What do we develop when we develop?

Invisible Children (IC) Uganda is a kick ass organization. I can attempt to describe why it is so awesome but I really could never do it justice. IC is not a charity, it is an organization that seeks to educate and empower the community. IC has four primary programs: 1) Visible Scholarship Program, 2) Schools for Schools, 3) Village Savings and Loan Association, and 4) MEND. These programs (refer to IC website for additional information) all seek to educate and give tools for a sustainable future. I could go on and on but frankly I would end up writing pages! Basically, IC is at the forefront of development.

But with all the good there will inevitably be some negative fallout. In the short time that I have been absent from Gulu I have found that small changes are emerging. New industry is emerging in town- a to go coffee shop, a pizza restaurant, and many other places. These places emerged to meet the needs of outsiders. The Ugandans aren’t getting to go coffee nor are they having pizzas delivered. When foreigners choose to go coffee over the local product they are taking money away from the local restaurant. I can’t fault people for choosing the “new” product, the quality and taste is closer to American standards and the service is quicker- I prefer patronizing those places because I like them better and they meet my needs. But am I here to meet my needs? And by servicing my needs am I doing the Ugandans a disservice? I will ask myself thousands of questions while I am here am most of them I will never answer…

In addition to new industry there are also new attitudes- not large changes but minor shifts. Boda boda (motorcycle taxis) drivers seem to be increasing their prices for munus (white people). Some might not see this as a problem but if Americans pay the increased prices then soon the price structure will shift for all riders, American and Ugandan, and the Ugandans don’t have the means to pay the increased fares. Another emerging problem with Boda drivers is they are becoming more aggressive with the female riders. Last year, besides the occasional drunken midnight ride (the driver was drunk), I felt pretty safe getting around town. This year, however, a couple of the women have felt sexually violated by the drivers, nothing too dangerous but enough to shake the women and the entire group. The incident forced us to revaluate the way we get around town. It is easy to get angry with the Boda drivers but when one really thinks about it they must consider- what brought about the change? The only access most Ugandans have to American culture is through movies and music videos. How are women portrayed and what message does that send to the men around the world?

I could ponder development for an endless amount of time so I am going to cut myself short.

I know that IC does great things in Uganda but at what cost…

STRIKE!!!!!!!!

Shortly after posting my last blog I received news that I will not be heading to Atanga Secondary School because of a student lead strike. The students, upset over sports and a goat, attacked the head master of the school and now refuse to attend class. It has been reported that most adults have left campus. I’m not sure how situations like this get resolved or how long it will take for the ministry of education to step in.

Clearly, I will no longer work at that school and I will remain in town and work at a (more) local site. When I first received the news I was disappointed. I had requested to be at a camp school and was looking forward to the unique opportunity. However, because Catherine, the Teacher Exchange Coordinator, had to scramble to find me a replacement teacher she pulled from a list of teachers that had already had a successful partnership. This is great, actually wonderful! Last year my partner teacher was… irresponsible and difficult to communicate with, so having the opportunity to work with a teacher that has already proven herself is amazing.

A second opportunity also emerged by staying in town. Another teacher that I met wanted to start a reading program at St. Jude’s Orphanage and I offered to help. Since she is a science teacher, she was more than excited to develop a partnership. We will be developing a peer reading for the orphanage. We are still working on the process but basically we want to create a simple efficient reading program where older students can tutor younger students. Hopefully in the next week or two- I can develop a program, purchase supplies, and train a group of 6th grade orphan girls… hum… that seems like a lot since I also have a full days of teaching. Well, if I’m not able to work out all the kinks then I can always come back ☺

I’ll keep you posted. Hopefully, my next blog won’t begin with… Arg… this place is so frustrating.

Uganda 2010

Blah blah blah… I don’t really have much to say but I have a few hours of free time so I feel like I should write since my opportunities for Internet access will be limited this year.

So here is a list of randomness:
-Traveling sucks and airline seats must be getting smaller
-I got a hotel in London for the day while my partners explored the city- best money I have ever spent!
-Watching the sun sneak above the horizon line while flying above a seemingly endless thick sheet of clouds is a breathtakingly beautiful sight
-I get carsick now- this is new…
-Seeing monkeys just hanging out is still awesome
-Far less people yell munu (white person) when I walk through town- I am no longer a novelty
-A take away coffee shop opened in town- If you read my blog last year, you know that this is wonderful and amazing for me
-A take away coffee shop opened in town- Who is it serving and who does it benefit? Does it help or hurt the local people and economy? I’m not quite sure yet…

That is it for today… miss you, love you