Workshop and computer!!!

18th March, 2008


Well it was all planned for Monday morning. A workshop on Proposal Writing – not that I have ever written any proposals as such. I had some notes prepared and a programme ready, plus, I even had a handout to give each participant. I was expecting five people for the workshop. Went into the ‘office’ to find just Mr Messo and Terry (my co-volunteer). Others were there, but seemed busy or involved in other things.

I suggested that it really wasn’t worth doing a workshop for just two, as we needed to have input from others, and eventually (after Joey reiterated it) Mr Messo agreed that we would delay the workshop till the next day.

So we decided to use the time to go looking for computers. This time I went off walking into town with George and Konda. Both are TACOPE volunteers, Konda seems to be in the ‘office’ every day, and has the grand title of Second Secretary. He seems to know where everything is – whether its in a draw, cupboard or box, he seems to find it. George, I had not met before. He is also a volunteer, but does work, whenever he can get a job. He is an engineer, and studied in Dar Es Salaam, but he could only afford to complete the two year course, to Diploma level, and still wants to try to get his degree, which means another year studying, and finding the funding for this. George speaks English quite well, and Konda manages with English. Both have used computers before, but very little. So blind leading the blind really!!!

We went into town and they took me, thro markets and side streets, to a second hand computer shop, which was a room in an old single story building which had perhaps been some sort of school or police/city type of office in the colonial past. The rooms were around a yard – and all was quite dilapidated (as is Mwanza – except for the two new high rise very modern looking buildings which have just opened – first new build in many, many years I would think!). The room had two trestle tables in, which were cram packed with dusty old monitors and computer towers stacked one on top of another. We asked what was their best offer, and a particular tower was pointed out to us. We were told its attributes (can’t say I understood too much of what it all meant!) and asked its price – 550,000 Tsh (£275). It was then demonstrated that it worked and we agreed to have a think about it and come back.

Off we went to the other side of town – we had had a tremendous thunderstorm on Sunday, and so the streets were pretty wet and muddy – so picking our way through another lot of side streets and markets, we ended up in another ‘shop’. Again, two tables piled high with computers/monitors and keyboards. Another one was demonstrated to us, and we agreed to do a deal, - after we had bartered a bit, had a printer included, the memory increased and something else added. The deal was done at 500,000 (£250). It was agreed that Joey and I would go back in the morning, with the money (cash!) and we would then bring it to the office.

I then did some food shopping and took a taxi home. Jen then persuaded me to go to Yoga – and I am so glad I did. The yoga session was on the beach at Tunsa Lodge, which is a lovely place just near the airport, on the shore of the lake. So there I was, doing Yoga (first time in ages) but what a place to do it, on the shores of Lake Victoria – which is so vast that you do feel it is a sea, and in fact there were waves following the storm of Sunday. Just as we were doing our last relaxing session – the bit where you lay back and chill – it started to rain, just drops here and there – so cooling and relaxing, it was lovely.

So Tuesday – saw the second attempt at holding our workshop. However, first Joey and I went to pay for and collect the computer. This was not a quick job – no – everything here takes more time than you think. First we had to check it was the same computer, then change something for something else, etc. etc. Then the cash had to be counted – biggest note is 10,000 Tz shillings, - It took an age – however – eventually, got the thing in the car and went to the office.

This time, everyone was there – seven people. Each with a piece of paper and a pen in hand and looking at me very expectantly as I walked in. When they realised we had the computer with us, they all stood and clapped us in – great excitement. Then it had to be installed, and it was the usual thing, everyone wanted to help, everything had to be moved, didn’t have enough cables (the same as when we get any new electrical/computer type thing at home) Good start to the workshop I thought!

Did then start the workshop – (partially filmed by Joey for my video diary!) All the participants seems so keen to write down everything I said or wrote on the flip chart (yep we had flip charts up too) that they didn’t really participate as such – and – we had the chap from the computer shop come in (Twice!!) as we had had to call him in to ensure it worked. So it was fun! I do think that we did achieve something tho really – because at the end, when we had formally finished, we carried on chatting for a while, and think that they did appreciate what we did, and had learnt something too – maybe….. But then it does all come down to them finding donors – and to do that now, you either need to know what’s going on, or be able to use the internet – so then had to plan computer lessons. (CAB er’s will draw similarities to CASE training, as I think their knowledge of computers is pretty small, if at all) Just another little challenge.

After that exhausting session (it was a very hot and humid day) I bailed out and met Donald at a decent hotel, where we sat by the pool and relaxed. Ended up staying there to eat in the evening, sitting at (another) edge of the lake watching the sun go down and the birds (kingfishers, Egrets and kites, plus others whose names either escape me or I have never known) hovering and diving and calling – a perfect setting for a lovely evening. We then taxied home.

Did I tell you that often when we are in on our own in the evening, we tend to watch DVD’s and box sets of TV series. Well we are just at the end of series 5 of 24 - Jack Bauer et al. So it is all very exciting!!!

Went to bed and at about 12 ish the lightening started, the thunder was rolling in the distance and it began to rain. We had the most frightening and humendous thunder storm – it went on for almost a couple of hours. The lightening and thunder coming at the same time, very loud and very close, and the storm just didn’t seem to move from over our heads. The rain was POUNDING off the tin roof and being blown in through the windows. Pretty scary – but we survived! This meant however that the towns streets were muddier and the drains fuller than ever the next day. Tho it does dry out fairly quickly.

Must just add another note about my Dala Dala ride in this morning (Wed). Usual thing, crowded and almost full before I get in, however, there was one space which I grabbed – it did entail my knee’s being quite close to a young chaps groin. He had one leg each side of my two knees, and, at one point, another guy had his head almost resting on my shoulder – they got 23 in today!!!!! Think the novelty is wearing off a bit.

Anyway – tonight is the last episode of 24, so got to get on with that – we have water back (didn’t have any for 16 hrs or so) so that’s great, and will tell you more about the computer lessons at my next blog.

Lots of love to all
Love J