06 August 2007
04 August 2007
Emergency flood relief, South Nepal...
We went early in the morning to search the affected flood area. We had also Co-Ordination by Phone with AMDA staff especially with team leader Mr. Niraula. We observed two areas where people were staying in the school leaving house because of flood.
We went each House and met with each people from the morning but AMDA group was not visited yet. So we went to search more 15 KM far area almost near border but most people were unmanageable. They had House, Animal, Food, medicine and Animal crops problems. I went each House to get data. When we came back from the border the Health camp was running in the School. I met with Mr. Niraula and introduce my team and local political leader to support him in any problem. It was very big crowd in the Health camp. It was difficult to handle staff alone. So we made plan tomorrow to appoint local volunteer to control and deal with people. We went for lunch around 3 PM but before lunch went to meet with local police officer to get actual victim and needy people's data although we were also collecting data individually. We found 160 House are almost victimized in our first observation area and near health camp area 150 House were affected.
Tomorrow we and AMDA is going to distribute ration and some cloth from our side and only cloth from AMDA side together. I have chosen spot for distribution in the police office in front of 8 political parties and social worker. We observed that we can not distribute out side because people can create trouble to us. We should put police for our security which is obviously known to Mr. Niraula [AMDA leader] looking people's attitude today in the health camp.
Goodbye. Thank You.
Binod Aryal
20 July 2007
After 2 months in Sudan
Well, who would tell that time in Malakal goes so fast.
Almost time to go back to my life, first in Brazil, and later in Vancouver,
where I know I will go to many matinees, work a little, hopefully continue
my outreach travels, and eat lots of sushi…
Anyway, I have learned a lot working with the UN in a remote town,
devastated by armed conflicts, with a social structure that includes a
town/tribe court, and many groups who came here to provide support,
including the UN, NGOs, religious groups, and see all these signs in various
language – Arab, English, French.
It is wonderful to me to have dialogues with "nationals" who seek
counseling, and discuss their dilemma between 2 cultures- the traditional
one which establishes rules that not always are efficient in modern life.
For example, one of my "clients," a bright young man in his late twenties
struggles because his father wants him to get married, and has collected a
few cows to give to the bride's family. It seems that the average is 30
cows. He thinks this is absurd as he has a good job at the UN, and knows
that he will be able to provide his wife to be with a reasonable life. Also,
he wants to marry a woman who is bright, has ambition and admires what he
does. He struggles, and when we finish sessions, he usually grab my hand and
say – this was so good. I feel free talking to you.
It is almost disconcerting how the people treat me with gentle manners. They
always want to carry my heavy packs, always asking if I need anything, it is
remarkable. Some cannot believe that I am this old, and come and show to
others, and ask them to guess how old I am, and they admire because
according to some, many people at my age would be dead, and if not, they
look really old.
I continue to love the skin of their faces, with tattoos like lines,
sometimes they look like embroided faces. I wish I could take pictures.
Perhaps in the end, some of them would accept to take pictures with me.
Somebody told me that they are writing a petition to get me back in Malakal.
I was offered a real job with the UN for one year contract. It was
attractive, but not in my age, but I agreed to come for another 3 months –
up to December, so I will be back in Sudan, likely not in Malakal because
there will be other challenges.
Life and work is possible because I am living mindfully, and in every moment
I feel right to be here, to do what I am doing, and to help others to feel
that this is part of their journey. There is no doubt most of us have
thoughts about being here, AND about being or not being somewhere else. Only
a few of the people I see are truly citizens of this town. We are all
visitors, and we must remember to leave things in order, and make even
better after leaving. I continue absorbing more and more David Brazier's
books – I keep reading them again, and making notes, which I likely will
delete soon… The desire for so many things, for company of loved ones, for a
pedicure. It is amazing how sometimes it is hard to keep the fire in
control, smile at all thoughts I have about somewhere, someone who is not
present. And then I am able to return to my life and work in Malakal.
My last challenge was to fix or better say, to organize the laundry at the
Log base camp. I was excited with the task, and hopefully could complete
before I leave, in a less than 2 weeks. It is almost done. I dream with
clothes lines… should be an architect. Hahaha.
Last week before I went to Khartoum we had horrible storms and the flight I
was going to Khartoum did not land in Malakal, so the following morning we
took a small plane and ended up landing in another city because there was
the possibility of another Haboob in Khartoum. So, it took me more than one
day to arrive, but the training was excellent. Some form of Myers Briggs
stuff, we laughing discovering our preferences and matches in the counseling
team. I am glad that the new counselor who will come to Malakal – Jane is an
African who thinks like me, make decisions based on same principles, and
already knows she will love to come and replace me, after telling her the
adventures and the projects.
My undone project is a Peace park, involving the UNMIS police and the local
police, and I am sure she will carry one for me.
So, I have to go because I have a few meetings, and all. I am not
overwhelmed with the end of this, but I am in touch with how much I miss
many people around, particulars of my routine, and at the same time I
already know that I will miss this challenging job, its surroundings, the
people I met. But it is reassuring to know that I will come back, and may
meet some of them.
Keep the water boiling and we will have coffee soon. Hopefully a strong and
fresh one. With pao de queijo, or anything else that is appealing to our
taste.
Be well, love to all
Yaya
Well, who would tell that time in Malakal goes so fast.
Almost time to go back to my life, first in Brazil, and later in Vancouver,
where I know I will go to many matinees, work a little, hopefully continue
my outreach travels, and eat lots of sushi…
Anyway, I have learned a lot working with the UN in a remote town,
devastated by armed conflicts, with a social structure that includes a
town/tribe court, and many groups who came here to provide support,
including the UN, NGOs, religious groups, and see all these signs in various
language – Arab, English, French.
It is wonderful to me to have dialogues with "nationals" who seek
counseling, and discuss their dilemma between 2 cultures- the traditional
one which establishes rules that not always are efficient in modern life.
For example, one of my "clients," a bright young man in his late twenties
struggles because his father wants him to get married, and has collected a
few cows to give to the bride's family. It seems that the average is 30
cows. He thinks this is absurd as he has a good job at the UN, and knows
that he will be able to provide his wife to be with a reasonable life. Also,
he wants to marry a woman who is bright, has ambition and admires what he
does. He struggles, and when we finish sessions, he usually grab my hand and
say – this was so good. I feel free talking to you.
It is almost disconcerting how the people treat me with gentle manners. They
always want to carry my heavy packs, always asking if I need anything, it is
remarkable. Some cannot believe that I am this old, and come and show to
others, and ask them to guess how old I am, and they admire because
according to some, many people at my age would be dead, and if not, they
look really old.
I continue to love the skin of their faces, with tattoos like lines,
sometimes they look like embroided faces. I wish I could take pictures.
Perhaps in the end, some of them would accept to take pictures with me.
Somebody told me that they are writing a petition to get me back in Malakal.
I was offered a real job with the UN for one year contract. It was
attractive, but not in my age, but I agreed to come for another 3 months –
up to December, so I will be back in Sudan, likely not in Malakal because
there will be other challenges.
Life and work is possible because I am living mindfully, and in every moment
I feel right to be here, to do what I am doing, and to help others to feel
that this is part of their journey. There is no doubt most of us have
thoughts about being here, AND about being or not being somewhere else. Only
a few of the people I see are truly citizens of this town. We are all
visitors, and we must remember to leave things in order, and make even
better after leaving. I continue absorbing more and more David Brazier's
books – I keep reading them again, and making notes, which I likely will
delete soon… The desire for so many things, for company of loved ones, for a
pedicure. It is amazing how sometimes it is hard to keep the fire in
control, smile at all thoughts I have about somewhere, someone who is not
present. And then I am able to return to my life and work in Malakal.
My last challenge was to fix or better say, to organize the laundry at the
Log base camp. I was excited with the task, and hopefully could complete
before I leave, in a less than 2 weeks. It is almost done. I dream with
clothes lines… should be an architect. Hahaha.
Last week before I went to Khartoum we had horrible storms and the flight I
was going to Khartoum did not land in Malakal, so the following morning we
took a small plane and ended up landing in another city because there was
the possibility of another Haboob in Khartoum. So, it took me more than one
day to arrive, but the training was excellent. Some form of Myers Briggs
stuff, we laughing discovering our preferences and matches in the counseling
team. I am glad that the new counselor who will come to Malakal – Jane is an
African who thinks like me, make decisions based on same principles, and
already knows she will love to come and replace me, after telling her the
adventures and the projects.
My undone project is a Peace park, involving the UNMIS police and the local
police, and I am sure she will carry one for me.
So, I have to go because I have a few meetings, and all. I am not
overwhelmed with the end of this, but I am in touch with how much I miss
many people around, particulars of my routine, and at the same time I
already know that I will miss this challenging job, its surroundings, the
people I met. But it is reassuring to know that I will come back, and may
meet some of them.
Keep the water boiling and we will have coffee soon. Hopefully a strong and
fresh one. With pao de queijo, or anything else that is appealing to our
taste.
Be well, love to all
Yaya
Oh Ya!
Yes, I laughed out loud! Out loud! when I read you are in charge of a
cafeteria!! How incredibly funny is that?! Its perfect, absolutely
perfect postioning for you. You love the food and serving of it to
others, and what better worker care than providing it! that's the best
yet! Don't especially like the news of the landmines being replaced
with new ones though, that must make you quiver a bit, no? Your stories
of how difficult things are with UN folks and the people of Malakal
remind me of Romeo Dallaire's story in Rwanda. Certainly the image of
the 'good' UN doesn't stand up. Although one of the things that I
remember being problematic was that partner countries with the UN
weren't contributing the dollars they promised which meant the UN didn't
have money. At any rate, you sure have your work cut out for yo
supporting those folks, but a daunting task! Especially considering the
short time frame. It seems an overhaul is required really, which is way
out of your role, for sure. But, I have no doubt already the place is
better...with your energy and willingness to dive right into working.
Metal bars? Rebar maybe, from construction sites? If so, they are
worth a lot of money. Here when they take down buildings they save the
rebar and sell it to Asia somewhere, who recycle it for their buildings.
They weigh a lot! Maybe by the time this is done you'll have defined
muscles on your arms, stomach and legs? (grin)
How wonderful to be meeting all these people from around the world,
different cultures! How especially wonderful to work with the people of
Malakal, to become perhaps, someone they can trust, even a little.
Here things are moving along. I had the first Provincial Disaster
Psychosocial Advisory Council meeting yesterday and it went well. I
look forward to seeing how this will work out, the main goal is to now
move this forward integrating psychosocial planning etc. into the larger
system, across ministries. Right now, as you know, the province is
preparing for very serious flooding, they are working 12-14 hours every
day getting ready. Maybe I told you in the last email that in the worst
case scenario, if the weather melts the snow too quickly we may have to
evacuate up to 100,000 people! And for those who have no place to go,
we will be putting them into group lodging. Evacuatioln of hospitals is
a possibility, over 600 beds, including the forensic hosptital. Anyway,
DSTRS is on alert. Next week is the DSTRS workhop again.
Otherwise, my life is very tame. I spend a lot of time alone now,
interesting. Perhaps I have withdrawn again.
So, my friend....you are no doubt richer today than yesterday, with
experiences and learning. Money wise too perhaps...the school board
cheque came.
Hugs to you,
Love heleen
here is, another week, almost half way through, it is passing faster than I thought.
Imagine if my 60th birthday I will be in a kitchen serving a bunch of military and civilians in a Sudanese poor city ofMalakal. something to remember eh? as brasilians would say - finish this work with " chave de ouro." hahaha
There is hope, always.
I know that you may believe, but this week has been great.
First, there were parties and movie nights (with the Indian battalion).
Many people approached me, and already know who I am, thanks to the big boss who introduced me to staff via email. Even he is now all praise and smiling, asking if I need anything, etc.
I find that email is a great way to connect not only personally with all, but also with staff in Malakal, and I have to think about how to use it in terms of counseling and welfare. Perhaps I could write positive things for all to read, or some ways to cope with boredom, missing home, about frustration, acknowledge the work of people who sometimes get the rage of those in power (not necessarily an authority on what they criticize, like one of the engineers told me one morning).
Heleen's tips on dealing with managers helped a lot.
I still struggle to see what exactly can I do in such a short time (to me seems too long, for everybody else is toooooo short as they tell me !!), and in a way I am convinced that perhaps I will come again, if there is a possibility- but I think I say this so they don't reject me in my temporary tasks...
I am sorry to say, but the UN in the capital don't have much direct experience about what goes on in the field in these small towns. There is a young man from Morocco who talked to me daily about this, and he keep pointing out that there is so much waste - it is true, the garbage we (UN) are creating is disgusting.
There is another guy from Afganistan- he takes a long route to the office and tells me about his family, his annoyance and his stress. Another one, who lend me his computersometimes comes to the office I am sitting (with the crew of local womenwho clean the place !) and tell me about his blood pressure, and healways leave saying - it is so nice that you finally came... as if he knew I would come. Oh my god
The women who clean is another story. I found 2 boxes filled withtshirts, women clothes, children clothes, and some shoes and I offeredto them. Now they treat me so nice, always coming and smiling, andcleaning my desk. They leave their water in front of the air conditioned to cool... and the water is horrible, yellowish, and I know they are not getting treated water. So I mentioned to someone, and the answer - they are accustomed with this water, don't worry.
I had an interesting experience, asked by the manager to be an observer of a task force. There 3 sectors involved and these "sub managers" don't talk well with each other. Collaboration is not a word being practice here.
Anyway, one of the tasks was to get a crew taking a pile of metal rods -lots of them, a sore to the eye - and moving. So we all agree to meet at8 hundred hour... as they say - a la military ! and there I was. Until 9:30 I was the only "leader" who showed up and the local workers. I was a great model of labor, and one of them look at me and said "you strong" as if alarmed, or surprised, as I was carrying these stupid things back and forth with them. It was the day to get a great tan, and many bites.
I counted 31 last night. My leg is in bad shape... by 11 AM I decided that the men needed water. And there was this argument with the woman, who certainly is beyond burned out... she told me supply water - slavery? I know the UN does not supply water to us. I must pay 10 dollars every 4 days for a dozen of bottles - to drink, brush my teeth, and make coffee...I could not believe. I told the men to stop working and take a break, and they seemed to liked me even more... and they looked at her defiantly. She could not believe. Well, the work was done finally.
Every day there are challenges to be faced and surprises to be considered.
Last week I went to a meeting, one of those burocratic meetings where 20 or so reps of particular organizations like the UN, UNICEF, Doctors without borders, and lots of NGO sit around... on security. And, as I was supposed to go to a small town nearby, one of the team sites as we called, I asked about the conditions of the road. Then one of the Cambodian told me that they collect 154 land mines (last week? Last month?) and 3 days ago they cleaned that particular road, and the day
after some car hit a (new) landmine... so I guess they are going to send me by helicopter sometime next week. Incredible to think that someone clean up the threats and danger, and just to find out that it is an on going process. Andd I heard yesterday that a convoy was "interrupted" by milicia and someone was beated up - there I go, visiting in a CIS debrief..
This trip is a process, a la Indiana Jones. If someone asked me what is the result, there is not much to say - there is no treasure in the end of the (hot) tunnel, it is pure process, and likely I see it as a reflection of what is gong on politically and socially. It is hard to work towards one particular goal as the process shows that is constantly revolving, or at least evolving to something else.
The highlight was that fi nally I hold a meeting with all staff interested in forming the Welfare committee, and even I was surprised to see that 9 people came. A successful meeting, according to the director (who sleeps in all meeting, and was somewhat awake in this one!!), and I was appointed chair until I leave. A cafeteria at HQ will be open under my command. Can you believe? Being in Sudan, in a town called Malakal, opening a cafeteria. And you will laugh even more when I tell you that I suggested a pan for its name STAFFBUCKS - given that the UN is not giving a cent to us, and we need to find ways to make money... they don't know what fiasco I am in
business. Anyway, the cafeteria has been cleaned spotless, I found someone to make bread, a delicious Kenian brioche that when I brought samples people could not believe that was made locally... I am know now to find jewels in this place.
Hahaha.
Now I am in Khartoum, in a bed and breakfast you must look at google - it calls Bougainvilla guesthouse, ran by a couple, Norwegian and Danish, he is a physician and she is a nurse. Lovely people, and I feel pampered. It is walking distance from the UN and it will be great to be around for a day or so with no work, not around military, and certainly with a decent breakfast (which is included in the 50 dol night). I woke up again with the religious prayers and chanting of Khartoum, and there was a familiarity already.
We all had one evening in the Blue Nile - finally I got to take a few pictures... and all is fine.
back to work now.
So, this is my week folks. There is hope eh?
Muita saudade dos brasileiros.
I miss you all, looking for to come home, finding a new home, sharing
it, as always.
Perhaps even more than one home...
And see what is next.
Keep well, keep healthy, and filled your life with joy and love.
Always
Yaya
08 February 2007
Visiting Rose Charities Cambodia.... full account.. see
http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Cambodia/Phnom-Penh/blog-126628.html
ET Dorward family We are back in Phnom Penh again this time on our way to Kampot in the south.
While preparing for this trip it was apparent there was a great need here. Cambodia is a country only just beginning to emerge from the ravages of war. American bombing in the 60s, civil war, genocide, and more civil war pretty well sums up the previous 40 years. We have been witness to a building boom here, much of it being generated for and from the tourism industry. However once the hotels are built then what? Not everyone can drive tuktuk or clean hotel rooms. As usual in the third world a select few seem to benefit. In today’s paper the garment industry just announced a minimum wage increase from $40 to $45 per month and they are the lucky ones. For the vast majority of Cambodians a brush with the tourist dollar or a factory job is the stuff of dreams. So to for many is basic healthcare. Imagine not knowing what your grandchildren look like because of blinding cataracts or suffering day after day unable to function because of untreated and improperly healed wounds or burns.
Today we took a day to visit with Cambodians working to help the disadvantaged here with these needs. Before coming to Cambodia we made a donation to Rose Charities Kien Khleang sight restoration centre and Operation FIRST Cambodia
Our first stop was the Kien Khleang centre. There we met briefly with Dr. Hang Vra. His morning is spent examining patients and today was no different, in the afternoon he does the eye surgeries. Taking him away from his work for a handshake and a hello was enough. Many of his patients come long distances at great inconvenience and expense to see him and who would want to do that then have some tourist show up to visit with the Doctor. Instead his assistant showed us around the facility and introduced us to some patients. I don’t have the words to begin to explain the need here, of course equipment is high on the list and the patient recovery areas are very basic. $25 pays for a sight restorative eye surgery.
Our next stop was to visit Dr. Nous Sarom with FIRST Rose rehabilitation surgeries at the Chey Chumnas Hospital. The Operation FIRST Cambodia facility is newly built and offers corrective surgery for tumors, burns, wounds and congenital defects such as cleft palate. Dr. Sarom had just returned from a plastic surgery conference in Vietnam and so there were no patients there today. Tomorrow morning he has three surgeries, a cleft palate, a foot skin graft and a burnt hand thats healed shut. He has need for a modern suction device, operating table and separate toilet for patients. $50 covers the cost for one complete surgery.
Unlike the NGOs who’s brand new SUVs we observed parked outside expensive downtown riverside restaurants, both these charities have little overhead, donations go right to the Cambodians in need being helped by Cambodians. We encourage anyone reading this to consider making a donation to Rose Charities with the knowledge your donation is helping those that need the help.
http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Cambodia/Phnom-Penh/blog-126628.html
ET Dorward family We are back in Phnom Penh again this time on our way to Kampot in the south.
While preparing for this trip it was apparent there was a great need here. Cambodia is a country only just beginning to emerge from the ravages of war. American bombing in the 60s, civil war, genocide, and more civil war pretty well sums up the previous 40 years. We have been witness to a building boom here, much of it being generated for and from the tourism industry. However once the hotels are built then what? Not everyone can drive tuktuk or clean hotel rooms. As usual in the third world a select few seem to benefit. In today’s paper the garment industry just announced a minimum wage increase from $40 to $45 per month and they are the lucky ones. For the vast majority of Cambodians a brush with the tourist dollar or a factory job is the stuff of dreams. So to for many is basic healthcare. Imagine not knowing what your grandchildren look like because of blinding cataracts or suffering day after day unable to function because of untreated and improperly healed wounds or burns.
Today we took a day to visit with Cambodians working to help the disadvantaged here with these needs. Before coming to Cambodia we made a donation to Rose Charities Kien Khleang sight restoration centre and Operation FIRST Cambodia
Our first stop was the Kien Khleang centre. There we met briefly with Dr. Hang Vra. His morning is spent examining patients and today was no different, in the afternoon he does the eye surgeries. Taking him away from his work for a handshake and a hello was enough. Many of his patients come long distances at great inconvenience and expense to see him and who would want to do that then have some tourist show up to visit with the Doctor. Instead his assistant showed us around the facility and introduced us to some patients. I don’t have the words to begin to explain the need here, of course equipment is high on the list and the patient recovery areas are very basic. $25 pays for a sight restorative eye surgery.
Our next stop was to visit Dr. Nous Sarom with FIRST Rose rehabilitation surgeries at the Chey Chumnas Hospital. The Operation FIRST Cambodia facility is newly built and offers corrective surgery for tumors, burns, wounds and congenital defects such as cleft palate. Dr. Sarom had just returned from a plastic surgery conference in Vietnam and so there were no patients there today. Tomorrow morning he has three surgeries, a cleft palate, a foot skin graft and a burnt hand thats healed shut. He has need for a modern suction device, operating table and separate toilet for patients. $50 covers the cost for one complete surgery.
Unlike the NGOs who’s brand new SUVs we observed parked outside expensive downtown riverside restaurants, both these charities have little overhead, donations go right to the Cambodians in need being helped by Cambodians. We encourage anyone reading this to consider making a donation to Rose Charities with the knowledge your donation is helping those that need the help.
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