Last week we ticked over the two month mark which is one third of my assignment, though it feels in some ways like half way as I’ve put in 9 weeks at work and will have only a further 10 weeks working next year. I have one more week of this term before the Christmas break but I can feel things winding down.
 |
| Making liquid soap involves a lot of stirring! |
We do continue to be busy. Friday just over a week ago we had an unplanned and un-forewarned visit from a Lutheran Church team to teach the making of liquid soap as a possible entrepreneurial activity. That took up most of the morning and unfortunately coincided with a (planned) visit by some Canadian occupational therapy trainees who had arranged to do a tour of the centre. Oh well, we have to be flexible and chaos is the default.
 |
| Lunch at Four Points Sheraton |
Monday last week was International Volunteer Day. We had lunch out with the local Australian Volunteer staff and representatives from partner organisations. The AV staff came for a visit to Olkokola as well to see the library and gym that AV grants have funded. It was their first time to see the library even though it has been in operation for a few years as covid regulations have restricted their work related movements. I’m pretty sure they liked what they saw!
 |
| Visiting the Gym |
My tasks for this AVP assignment are well in train. The agriculture leader has taken on the Business Management Training enthusiastically using the resources I’ve prepared and the trainees are enjoying the lessons, some with great success and some not so much! They will all have 6 months next year to continue working on the program so I’m hoping they’ll all be well prepared for the challenges of running a successful business when they graduate. The focus is mostly on money and record keeping
 |
| Learning basic accounting |
I have just added a lesson on ‘Quality Control’ to the syllabus. A Tanzanian friend, half joking, told me there is no Swahili for that! I could use this ruler to show that it can be a problem in many businesses but some would not be able to see the issue. The tailoring group have been making more menstrual pads to a changed design which I hope we’ll be able to successfully market. It meant a trip to town to find fabric and the tailoring assistant and I eventually found something that will do the job at the second-hand market behind the main shopping strip. Between her directions (she doesn’t drive) and the horrendous midday traffic in the CBD I was forced into several illegal acts in completing the journey! I still say it’s the traffic that will kill me - it won’t be the electricity as we rarely have any these days.
 |
| It still gives me a straight line I suppose |
Friday on the drive to Olkokola Steve noted how quiet the roads were and the absence of school children anywhere. We arrived at the centre where there was a definite festive atmosphere - I’d forgotten the public holiday for Independence Day so no work for me! It turned out a bonus as we did the shopping on Friday and spent yesterday in Lake Manyara NP. It was a lovely safari though with the lake so high at the moment some of our favourite spots are under water. The Hippo Pool is gone. The highlight yesterday was this beautiful Maasai Giraffe. The patches are more incised than usual and really do look like snow flakes.
 |
| Beautiful! |
Speaking of snow, we again saw Mt Meru with a decent dusting last week. It doesn’t mean it was cold here (it hasn’t been!) and we also have not had the rain we desperately need. Many families are in dire circumstances and the Olkokola Mission where I work is giving food aid to about 150 local families. Even if the rain comes this week the maize and bean crops won’t be harvested for three months so the situation is ongoing. At least the tourist industry is back in full swing so some families are experiencing better times.
 |
| We've seen this a few times now |
Today I am relaxing. I need at least one day a week to sleep in and recharge my battery. Like all rechargeable it is failing with age and doesn’t hold its charge as long! I think this will be my last full-time work placement. Much as I enjoy the work, the physical demands are a challenge.
One week until the holidays start then full on planning for the Kenya trip and Liz and Sophie’s visit.
Happy Christmas to you all and very best wishes for the coming year.
Love from Jenny
