Working for the Man

Some of you may be wondering just exactly what I do as a Small Enterprise Development Volunteer here in Madagascar. For a while, I was wondering the same thing. I'm happy to say that I (finally) have a few projects rolling. Here's what's going on in my neck of the woods:

-Trainings! I've been traveling to villages within my commune and conducting basic budgeting and money management trainings. I usually throw in a little bit about business plans to plant the seed for those who are interested in starting new businesses.
Here is a picture of the turnout for one of my trainings, although I'm pretty sure that some people were just there to check out the vazaha (foreigner).

-Business club! I have a business club with local middle school orphan girls. These girls are more likely to drop out of school around the age of 15 or 16 because they simply can't afford to go to school anymore. We meet every Wednesday and learn the basics of business and finance. The girls will learn about and subsequently complete a business plan and with money that I have received from the U.S.Embassy I will provide them with the start-up funds for their own businesses. With the money they earn from conducting their business (like selling fried dough, for example) over their summer vacations and the skills they learned from the club, they will be able to buy the school supplies necessary and pay the fees for the coming school year.
These are the students in my business club.



-Village Savings & Loan! I have started a Village Savings & Loan program with the wives of the gendarmes (read: police) in my town. Though we are still in the formation stage, once the group is up and running the women will save money monthly. It is a great and easy way to save, especially since there is no bank in my town. Once the funds have built up over time, the women will be able to take out small loans to finance different projects. This is one of the programs that I'm most passionate about because it is simple yet so very empowering.

Those are my main projects although, as a secondary project, I teach English to teachers every Sunday afternoon. I am also working on helping a nearby village to begin raising pigs, an excellent source of food as well as income, and a welders group and a bicycle repairman to expand their businesses. So stay tuned!

Gaga over Vazaha

I recently spent some time in the Antananarivo airport here in Madagascar on my way to Cape Town, South Africa. While sitting in the airport cafe, I found myself eavesdropping on a family seated at the table next to me. The conversation itself was dull but they were speaking English. I found myself rather embarrassed at how intrigued and awestruck I was. It wasn't until that moment that I realized just how living in the countrysides of Madagascar has affected me. There were things that I had been conscious of previously, such as trying not to shovel food into my mouth with my spoon (the Malagasy utensil of choice) and saying very direct (and perhaps rude) things. Now, after weeks of speaking strictly Malagasy at a time, I find myself drawn to anyone speaking English. Chances are that I probably don't know them nor will I jump into the conversation, it's just nice to listen and actually understand the words being spoken, jokes and all. And if per chance, the English speakers are American, then it's like hitting the jackpot! I had hoped that my consciousness of these behaviors would help me to avoid falling victim to them. I now have a new one to add to the list, which should help me from becoming gaga the next time that I see a vazaha (foreigner)...

In Love...

I am in love. With Cape Town, South Africa. Earlier this month I met my dear friend Steph there for a wedding. (Steph, who is currently living in London, is friends with a lovely South African couple there, Shaun & Lynn. She was invited to return home with them for their wedding and since I'm relatively close, geographically speaking, I accompanied her as her date.) Upon arrival Lynn, Shaun and Steph took me to McDonalds knowing that no such place exists here in Madagascar. (Funny side note: the Happy Meal toys were for the movie Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa.) And so began my love affair with Cape Town.

Everything during my week there took my breath away. The landscape, the food, the people...Imagine beaches with clear blue waters with a backdrop of towering rocky mountains. I was lucky enough to experience traditional South African braai, twice! Braai is a slow roasting/grilling of meat similar to an American barbeque. I ate enough chicken, ribs, and sausage to last me the entire month of December, partly because I don't cook meat in Madagascar (so I had to take advantage) and partly due to the absolute deliciousness. Actually, it became a game of sorts: feed the poor girl who has been living off of rice for the past 10 months. The seafood, chocolate, wine and Rooiboos tea were the most memorable. Oh and toast. I know that last one sounds rather odd but sliced bread and toasters are novelties on this island. In Madagascar I have been eating mainly for sustenance, as opposed to taste, so I would like to thank everyone who reintroduced me to delicious food while I was in Cape Town.

Amongst the toursity spots we saw, Cape Point and Table Mountain National Park were perhaps my favorite. There lies the Cape of Good Hope, as well as the point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. It was also interesting to see the penguins who reside on the beach in Simonstown and the baboons hanging out on the side of the road. I now agree with those who say that Cape Town is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Steph and I at the lighthouse at Table Mountain National Park.
Cape Point, where the two oceans meet.
Baboons hanging out on the side of the road.

Perhaps the most memorable part of my trip was the people that I had the opportunity to meet. The beautiful bride, Lynn, and the gracious groom, Shaun, were kind enough to open their homes, act as tour guides (even amongst final wedding preparations!), and allow me to partake in their special day. They are truly amazing people and make a wonderful couple. I wish them the very best in their new life as husband and wife. I owe the world to Tony, Joan & Michelle Blackburn for their unbelievable hospitality. My trip simply wouldn't have been the same without them. It was interesting to talk to them about their views on development, especially after living and working in Madagascar for nearly a year now. I would also like to thank the Cloete family-to the Cloete boys for their charming company and to Mr. Cloete for arranging a place for me to stay in Johannesburg so I didn't have to sleep in the airport on my way back. On a sad note, I would like to send my condolences to the Blackburn family. Mr. Blackburn passed away last week, just days after his son's wedding. He was a great man who knew how to make a mean cup of Rooibos tea and who you could always count on for a laugh. I feel priveleged to have met him. My thoughts and prayers are with the Blackburns.

Overall my trip was amazing. One might not consider mainland Africa as a getaway but it was all that and more for me. In fact, if things don't work out here in Madagascar, I think I'll run away to Cape Town...

A visit to the Rhodes Memorial.

Photo-op during our drive through the mountains.

Shaun & Lynn cutting the cake.