 hours with Lynet and Obidia flushing out the questions so that they were in Kenyan country context and raise issues to bring forward to the management team at the end of the week. It was great spending time with the two bouncing ideas off of each other about the research tool and learning a few Kenyan terms for food items and ICT products. When we finished off the tea and samosas, I made my one hour walk back to the office...

Polite Notice - No Parking

Polite Notice - No Parking
Originally uploaded by make_change.

The thing is, Kenyas are so friendly and polite that they even have signs, "Polite Notice: No Parking". I think this is what has made my first week in Nairobi quite adjustable. Not only have I been provided with incredible resources through the office, people are happy to help you, and the office is very "open door" policy where you can chat and collaborate ideas at any moment. To give you an idea of my mornings, I get up around 6:30am, head from breakfast around 7:30am (which consists of a mandazi bread, coffee and papaya or pinapple slice for 1$ CAD) and then 15-20 minute walk to the office. Yesterday, I walked by this man roasting corn in his little corner and bought a half piece for 5 Kenyan shillings (10 cents).

The capital city of Nairobi

the Drive through Boane
Originally uploaded by make_change.

This photo is certainly not Nairobi - it is absolutely the opposite. Nairobi is a busy congested city with skyscrapers in the downtown core and all the businesses you little heart will ever need in a limited brand fashion. I found a local gym today with stairclimbers, weights and aerobics studio for around $3 a day if I sign up for 3 months. That's fairly comparable to back home. I have fallen for the Nakumatt - the superstore of Kenya - and found everything that I need - umbrella, hangers and an extension cord and fruit juice boxes! Certainly less garbage around the streets and they have green-suited cleaners spraying down the sidewalks in the morning. So far, very comfortable working in this city for the IDRC.

Living only 15 minutes from the office is utterly convenient which is why I'm in the office this afternoon. Actually, I think this is one of the special aspects about working for this institution. Flexible hours for a researcher as ideas don't necessarily develop from a 9-5 fashion. They have incredible research resources at my disposal. Full-on online library, sattelite high-speed internet connection (coming from Canada, crazy!), a driver who does a weekly run for staff to town for any necessities... and they provide French language training for the staff. I'm thinking about cleaning up the French a bit myself. I should look into that.

Only real downside is not being near the ocean that I have grown to love. Even after I left Belgium, I vowed not to return to a landlock, mountainless place. However, things change, and Nairobi is a place where it can happen - Mombasa is near by (beach!), the national park with animals is less than an hour outside and I am still in the place I love, Africa.

Spier Cheetah Outreach

Spier Cheetah Outreach
Originally uploaded by make_change.

I have uploaded some new photos from my October and November trips to Mozambique and girl-road trip South Africa. You can check it out on my Flickr page by clicking on the photo. Back in November, the girls and I were driving into Stellenbosch (near Cape Town) to take in the country's reputation of incredible wine. One winery had the cheetahs so we made it our first stop. Click the photo for a further story.

Happy 2007 New Year in Nairobi

So many people... are conditioned to a life of security, conformity and conservatism, all of which appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more damaging to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have and endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.

- Alex McCandless (Into the Wild)

Thanks, Emily (Scotchy) for this quote in Krakauer's book (soon to be Sean Penn directed movie, what?)

I'm slowly settling into my new life here in Nairobi, mainly trying to get all my supplies and thoughts together for the next few months as I truck through the remnants of my dissertation (I need to finish) and be trained by Edith and IDRC team in the Acadia division. Acadia is representing the "Communities and the Information Society in Africa Program Initiative". I'm still trying really under the extent of the information society here in Eastern Africa and hope that I can share more about it in the next few months.

In the meanwhile, I am biting the frugal bullet and sticking around the YWCA for $5 a night for this month until the first paycheque comes in...

ICT Innovation in poor village in Mozambique

ICT Innovation in poor village in Mozambique
Originally uploaded by make_change.

I'm heading home to Vancouver today; very excited but busy as ever. I have to admit that I have been mainly occupied trying to organize my way back to Africa for the next year coordinating dates and places to stay. I'll be living in Nairobi for the next 3-4 months trying to understand how technology is or isn't helping in alleviating poverty. In the meanwhile, I'm working to clean up this dissertation and get on with this new study. Any motivational words because it sure is difficult during the holiday season. My supervisor said 8 hours each day on the weekends - I guess you have to do what you've got to do!

Heading to Nairobi

I apologize to all my regular readers for the non update on the website for ages. Time starts to fly when you are caught up with field work, then the immediate visit of three of your crazy friends from Vancouver, and then learning a few days ago that I will now be moving to Nairobi for my next adventure! I am now in the Jo-berg airport off to our first meeting about the PICTURE - ICT and Poverty reduction project and when I return, promise to devulge all the stories of the last 3-4 months and the expectation for the following year!

The gnarly bus trip to Bela Vista

As would happen in Mozambique, there would be some reason why I won't make it to the end destination without some form of barrier. I was supposed to leave on the afternoon of Wednesday, October 11, but of course, the translator/moderator was also having transportation problems of getting around town and catching buses on time. So, there is was 3:00pm - still in my apartment, we weren't going to make the ferry to catch the 3:00pm bus on the other side.

Then the morning after, we planned to make the 9:00am bus on the other side at Catembe so the translator said that he would meet me at 7:30 in front of the cinema. Once again, like Mozambican time, his arrival was naturally later than the time set (it was the traffic, obviously) and I waited until 8:15 to hear a text message that he was waiting outside. So off we went to try to catch another chapa called A vodador in front of Mundo's restaurant because it was only going to cost 5 MTZ to get to the ferry docks instead of 100,000 MTZ by cab. We get to the docks in 30 minutes (usually 5 minutes via taxicab) and off we went on the ferry to the other side. Of course, the reservation that we made on the bus was no longer valid and the bus was packed full of people heading to Bela Vista. And of course instead of leaving at the usual 8:30-9am departure time, we left at 9:30am. The translator explained to me that they do this in order to pack the bus and make more money from the number of passengers.

Well, if the late departure time wasn't the issue, it was the fact that the bus broke down 3 times before reaching Bela Vista within 3 hours. The trip usually take just under 2 hours. So there we were, sweaty in the packed bus eating only salty crackers and lichee juice boxes and stuck on an unpaved bumpy road to where I will stay for now 2 weeks.

Now that I have accepted the fact of this "African" time debacle, I have settled in to a place called Quinta Milla run by this woman called Amelita. The place lies in front of the beautiful setting of the Maputo River and has a lovely vegetable garden and two old dogs "guarding" or basking in the sun at the place. The room is simple with a double bed and sofa and running cold water from the shower, toilet and sink. I can ask for hot water as well which would come in a plastic bucket.

The translator invited me to meet his family and 3 year old girl and we had gazelle soup and some tomato based goat dish with tomato salad and rice. This seems to be the typical going meal here in Bela Vista.

As for my work, it seems to be going well. I have already interviewed the head of the Red Cross association in Matutuine district, some of the nurses at the Centre of Health of Matutuine, the business association and of course the community centre development of Kutsemba. I have also tried to line up interviews with the head local leaders (the Administrator and traditional leader), the women's group leader, the parent's association and hopefully the district head of agriculture. At least I won't be this unknown figure walking around this small village.

Overall feelings: it is amazing to be in this village as I am told the changes and the continuous obstacles of this village. The business association had pushed for electricity, running water and cell-phone communication and it exists in this town. Yet the running water is only found at several taps in the city which all people have to walk to in order to access and sometimes (like yesterday) it is shut off because someone either failed to pay the bill or didn't do their job that day. I also see some form of growth as some people are able to build with concrete blocks in the town while the majority still live in reed homes. I look forward to interview the clients of the microfinance institution and how it has helped their business to grow or fail in the next few weeks. I will likely not be in contact on this blog until I am back in Durban at the end of the month.

First visit to Male Yeru

Yesterday, I got to tag along with the Mozambique Microfinance Facility (MMF) and International Capital Corporation (ICC) and learn more about a recent research study on the demand for savings in the Matutuine District where Hluvuku-Male Yeru (the microfinance institution which I will be studying) is located. Their study interviewed clients of the MFI and found that many clients were travelling in to the capital to deposit their savings because there is no facility currently used to make deposits in the area. The big journey to town is time-consuming and costly by transport and risky should the individual get mugged on the way to the bank. There was also savings groups called xitiques or just keeping it at home but all clients in the interview said that they would want savings to be provided by their local microfinance operator, Male Yeru.

I came back to Maputo yesterday to finish up some internet research and meet some friends for dinner. I hope to be back for Saturday for the 3rd anniversary of the Swedish school soccer team that I played on in 2004. I can't wait to check out more of Bela Vista this afternoon.

The gardens of the Natural History Museum in Maputo

The gardens of the Natural History Museum in Maputo
Originally uploaded by make_change.

Here is one of the dinosaur-like figures that stand in the gardens of the Natural History Museum in Maputo. We haven't quite figured out which prehistoric animal it is because the sign was ripped off to explain the type and to be honest, visitors must take it as it is for lasting as long as it has through war. The museum is actually massive and covering a massive section of freakishly taxi-dermied wildlife like leopard and lion, a few skeletons and a couple of true-scaled alligator models. I understand most people go there to see the exhibit of the entire gestation period of the unborn elephant. I personally found the anthropological section to be most interesting with old photos, tools and crafts of the Makonde people.
Yesterday, I went to a new spot here called the Camissa (next door to the Nucleo d'Arte Gallery, a little cafe that has live music on Sunday evenings. I remember it in 2004 as the alternative artist spot filled with scattered canvas and strumming guitar by a group in the corner. Today it has a mini stage and internet cafe; catching up with the times, which I think Mozambique has the potential to do especially in the capital. Really great Mozambican vibe that reminds me again why this capital city always draws me back. The city is lively in dance, music, food, and nightlife, much different from any African city I've ever been to, and many others do say the same.

Today, I'm meeting with some of my key informants and hopefully my translator who will be assisting me on the field. Otherwise, the day is spent getting ready to head out tomorrow!

Research work break in the Maputo apartment

Day Three in Mozambique
Originally uploaded by make_change.

It's noon in Maputo and took this photo with undumbo on the 9th floor of the apartment patio. Click on the photo to see more shots of where I am staying before I head out to the field. Today I had an interview with one of the field officers of a Swiss NGO who concentrates on natural resource management in the Matutuine district. He gave me a great idea of the history of this area after the war and what forms of economic development he sees will progress for the communities. He sees full potential of tourism particularly in this area located close to some of the most beautiful beaches on the coast as well as the growth of the Elephant Game Reserve. However, the young people of the district have been migrating to South Africa or Swaziland because of the lucrative offers of the Rand and better jobs. One community who is running a lodge hopes to eventually take the profits of their venture and invest in building a school. This school is part of their plan to educate their children and create incentives and jobs for the youth to stay in Mozambique.

Mozambique memories

Erin, my old roommate here in Maputo was sure to re-introduce me to the excellent taste sensations of Mozambique. Last night, we went to our favourite French restaurant place called la Pinga. Delicious medium rare steaks on rochefort sauce and escargots. And the chef is quite the character, he forgets to open your bottle of wine at the table and says "well, if you want me to open the bottle that means it will be finished right away." and someone always falls for the oh, don't worry, we'll be sure to buy another and mental note who said it.

I got my new Mozambique cell phone number activated and great to hear from some old friends. I met with the people of the Mozambique Microfinance Facility shortly just to say hello and then came back to the apartment to start getting my research sorted. It looks like we won't be leaving for Bela Vista until Tuesday which is fine with me. I still have to tie up some loose ends with the research questions before I can get on the field.

Kakaloi from Ghana: Drumming Sensation!

Kakaloi from Ghana: Drumming Sensation!
Originally uploaded by make_change.

Awesome Africa hosted some fantastic music last Sunday, one being this wicked Ghanian drumming group called Kakaloi. Amazing stuff. They drummed, did back flips and balanced slipping garbage can lids on sticks - very talented.

I finally reached Maputo and staying at my old apartment on Rua de Julius Nyerere. I'm very stoked to be back in Maputo and see a few changes from 2004. New pink BIM bank outlets, a new cigar bar next door, a bit of new paint on the buildings, but same door guard calling me menina - I guess that means they remember me. A few new additions to the 9th floor apartmento - two doggies, one that looks like those starwars ewok creatures and the dingo. super friendly pups. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get myself sorted with my project and make my way to Bela Vista on Friday.

Durban Event Review: The Red Eye

On Friday night, I headed over to Durban's museum attached to city hall which was converted to their art event, Red Eye. The location was a haven for the artsies to come out for an evening to mingle and drink and take a peek at some of the ideas and expressions walking around the streets of Durban. The one exciting dance piece was by the Siwela Sonke Dance Theatre did a wicked performance in this circular room at the top floor of the museum space. The song and space worked out well for the dance. The rest of the galleries were video installation, a photo collection of Durban on a clothes line, some Durban drumming and a
potentially funny skit on the set of a happy, mushroom garden. It was a penguin vs chicken boxing match and horse vs floppy ear dog and his pet human.

hot day in durban

Yesterday, I spent most of the time at the beach and fitting minimum time on working on my qualitative questions for my research next week. It's tough to concentrate with the sun beaming into your home and calling your name to come out and play! I've been reading alot into social capital and tools to measure it http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifas an important factor in development. A quick synopsis, if a community has strong trust, civil participation and social networking opportunities (social groups, sports clubs, church, etc.), it could mean that social capital is high and that it can help to see more sustainable and understood plans for growth and development within a community. However, this is only one of the features I will be measuring when I arrive in the community. I will also look at the history of the community, the structures around them (schools, clinics, microfinance institution), the environment and the economic prospective of the area to develop a better sense of the community's ability to lift themselves out of poverty.

Pie in the Sky

For those Vancouverites with a belly for tasty food, you have until the end of this week, Friday, Sept. 29, 2006, to order your gourmet pie for Thanksgiving and the proceeds of your purchase goes to A Loving Spoonful, a non-profit organization that provides nutritious meals to men, women and children living with HIV.

Massive Swell Yesterday

Yesterday, I captured a few nice photos of the massive at least 6-8foot swells coming through the Durban coast. This shot is from Cave Rock, just a little south from where I live. There were about nine guys out in the water getting swallowed by white water at points but then drop in on some big waves on the outside. It was high tide at 4:30pm so not too many spectacular barrels, just massive drop ins.

I cleaned up the office a bit yesterday and sorted the bits of paper that have been looking for a home the last few months and threw a majority in the recycling bin (wait, there is no recycling bin, so to the garbage dump it goes).

The Centre for Creative Arts at UKZN is hosting in a few weeks from now the 10th Annual Poetry Africa Festival. All kinds of writers from around the world, loads of spoken word and book launches. Looks like an exciting event that I will miss while in Mozambique. Maybe next time.

Red Eye - Durban

I have been waiting to see some raging art here in Durban and apparently Red Eye is the event to finally see it. It happens this Friday at City Hall or the Durban Art Gallery and it looks like all kinds of crazy stuff going down if it is at all similar to last year's event (read last year's review).

One week countdown to Maputo

Well, as expected the 15-page paper on South Africa's Land reform and social policy was completed yesterday morning at 5:30am. YEA! To celebrate, I went down to the beach for a snorkel in the rock pools; all kinds of tropical fish floating around under the rocks covered with small crabs nestled in their shell homes. These there were the beach creatures - hordes of families and dogs enjoying the first hints of hot sun - signs of summer in the southern hemisphere is on its way!

The monday was a South African national holiday - Heritage Day - and there were all kinds of music festivals and events taking place around the country. South Africa has a vast amount of heritage to celebrate as the country is multi-lingual, multi-racial and multicultural and all histories have much to contribute to what the nation is today. There were Zulu ceremonies, open air music stages in Cape Town and Jo-berg.

In Durban, I'm not sure of the festivities but there is one big one happening next weekend; Awesome Africa Festival which I'll be checking out as the Afro-Cuban All Stars will be playing.

On UKZN campus, it is empty because it is mid-term break holidays. It's great to not be bombarded at every door with undergraduates and long lineups for coffee! It will be a nice space to start preparing all that needs to be done before heading up to Maputo, Mozambique, probably on Tuesday. I found out that I was awarded a small grant from the African Integration Grant which I'm stoked about! Just a little stipend to get me there and back and pay for a decent translator.

The Last late paper... hopefully.

So I worked so hard to try to finish this paper yesterday; I even stayed up until 9:30pm... and here I am, still trying to get it done on the due date. Old habits are hard to pass. Right now, I think the Introduction and poverty profile of South Africa is closest for submission. Well, one step at a time!

Other than that, the weather has been gorgeous in Durban and a massive swell just trucked through this coastline yesterday. I woke up and went down to a well-known surf spot called Cave Rock on the Bluff. Of course, not one person was surfing at 6:15am but a few body boarders looked like they were about to slaughter some waves. As for me, no surf and back to the grueling paper.

No big plans for the weekend but possibly see some rugby games. The Curry Cup has been running where all the South African provincial teams face off against each other for the cup. I believe that the Cheetahs (from the Free State) are in contention for the Cup and our home team, the Sharks, are hanging on by the thread in order to stay in the semi-finals. Still wish I was watching ice hockey but nothing wrong with digging the fingers deep into the biltong (beef jerky) and chip bowl while watching a bit of rugby. Check out the Sharks homepage at: http://www.sharksrugby.co.za/

President Chavez’s Speech to the 16th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement

A speech made by Hugo Chavez on September 15, 2006. After years of failed programmes led by the 'North', he speaks for the action and research of those from the South... as the answers to the problems of poverty and development can be answered and solved by the people who are living it.

Check out this 80s Flick: Out of Africa

Karen BIixen: "I had a farm in Africa at the foot of the Ngong Hills. The Equator runs across these highlands, a hundred miles to the north, and the farm lay at an altitude of over six thousand feet. In the day-time you felt that you had got high up; near to the sun, but the early mornings and evenings were limpid and restful, and the nights were cold."

This 1985 film directed by Sydney Pollack has got some of the raddest shots of Kenya's safari region from the air and ground and who can say no to a Meryl Streep and Robert Redford combo film. It starts off in the early 1900s with this Danish baroness wanting to get out of Denmark and does so with a scheme of marrying the brother of her then love interest. I love the culture shock faces she puts on with travelling by cart and meeting the people like the chief (and his umbrella) and her interactions with the indigenous people. A daring woman crossing the land with one compass and her wits - sightings of Masai and lions... really nice part on the whole "why do you want to build a school" idea of what does it mean to learn for the people of Kenya. Applicable today perhaps? Also the contrast when she first arrives with all her things and leaves with nothing but really didn't need anything in the first place. But she left with the most important things of all: her elaborate story making skills and her memories of Africa.

Ardmore Ceramics in the Midlands.

I just remembered this cool little ceramic shop called Ardmore Ceramic Art that is located in the Midlands. It's a small little gallery with the most ornate-Afro-funky ceramics that I have ever seen. The website states that it should be up and running by this month but still seen th whole under-construction thing. Check it out once it's up and running.

Other than that, I spent the day at home trying to get the first two pages out of the way for this paper due on Friday. The problem is that there is so much information about land reform in South Africa, I don't know the point of when to stop searching and when to start writing. I read this one depressing report on the Limpopo region in South Africa where the land redistribution program has not successfully helped the people it is meant to reach, the poor. Unfortunately, the land distributed were to ex-civil servants who were already running farms there during the apartheid era or one group who were connected with the national government's women's league. Even this group has had problems in getting their land title as a group. Another group were living on land owned by a church and were given land title by the church. In these cases, not much had changed from what most individuals were already producing or living and some individuals and groups were not neccessarily poor. Unfortunately, it appears that land reform in this area of South Africa have major institutional issues with its goals to help the landless along with the barrier of not being able to subdivide land to a size more reasonable for a low-skilled person.

Mid September Already?

Where has the time flown? I guess when you get up in the morning and spend most of your time reading, writing and surfing, the next time one looks up, it's dark out and the stomach has reached feeding point. That is what it has felt like this last week. This is a new week and I'm ready to stroll down this path of academia again (as long as I've got one of these cheap 1.99Rand chocolate kitkat imitations in hand, cheap!). I went into campus on Saturday because downloading large articles off the web is much more efficient, so here I was just after a quick surf dip in town. Went surfing again this morning, nice waves, shallow and a westerly, but kept getting placed on the weak shoulder of the wave while about 4-5 guys were getting the meaty part of the curl. Time to get more aggressive on placement in the wave, I suppose!

I just got my hand on an Interesting journal article just about to go out from the Journal of International Development called, "Higher Education, Policy Schools and Development Studies: What should Masters degree students be taught?" by Michael Woolcock from Harvard (http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/abstract/112637294/ABSTRACT?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0). I guess it is real nice whether there is an academic article that can reinforce the reason why I and my colleagues at the School of Development Studies are here and doing all this work for. He hits the target in describing that our job prospects will likely start off with a decent wage, a bit of responsibility and "little long-term job security" as is the nature of development. The way I think of it is that we've been taught about the volatility of the our current world and the need to dynamic people who are able to adjust to the job that needs to be done. Let's say, once one project is complete, one needs to already be looking for opportunities the whole time.

The environment at the School is completely collegial with faculty and students conversing in and out of the classroom about their projects and studies. It's been a pleasure being able to bounce ideas easily off another who does not necessarily agree with me but is able to give me just as constructive criticism. The degree program does provide an inter-disciplinary approach to study which I have found as a major advantage for me and my colleagues. Those who came to the programme who had their mind set on working solely for the international institutions are open to other effective possibilities in other smaller, well-run agencies that would have never crossed their mind beforehand. I especially like how Woolcock points out the growing interest in program evaluation and monitoring in development because I notice this to be a crucial area no matter which organization you work for and to be trained in this type of work has been very valuable exercise. I am unsure if I would have picked up such training except when finally starting a job. I guess graduates of development studies are distinct as "detectives, translators and diplomats" as described in the article and are trained to know how to give input on program impacts, help communicate to the poor and government the strategies of implementation programs and be able to negotiate and speak on behalf of the interests you have been asked to defend.

Coming from the one African university listed in the Appendix of development schools around the world, I'm stoked to be part of a community who will be the beginning of my professional contacts and strengths in this difficult area of work.

Morning Chocolate and Coffee Mug

I have given into my Vancouver habits and bought myself one of those stainless steel coffee mugs for 40R (6$ CAD) from the UKZN Campus shop. I lost my old one somewhere during the trip to the Transkei and every day living on the edge as to how I was going to make the day without a portable mug. I read in last weekend's paper that Durban has quite the coffee "society" forming. Um, not. Until I see at least two coffee shops at every intersection of the town and people jogging with their dog and mug, I am duly unconvinced. I miss those Friday mornings before work, grabbing a cup at the local shop, reading the newspaper or chatting with the ladies before the last grueling day of the week.

It was a 6:30am start at New Pier beach with Anna, German girl doing Masters in Communications and Media, I believe, and Sean for a small small westerly wind surf. I thought we were just at the wrong beach but glanced over at the other spots and things were looking pretty weak as well. Still nice to paddle around in the morning and get the arms on the go.

Yesterday, I just took it easy at home and read through articles on land re-distribution and cash transfers for my last assignment. I am supposed to compare these two government policy choices, both benefits and challenges of both of them and give my recommendation for South Africa's development plan. Um, probably one of the more tougher assignments I have had to do from my whole year here! Well, I guess they don't let you off that easy with this degree.

I've also been planning for my trip up North to Mozambique. I'll probably stay at my old apartment in Maputo during my time there as Suzanne and Erin are still hanging out with the puppy and cats on the 9th floor penthouse suite of Julius Nyerere Avenue. It's such a great place with a view of Maputo Bay and just enough wind to blow all the nasty mozzies away. I think I may have also located a local translator who can assist me with my field-work in the small rural town of Bela Vista. Looks like things are coming together, piece-by-piece.

Back to work...

Planning the dissertation fieldwork

Just came back from another 7am morning surf. Offshore, gentle head high waves off the south of North Beach pier. Still stoked on the surfboard. It feels a bit muggy out and behold, it started to sprinkle a bit of rain while we were in the water. Today and yesterday, I've been trying to get a hold of all my contacts in Mozambique and prepare my itinerary for the trip up north. I also handed in my application for the "African Integration Grant" within the School which allows you up to R5,500 for research expenses. Hopefully I'll hear from them soon.

As for dissertation planning, I really need to pack down my literature review on everything and anything about microfinance, Mozambique and how institutions can possibly be part of the mitigation of HIV/AIDs in their communities. Any advice in preparing for this endevour for the next three weeks? Oh, I should probably work on that final Assignment for my last course as well.

Seminar on Land Reform in South Africa

I finally finished my 23 page internship application package and couriered it off last Thursday. Just imagine me sitting besides the fax machine and watching it go "error" every second page. Needless to say, it went through and I'm now crossing my fingers for good news in November. After that ordeal, I made it over to my last seminar ever for my Masters degree and it was a guest speaker from the World Bank Group, Rogier van den Brink, speaking about the redistribution of land in South Africa. He talked about the need to help with "empowering beneficiaries", those family farms that can help increase the standard of living for the rural poor. Rural farms would be productive of land, any income earned will go back to the community, the social capital grows around these farms (clinics, schools, churches etc. ) From what we learned in this whole course, is that a more equitable society leads to more growth, especially those that redistribute land equally to the people. One thing that stuck in my head was when he mentioned that every country he visited, there were few or no slums in countries with good rural development programs. There are major land reform issues in South Africa because of the legacies of apartheid. Here were the major points:

"- Land markets need help
- Much more than land needs to be financed
- Need flexibility in financing to assist poor and non-poor
- Supply-driven implementation through “stovepipes” is unworkable
- Government officials cannot run groups and farms
- Land reform needs to be part of local government development priorities and planning
- Impact evaluation to be stepped up"
(Seminar 9: Poverty & Inequality, Sept 7, 2006).

Right now, much of the farms are large commercial areas where some of it is used for crops and a larger part is idle land. It is very difficult for smaller farmers to afford these large areas for their own familly use. There is currently little reform in creating this market, similar to such divisional ownership like condos in Vancouver. On top of obtaining land, assistance is required for housing as land is only 30-40% of the cost in creating a family farm. The government needs to move towards a joint effort with ministries in addressing rural development because currently each ministry is divided and do not come together on their efforts towards land reform. Fantastic last lecture on South Africa. One more assignment to go and then off to Mozambique for field work!

Surfing Bay of Plenty on new Board!

This weekend, I finally took a break from the books and jumped on my new lady baboon (the picture on my board) 6'8 surfboard! It is a pleasure to finally ride aa board that is made for me; full nose, 18' 5/8 width - not too much of a rocker either. Good times! Yesterday I surfed with Sean and Anna at Addington Beach and then today, got up for a 6:30am start to surf at Bay of Plenty. It's a really great feeling and very stoked.

Dissertation Approved!!!

It's 6:27pm here still on campus attempting to concentrate on this IDRC internship proposal when pop! In my email box, is the subject line: "Proposal Approved". So stoked that my Mozambique project has the a-okay with the university! It's motivation to keep trucking on this current 10-pager that's for sure!

Today's second to last Poverty and Inequality seminar dealt with Poverty Reduction Strategies and Impact Assessments. More and more governments (and especially the World Bank) are getting on the bandwagon of monitoring and evaluation of their national budgets particularly in social programmes. The major theme which I came away with (besides reviewing these results-based management tools that I just produced for this proposal) is that without well-designed research which has been reviewed by experts, a policy can potentially not reach the targeted group of poor people it was meant to address. It comes back to my previous Political Economy course which looked at evidence-based policies and the potential danger of using evidence that is not well-researched to satisfy the right agendas in government.

10 min break is up. Back to proposal writing.

Oink! Hebron Haven piggy!

Oink! Hebron Haven piggy!
Originally uploaded by make_change.

Here is just a few of the country animals found this weekend during the Midlands Meander. The area's wide vast, agricultural fields, dairy cows chewing on patches of grass and horses running around in their fenced off playground. Of course you are reminded once in a while that you are still in South Africa with the odd zebra chewing among the cows or a little duiker fawn's horns perk up from the shrubs. The midlands look like the towns you would pull into through the Californian vineyards of Napa Valley, filled with their little trinket shops and cheese farms (we visited Swissland Cheese farm, goat cheese). A venture through the midlands also needs the necessary stop at the Swiss-German sausage place and the Austrian brewery called Nottingham Road? Interesting mix of coffee shops and European style pleasantries which again demonstrates all the different areas of South Africa. All was topped off to watch a bridge in a purple dress with a groom in a purple vest; whatever floats your boat, I suppose. Click on piggy for more photos.

On the assignment side, I just emailed my assignment on a poverty profile of Kwazulu-Natal analysing empirical data of this Kwazulu-Natal Income Dynamic Study (KIDS). Really practical exercise on trying to find the poverty measures for a sample of 362 households in this province who were surveyed in 1993, 1998 and 2004. Main thing I learned is that poverty is multi-dimensional and can't just look at low incomes to solve problems. It's important to look at those who are stuck in poverty (chronically poor), and those who move in and out of poverty (transitorily poor). The strategies to help both are very different. The other thing I learned about from this particular study is that the richest 10% of this group spent between 33-40% of all expenditures of all the people surveyed while the poorest 10% spent between 1-3%. Great exercise but back to the proposal writing!

Karkloof Canopy Tours, Midlands, KZN, South Africa

Karkloof Canopy Tours, Midlands, KZN, South Africa
Originally uploaded by make_change.

Just a quick post of one of the crazy activities you can do in the Midlands Meander in Kwazulu-Natal! Just think about those steel cables at your local park (I'm thinking of Surrey's Bear Creek Park) where you hold on to the swing at one end and you try to push off to get to the other end of the cable. That's what, probably 10 metres or less? Try 180 metres of steel cable up in the trees! Here's one of the guys on the tour, Brent, with professional stance and composure. More blog to come about the Midlands Meander weekend... right now back to the two assignments due today!

International Experiences through SIETAR in Vancouver

Although I'm not in Vancouver right now, here can be a chance to about people's experience abroad and understand more about experiences of three people from work or life in Hong Kong, Colombia and India. It's on September 14th hosted by a group called SIETAR BC.

Sharks at Ushaka Sea World, Durban

Sharks in Durban
Originally uploaded by make_change.

He's looking pretty hungry, doesn't he? After surfing in town (north-westerly, gail force wind) and eating alot of sand from the wind, decided to pop over next door to the beach to the local aquarium. Here is a photo of one of the many sharks and fish found at the great Ushaka Sea World right on the durban beach point. I'll try to post more of the wicked shots we got on the website, but it does not do it justice on the amazing diversity of tropical fish and predators in the sea. Yes, we did go see Africa and Zulu at the cheesy dolphin show and watch them do hula hoops and high jumps, but I've never seen so many colourful fish in one place. We spent over 5 hours at this place just bugging the hell out of the pompanos and named one fish, Gramps, the musselcracker fish. All thanks to a beer can that said two-for-one so we paid 87 Rand ($14.50 CAD, cheap! ) for two, otherwise i'm not sure if I would have come to this place. Unfortunately, the deal ends at the end of August. If I had a known what a spectacular fun place it was, I would have dumped my recycling there a long time ago and try the Whistler 2-for-1 ski-pass method to go there all the time all summer! The other great thing is how the aquarium tries to drill in the idea of conservation and taking care of the oceans in all areas of the park. This weekend, I'll be heading up to the midlands of South Africa to check out some kind of treetop thing (not sure what it is) and maybe go flyfishing. It's chilly in the midlands, so the toque is on for the first time in a long time!

Testing Out vlogs from Garvies!

First sheeting of custom surfboard

First sheeting of custom surfboard
Originally uploaded by make_change.

Here is the first viewing of the new surfboard. Very stoked. Still need to put on the baboon decal, fin plugs, leash end and some sanding before I get in the water with it. stoked.

Kiora, the silly dawg.

kiora & Kathleen
Originally uploaded by make_change.

Here is a photo of me sitting down pre-licked by the dog, Kiora. She's a silly dog who may have her sister as her mom and chases after another ratty little dog called tinkerbell in their yard. Click on the photo for other just as exciting weekend photos of life here in Durban.

Last Friday, I went surfing on a westerly day with downpour rain. Great day to test out the new wetsuit. High tide at around 4pm but great easy-going waves with a group of 5 or so at Snake Park. The next morning, 9am, went surfing again on a sunny warm day at South Beach but much more crowded and more curling waves that wipe you out at one dump. Lots of learners and groms.

I also went to check out that Jomba! dance festival... little did I know that it was "interpretative" and all kinds of strange one person or duo acts doing dialogue with what seemed to be "dance". Apparently it was a Swiss team but I'm not soo sure. I just you have to go to these things to know what type of dance one likes!

All weekend, working again on the proposal and send it in today for review. Crossing my fingers that it will be approved. I am now reading over a project for East Africa on Information and Technology and poverty reduction and possibly find myself applying for an internship with this project for a year. We'll see!!! Have a great week! Tommorow i'll try to post a foto of the new surfboard progress!

Burning the midnight oil

I have just met up with one of my supervisors, Gavin, to give me the thumbs up to hand in my research proposal. Just a few more revisions and should be ready to be submitted to our department's Program coordinator and then the University's Higher Degree group for approval to go to Mozambique. Apparently, I can also apply for money through the Ford Foundation on research outside of South Africa. Yes, I am getting on that train for sure! This week, our Poverty and Inequality classes were about different ways to look at poverty. Amartya Sen has presented approaches such as capabilities and entitlement - capabilities is the ability for humans to reacht their needs and entitlement is some enforced idea that one is deserving of certain needs and services. Interesting stuff. Tonight, I'm checking out some Swiss dance group performing at the university's dance festival, JOMBA! Fun times!

town surf

Light and variable day in Durban. It's about the least amount of wind that's come through town in a long time so it was worth at heading to town for a surf. It's been ages since I've been in the water because of dissertation prepping and coursework but now it's time to get back with it especially with the new surf board arriving soon! I saw the blank yesterday; pretty rad except that they messed up on the specs that I requested. Little choked. Basically it is now a 6'8 with a regular surf nose (not rounded somewhat similar to a mini-mal) but it's got less rocker. So either today or tomorrow, Greg is going to seal the board, then glass it and I guess some time in between add the fin plugs... can't wait. arms are tired of typing. surf arms are on its way!

The Research Proposal

What a harry weekend. I've been at the grind stone to get this dissertation proposal completed for the September Higher Degrees review date and it has been some heavy reading and brainstorming. After substantial help from my department, I think my topic had changed about 3 times over the course of the weekend. Inbetween this grind, I saw the provincial rugby team, the Sharks (Kwazulu-Natal) get pounced by the Lions (Pretoria) and then cruised over to Florida Road for some mexican food at Taco Zulu. Friends were all there for a laugh about harry eyebrows but the food was not so mexican with cabbage mix and cream instead of sour cream. No spice, no dice.

End of the Week

The month is flying by and I'm sure it is the same for those in the Northern hemisphere who are enjoying the great weather from the summer. I have been busy working on my research proposal which appears to be changing shape in all different ways as I receive feedback from my supervisor and reviewers. All I know is that I have a long weekend ahead working on this project as well as a literature review on the coursework I have been doing in my Poverty and Inequality class.

Poverty and Inequality class has been really functional in trying to understand what all the measurements mean on reports completed by the United Nations or others that try to compare countries. For example we learned about how to best estimate the Gini Coefficient this week with the Lorenz curve and some simple arithemetic of adding triangles and rectangles. Basically a 16 year old could do it. I just don't understand why economists need to make it seem so difficult and hard to figure out. Apparently there is a Journal for Economics Educators that try to demystify these economic equations for the normal person to understand.

Nothing to super exciting to report except that the surf is starting to shape up again at Garvies. I went for a run this morning and it is not looking as rough and windy as it has been for the last month. I can't wait to hit the water again with the new surfboard. This weekend, I'll also be checking out a Mexican restaurant called Taco Zulu on Florida Road. Go figure.

Poverty and Inequality

Today was the second day of my final course here for my Masters in Development Studies, the course being Poverty and Inequality with the Head of the School, Julian May. It's a bigger class with all co-students from first term, so it's great to see all the familiar faces and it looks like a great class to end the first 50% of the degree. Today we discussed how to measure poverty. We reviewed how poverty can be measure in many ways and should actually be viewed with a set of mirrors surrounding the whole issue to really understand the meaning of poverty. We looked at absolute poverty and how one uses a basket of consumption goods (rice, fish, etc) + non-food goods and total this for a person's consumption. Of course if you are calculating households one needs to consider the number of members in the household and decide whether a child's consumption is equal to a father's consumption and weight it accordingly. Back to the basket of goods, the goods are then taken and calculated according to the number of calories it provides one person and then the total caloric intake for the basket of goods is compared to the minimum one should have to be healthy. It changes depending on what region you are of course. Then you can start to calculate whether a person is "impoverished" or not. that's the start.

New surfboard on its way: Gotta love August!

I finally put in the order for my first personally custom made girl surfboard yesterday! I am very very hyped for this 6'10, X 18' 5/8th rounded tail board in 2 1/2 weeks time. I'm thinking of putting that photo of the baboon on the front of it since I get to choose decals and of course signing, "diga" on the bottom. I will start posting photos of the progress on the board as Greg starts to shape and glass the board. Very stoked.