Working in Africa...

Some of you faithful readers and friends have been asking about what it is like to work in Africa, and so while internet is actually working today, I thought I would briefly answer...this is one of the biggest problems, internet is very hit and miss, even in a relatively established country like Nigeria. The bigger problem is however, electricity...I would say we have no electricity on average about 4 hours a day, however we do have major generators that kick in and get us sort of up and running most days. So, it makes for interesting work, when at this moment in time WHO, and the UN as a whole, are migrating to a new computer system where everything will be done online and sent electronically around the whole UN system...from filling in vacation requests, to governments donating and awarding money for campaigns, to salary allocation... so this of course is going to probe to be very interesting in most of Africa, as Nigeria is actually pretty 'lucky' to only be without power for 4 hours a day ...many countries still can't even access internet or only have power for 4 hours a day. For us accustomed to working on computers all day long, it is actually a welcome relief here to getting back to the flipcharts and white boards (where as a facilitator I feel so comfortable) to work on strategies...no more powerpoint presentation for anything and everything we do! But, as we are a paper based world, it also makes for everything to be done very slowly, with a lot of errors...and everything must be signed off by at least 10 different people!

Another difficulty, at least within my direct team, is that I am the first caucasian woman ever leading the team, and I am young, so this makes it quite difficult depending on where we are and what we are doing. I have been 'tested' many times by my colleagues in ways that are more cultural and ethnical, but so far so good, and I think we are all warming up to one another. My boss here is the WHO representative for Nigeria, and he is from Uganda originally, but studied in Canada and his children are there, so he has given lots of much needed advice! And, I am slowly learning to be a bit more disciplined in my approach, rather than my typical 'trust that everything will get done' approach to management! Next week, however, will be a new experience. I am leaving for the northern Nigeria states (Maiduguri), where it is strictly muslim states, where Sharia law is followed, to the point that I even need to wear a burka (without face covering). It is a 2 day drive in good conditions, and as it is rainy season, we are told to be prepared for a 3 day journey each way...all that for a 4 hour meeting (this is where teleconference or video conference would really help)!! It is also where I have to bring a male 'interpreter' with me (besides the 3 other colleagues I am going with), and not a language interpreter, but someone who will speak to the men on my behalf, even though I am in the room and doing the talking...it is a bit convoluted, but I think I am finally getting it...i speak softly, he 'transmits' the message and all questions asked by participants are filtered through him to me, even though I am still sitting right there! I look forward to the road trip, even if it is days to get there, as we go through the National Park area, so kind of like driving up north in Ontario, where we can get lucky and see deer, moose, bear, etc...only here it is elephants, giraffe, and monkeys. So, hopefully we will see lots, and because it is wet season, it is very likely! The other problem with Nigeria is that animal poaching is still alive and well, with no real laws around it...and bush meat is a real favourite, so I think my vegetarian side will come out very strongly, so that means casava, casava paste, and some rice for me...but I have learned to travel with peanut butter and lebanese bread wherever I go, so it won't be too bad!

That's it for now...I get to have my Saturday to myself and then leave on Sunday for my mission up north, and then back next weekend. I am really hoping to fly out to Nairobi next weekend to meet a friend, however still have not gotten my passport back...so won't know until next week!

Hope everyone is well!