Monday, February 23, 2009
"Dead Aid" by Dambisa Moyo
Dambisa Moyo is a native of Zambia with advanced degrees in public policy and economics from Harvard and Africa and is about to publish a book called "Dead Aid" which takes an interesting view of the impact of aid to African countries. An interview with her was published in the New York Times Magazine yesterday. To read the entire interview, click here.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Update on Happenings in Zambia
Last night I had a delightful evening out with Mikala, Sr Nama and Grace Banda. It was fantastic getting caught up with these amazing women. A few days ago I had the absolute pleasure of touring Hidden Voice School with Sr Maura. As you know, Alice Kaunda is the managing person of the school. I have not been able to connect with her at this point. In addition, when I first arrived, as I mentioned to you on the phone, I had the great opportunity to meet with the newly formed self advocacy group at Chawama parish better known as Regina Pacis Catholic Church. Mikala was instrumental in making this very impressive meeting happen. In addition, I have had extensive chats with Fr Patrick Chisanga and Bro Joseph Ntumbila about what is ongoing through their groups. It has been quite impressive by any standard on all that is happening. I am extremely encouraged by the short term outcomes.
Here is just a sampling of the comings and goings...
Bro Joseph Ntumbila is seeking assistance for a young girl in the Copperbelt region. Her mother is single and must care for her at all times so is unable to work. There are no other family members that are identified. He is now in contact with Mikala and others from our trainings to find suitable accomondations for the young girl. It will be difficult at best but now that there is a 'team' environment, Bro Joseph can seek assistance from those who are more active in special needs...especially with direct service. I anticipate by the time I arrive back in the US around March 2nd, that this child will be placed and her mother can than seek employment.
The self advocacy group at Regina Pacis Catholic Church in Chawama is the first and only self advocacy group with special needs in operation in that particular compound...which holds a very high density population of over 50,000...some even estimate over 100,000 people. It meets regularly, about once a month and the group shares information with each other. With the assistance of Mikala and Sr Nama, negotiations are now continuing to find suitable classroom facilities for the first special needs classroom in the Chawama area. Grace Banda is working closely with Mikala and Sr Nama to find that place. At first we thought it might work well right at the church property...and it still might work well there...but for the short term, other sites are now being looked at for speed of delivery of special needs teachers which are paid for by the government. More on the success of finding a structure as time moves forward. The great news here is that these conversations are happening for the first time, networks are being created, infrastructure is being identified and the short and long term results are...families are beginning to have HOPE and encouraged by the interest shown to them. There is also a young friar who has shown some interest in this population and helping with the groups.
At Hidden Voice school, the first building has been renovated and now students are just beginning their classes. There are about 14 new students attending. They only have one teacher at the moment and she is not on government payroll. The school must first be registered which is in the works. It is the hope that this school will be grant aided and more teachers will come to teach as it grows. It is truly amazing what has transpired there. I will bring photos with me, too hard this time to upload from here.
My hope and dream now is that all the relationships that were begun just one year ago, especially with the not for profits in the US and the University of Minnesota's ICI department, that these relationships begin to flourish and stand on their own. The need for ongoing training is essential as is the need to fundraise to build more special needs schools...either integrated or stand alone...any is helpful. There are over 35 compounds with high density and exreme poverty. Many do not have any services or ability to have their children go to school.
With the Franciscan Conventual friars, they are in the midst of their Chapter which happens each 4 years. It is a time where they make their big 4 year plan. Part of their charism remains helping with special needs and disabilities so I am hopeful that this Chapter may make mention of it. If they do not, there is still hope with the new leadership in place, that continued participation and learning occur with this group. As you have stated and I still believe...the center of people's lives here and the influence of the Catholic Church and the local parishes can not be overstated.
Sandy
Here is just a sampling of the comings and goings...
Bro Joseph Ntumbila is seeking assistance for a young girl in the Copperbelt region. Her mother is single and must care for her at all times so is unable to work. There are no other family members that are identified. He is now in contact with Mikala and others from our trainings to find suitable accomondations for the young girl. It will be difficult at best but now that there is a 'team' environment, Bro Joseph can seek assistance from those who are more active in special needs...especially with direct service. I anticipate by the time I arrive back in the US around March 2nd, that this child will be placed and her mother can than seek employment.
The self advocacy group at Regina Pacis Catholic Church in Chawama is the first and only self advocacy group with special needs in operation in that particular compound...which holds a very high density population of over 50,000...some even estimate over 100,000 people. It meets regularly, about once a month and the group shares information with each other. With the assistance of Mikala and Sr Nama, negotiations are now continuing to find suitable classroom facilities for the first special needs classroom in the Chawama area. Grace Banda is working closely with Mikala and Sr Nama to find that place. At first we thought it might work well right at the church property...and it still might work well there...but for the short term, other sites are now being looked at for speed of delivery of special needs teachers which are paid for by the government. More on the success of finding a structure as time moves forward. The great news here is that these conversations are happening for the first time, networks are being created, infrastructure is being identified and the short and long term results are...families are beginning to have HOPE and encouraged by the interest shown to them. There is also a young friar who has shown some interest in this population and helping with the groups.
At Hidden Voice school, the first building has been renovated and now students are just beginning their classes. There are about 14 new students attending. They only have one teacher at the moment and she is not on government payroll. The school must first be registered which is in the works. It is the hope that this school will be grant aided and more teachers will come to teach as it grows. It is truly amazing what has transpired there. I will bring photos with me, too hard this time to upload from here.
My hope and dream now is that all the relationships that were begun just one year ago, especially with the not for profits in the US and the University of Minnesota's ICI department, that these relationships begin to flourish and stand on their own. The need for ongoing training is essential as is the need to fundraise to build more special needs schools...either integrated or stand alone...any is helpful. There are over 35 compounds with high density and exreme poverty. Many do not have any services or ability to have their children go to school.
With the Franciscan Conventual friars, they are in the midst of their Chapter which happens each 4 years. It is a time where they make their big 4 year plan. Part of their charism remains helping with special needs and disabilities so I am hopeful that this Chapter may make mention of it. If they do not, there is still hope with the new leadership in place, that continued participation and learning occur with this group. As you have stated and I still believe...the center of people's lives here and the influence of the Catholic Church and the local parishes can not be overstated.
Sandy
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