July 13 - July 19

I organized a meeting this week with a private equity (PE) firm that invests in small- to mid-scale farmers in Zimbabwe, Zambia and SA, along with the directors of a company that is trying to bring bamboo to Zimbabwe as a solution for deforestation. The meeting went well, and it got me thinking about the potential of joining a small PE firm that invests in small-scale sub-saharan agriculture. My initial reaction is one of ambivalence and some hesitations, however I think that there would be some important and relevant pros to joining. Some of these could include, but are not limited to, helping to boost Zimbabwe’s economy by focusing on the growth of promising agro firms, travelling more freely between Zimbabwe and NY for ZOF, and lastly allowing me to simply be a part of something larger, entrepreneurial, and potentially quite successful, all while remaining in a field that I enjoy. For now though, these are all simply preliminary ideas and thoughts.

 This week I have also met with two businesses that sell small solar devices in Zimbabwe. These devices are made in the Taiwan or China, then go through a supplier in Australia or the US, to finally sell in Zimbabwe for quite a high price (a solar light is around 20 dollars). The directors of the businesses said that these prices could be very much diminished if they were made in Zimbabwe, further convincing  me to invest in a course that teaches young adults how to construct these types of devices from scratch.

On another note, this was my last week at the orphanage. The children sang a goodbye song for me and gave me a Shona sculpture, which was very moving. I am happy to report that after six weeks at the orphanage, I have begun to cement my ideas for projects that focus on teaching a small-scale farming method in a drought-stricken rural area (Gwanda) and solar engineering in the city (Harare). With a group of volunteers in New York and Harare, I have begun to draft a proposal, timeline, and syllabus for these pilot courses, with the intention of eventually scaling them up and seeing other organizations, institutions and NGOs implement them as well.  

Hosting a CV workshop with the senior girls

Playing with my mobile on the football field

July 6 - July 12

I had an exciting meeting on Tuesday with a group of people who have expressed interest in partnering with ZOF. We discussed the idea of bringing vocational training skills with a focus on sustainability to orphaned populations in Zimbabwe. Namely, these would entail (1) implementing a solar engineering workshop for these children, and (2) teaching students a small-scale low-cost, low-maintenance farming method called the circle crop farming method. The meeting went very well, and everyone is enthusiastic about both of these projects. The idea we developed is to teach a basic solar engineering course, then teach the students to research and develop a small solar-powered device they can sell to members of their community, and host a competition for the best-selling item. The children could then set up a small business to sell the winning solar-powered product. This would not only teach the children about business, solar engineering, and renewable energy, it would also generate income.

In a similar vein, the children following the sustainable farming program would learn to grow their own crops, which they can then harvest and learn to cook with. They would sell the surplus to a market in exchange for seedlings.

Now, the next step is to formalize plans and begin to take steps towards future implementation!

Unrelated to ZOF, for the first time I have experienced some assuming and derogatory remarks regarding the colour of my skin. The remarks were based on the misconception that white people are rich and willing to give out goods to poor Zimbabweans. I have had to explain that I am 25 and unemployed, that I do not have all the money in the world, and that, in addition, it is my strong belief that giving (be it from an individual or an NGO), without any input from the receiving end, does little to entice appreciation, work, and growth.

Many people tell me that everyone in the US is rich, so I have to explain that under the perception of wealth there is an outstanding amount of debt weighing people down. It is almost impossible to borrow money here, so many Zimbabweans have difficulty in understanding that being able borrow thousands of dollars from a bank and return only $15 of that sum at the end of the month can be a bad thing.

The local culture here revolves around giving, and there are no jobs. “People here get degrees, then sit around,” one of my friends explained (motivating me further to focus on vocational training rather than traditional education). So the breadwinner of the family (that is, anyone with any job) ends up giving money to brothers, sisters, parents, cousins, nieces, uncles, grandparents… It is even tradition that a husband pays his wife’s parents, an obligation called “lobola.” So does this create a more selfless nation, or perhaps a more dependent one? A little bit of both, I suppose.

June 28 - July 5

I have learned a lot about the potential of the projects that I have been considering for ZOF, and the similar work that has already been done. There seems to be a lot of interest, I have met some potential partners, and I am excited to report a successful week here in Harare.

The most promising partnership is with a man who runs a solar energy business. Since he is looking to bring solar energy to rural communities, but has realized that such communities often lack the resources to even feed themselves, he is currently working on bringing more cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly farming methods to them through a circle crop method that was started in Venezuela. This is definitely still in the planning stages, and there are many more conversations that will take place before decisions are made, but I am optimistic about the potential of this partnership.

I have continued to discuss my ideas of solar energy, as well as newer ideas of sustainable farming education, at a boy’s orphanage with whom I have been working closely. When I brought up the idea of teaching them a technical skill, such as small solar-powered devices, and having them become proficient in the assembly of such products, they were very keen on the idea and eager to acquire a skill and learn something that they could teach to others. 

Circle crop method 

Watering the circle

June 21 - June 27

I am becoming increasingly interested in the idea of solar panel installations for the underprivileged and have thus been trying hard to gauge the interest and opinions of Zimbabweans. The majority of people I have spoken to agree that solar power is a good investment for this country. However, many have pointed out that installing solar panels is not an educational or constantly growing project – it is a one-time installment with very little room for innate progress.

A huge problem that I have come across with many NGOs is the excess of giving with a lack of teaching, and I want to make sure that anything ZOF does as an organization does not resemble this type of seemingly ineffective work. I went to a conference with Charles Ray, the US Ambassador, and when asked about NGO work, this was the problem to which he also immediately pointed. As such, a lot more thought and exploration needs to be given and done to this idea to avoid falling into this dangerous category, but I am optimistic about the potential.

On another note, I have had an interesting week of cultural interactions, including lengthy discussions on gay rights, Catholicism, and politics. I have found everyone to be refreshingly open to discussion on such topics, thereby enabling us to understand each other’s perspectives.

Although they say, when in Zimbabwe, you’ll notice the brain drain, this upcoming week I am meeting with some very interesting people including solar energy experts, financial consultants, and NGO experts!

Paying uno after school

On the soccer field

Drawing cards

Drawing cards

June 14 – June 20

Another week has flown by. As you know, I am living at an orphanage near Harare, so I spend a lot of time with the children and staff - playing, tutoring, chatting, and doing just about anything else you can imagine! I am beginning to recognize that there exist some pretty significant differences between myself and them, from the color of our skin, to our religious beliefs, to simply our respective lifestyles and social constructs. However, it is amazing to connect with them and have real conversations that may not bring us to agree on issues, but that bring us to understand each other’s perspectives. I cannot ask for a better way to learn!

Anyway, I have begun to hone in on some of the issues here that are very deeply rooted and in need of serious reformation. One such issue is the use of energy, electricity, and a sustainable source of both. I have become quite interested in the idea of solar panels. Power cuts often strike over 3 times a week throughout the country, sometimes for a period of over 10 hours. This affects studying, cooking, cleaning, drinking, and can spoil the refrigerated food. In addition, electricity is expensive here, and the additional cost of refueling the generator at the orphanage where I live means that it pays over $1000 a month for electricity… This in a country whose GDP per capita is just over $300, and whose sunlight is ever lasting! A reliable source of electricity could really transform the lifestyles of many   orphanages around Zimbabwe, enabling the children and staff to read in the evening, eat cooked meals, and also enabling the orphanage to allocate the money saved from their electricity bills towards more important costs such as school fees. It sounds simplistic, but I believe that this would ultimately translate into a better educated, healthier, and happier generation of children. There are some serious drawbacks to weigh against these benefits, so the exploration and learning process continues, but I am excited about this, among other, possibilities.

Another observation I have made over the past two weeks is the gap between the work of small local and large international NGOs. Based on the things that I have learned and observed here, international NGOs spend too much donor money on staff, consultants and personal travel. Many of these NGOs are multilateral, and by the time the funds have trickled down to the locals, there is very little left. On the other hand, local NGOs have a firm grasp on what the people around them need, however they do not have the resources or education to manage reports and finances, to prepare strategies and create project plans. Essentially, the genuine understanding of Zimbabwe’s issues is lacking in large international NGOs, while the financial training in local NGOs is the missing factor, and there is not enough collaboration between the two.

To sum up my week, I have met some fantastic local NGOs, many of whom primarily focus on vocational training for organizations to manage finances, as well as on life skills training for disadvantaged youths. It has been a very busy and informative week, and I cannot wait to continue to delve into these issues in the coming days.

Now back to the children, and onto week three! And when in Zimbabwe, say "we'll make a plan."

Children getting ready for bed

Constructing a puzzle in the study room

Gymnastics in the garden!

Watching a soccer match with the children

Solar paneled roof near Mutare 

Week 1: June 6-June 13

After a long plane ride, a long drive home in rush hour, and an unbelievable amount of chaos in the world of transportation, I had finally reached my destination just outside of Harare, Zimbabwe. Having spent my first week talking to everyone and anyone, meeting people left and right, and living in an orphanage, I have learned quite a lot! For one, I have learned that there is a lot to be done in Zimbabwe, a lot of problems that need solutions. On the other hand, though, spending a lot of time at the orphanage meeting the children, I have learned that the Zimbabwean youth are very eager to study, help, and share. I do not want to generalize, but there are certain ideals and values that I have found in many people that are, in my opinion, rare in most Westerners. And these are morals that will be instrumental in the success of any economic stimulation and employment opportunity.

The first main issue that I found this week my first night while speaking to some people I met is the lack of successful local business, which comes for a few reasons: 

(1) local products are expensive due to a lack of competition that allows local businesses to raise prices when they are doing well, in turn making the local market unappealing; 

(2) the government insists on controlling 51% of any business, making it difficult to start a business here and discouraging foreign investment; 

(3) there is very little manufacturing due to a lack of capital and machinery; 

(4) international products in Zimbabwe are viewed as far more sophisticated than local products, further hindering local business and production!

Among other barriers that I have been told, those that may be obstacles to progress in Zimbabwe, is the overwhelming lack of general knowledge in areas such as farming techniques and HIV/AIDS, especially in the rural areas. These are two prominent issues, and in order for progress to occur, there must be some source of skills and training. In talking to one very interesting man, I believe that a greater knowledge of HIV/AIDS, farming, and clean energy would increase life expectancy, thereby decreasing the number of orphans. Sustainable farming and reliable/relatively cheap energy would do so much good for this country!

Many interesting conversations later, lots of people, and an unbelievably busy week, I am exhausted…in the best way possible. I am excited about the potential for Zimbabwe and ZOF (I have many ideas!), and feel challenged by the many obstacles that still stand in the way. And with that, I begin week two!

 Some interesting facts I learned…

à People who are not rich prefer to buy products with environmentally friendly packaging, particularly packaging that they can recycle. So, if they are shopping for milk, they’d rather buy a carton that they could reuse as a water bottle.

à up to 75% of the people in rural Zimbabwe participate in agriculture, but a huge problem is that they cannot generate revenue off the food they produce due to an inability to reach the market, coupled with a monopoly over many sectors

Oh, and when in Zimbabwe, eat sadza (but make sure it's with your hands)!

I have created this blog to document my three month-long trip to Zimbabwe, beginning June 5th.

I will post my next entry... When in Zimbabwe!