I seldom lose my temper in Africa, because I'm usually relaxed and very happy; however, life as I know it threw me a new challenge today. Although I'm normally very laid-back, I feel strongly in following rules and guidelines and would never do anything to upset the proverbial "apple cart" (gee, I'm in Africa -- should I say "mango cart?").
Today, a new CCS volunteer (the company I work for) began at my job placement. He is young, but also strong-willed, opinionated, and REFUSES to follow any rules or guidelines! Although I mentioned to him at breakfast, before work, that he wouldn't be able to smoke at work, he left 2 times this morning to do so and that's the good news! He also informed me that I was teaching Math incorrectly to the boys. And he was going to start a beading program to have the guys make bracelets for themselves. The final "straw" for me was when he announced shortly before lunch that he was going to town after lunch to get the things he needed -- and he announced to the other new volunteers that the afternoon classes he was expected to attend were unnecessary and NOT mandatory so he wasn't going to them!!
I lost my temper at that point, and said "Gee, urinating isn't mandatory either, but it IS very helpful!" Guess I should also mention that I was told by a reliable source that he already made his "drug contacts" in this area, the first night he was here. Just the sort of influence we need in a prison for juveniles!
I've worked very hard for the last 7 weeks and I don't want anything to happen that would mess this up, so I went to the administrators and told them my concerns. I also skipped lunch and got a taxi to town to type out my frustrations...
The Mystery of the Disappearing Classroom Chalk
Last week, I decided to take chalk to work to give the kids an additional and different way to do Math. The "board" is very ratty, but at least there IS one. I couldn't figure out why the chalk was disappearing so fast, until I finally realized that the guys were EATING it!!! I found a little more chalk back at the Homebase, and although it was mint green, and some light purple, I thought at least I could use it. I guess these were simply not the desirable "flavors," because it wasn't eaten, and I can continue to do Math in these odd colors!
On Safari With Osteoarthritis
Although I seldom am able to leave the compound where I live other than go to work in the prison, or to take a taxi into town to write this column, I was able to go on a 1-day safari in Arusha National Park last Sunday. I think I've mentioned before, that as an osteoarthritis patient with a wide variety of joint challenges (and replacements), roads, paths, and even "sidewalks" provide an incredible problem for me. Here, all roads are heavily rutted, dirt and very rocky; the version of sidewalks in the village were made, I think, by "engineers" with severe learning disabilities. Walking on sunny days is a challenge, but on rainy muddy days, everything becomes quite treacherous for me!
