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)!