Here we are, Moporokoso!!

Hi people at DRH Hornsjo

We did it!. We are in Child Aid project, our destination is Mporokoso, Nothern Province of Zambia.

We had quite good flight  to London and Lusaka. Remmeber to change NOK  for USD in Norway territory, or is better in Oyer. There is much better exchange rates and no fees for exchange.

Last minutes in Norway...preparing for flying to London

We had to wait for Paul Sakala, DI responsible preson, at aeroport only 30 minutes in Lusaka. It was good sign. After that we have been taken to DAAP office in Lusaka. There we  were welcome there by Vibeke Larsen and Paul Sakala. Spent two days in Lusaka. Did some shoping, bought antimalaria pills and needed delicacy and hang about Lusaka. After that we started our adventure to Mporokoso. Trip to Kasama, capital of Nothern province took 12 hours, distance 1134 km, drivers are masters. Main adventure has come, when we  went to Mporokoso. Distance is 175 km, like to Trysil from Lillehamer     ( two and half hours with Big Red Citroen), for us 5.5 hours in the bus for 16 people, but in reality arround 24 people with commodities. We had to make 10 minutes excercise and clean up clothes after coming to Mporokoso.

In Mporokoso Mr. Roderick, Co-project leader welcomed us. Went to house, accomodated, did some shoping and went to sleep. We woken up in the late morning on Saturday. Look around, we were surronded by bush. Mporokoso is one of 12 districts of Northern province,  domestic people call it town, acctually it is a village with 3500 inhabitants with nearby villages. But it has a nice natural spots and a lot of water falls, rivers and streams. People are very heartfull. Everybody wants to be friend with muzungu. Sorry, we are living in three bedrooms house with water and electricity.  We did  not have access to Internet, but we utilize our influence as muzungu and VIP in Mporokoso an has made good friendship with NGO World Vision. Managing director give us access one time per month. They have Internet through satelite from Italy.   

We have started work from Monday 10. May . First two weeks are for orientation, like we started cours with information week, here are scheduled two weeks.  Meanwhile Project leader and Co-project leaders had meeting with Rene Shultz, managing director of DAPP in Zambia in Mkushi. There are Ieva and Martin.

During this period we did visit in two Basic Shools, one Commune Basic School, High School in Mporokoso, one Clinic, Mporokoso Hospital. Besides that we visited Governmental and Non governmental offices here as Head of Mporokoso District, Mayor of Mporokoso, UNHCR, World Vision, Red Cros and agencies which are dealing with culture nad education, water and sanitation issue ( WASHE), HIV/ AIDS.

After that we have stareted our work. Project leader incorporated 10 line of Child Aid to so called Scholl Program, which consist of:

Task is:  to emprove the water and sanitation situation in the communities by encouraging pupils and also to maitain their water points:

1) work with schools and communities on common actions on sensitasations on health and hygiene
2) work together with area leaders
3) conduct trainings on HIV/AIDS for peers in schools, youth clubs and HIV/AIDS support groups
4) organize common actions in schools and community village action groups on improving sanitation, health, hygiene and put up Tippy Taps (hand wash devices). (30 points for experiences in DMM. Remember!!)
5) work with ART Adherrence supporters in clinics, visit ART clients, discuss on how to improve their health, etc...

We are working in 25 km diameter from Mporokoso. Our means of transport are – legs and bicycles, still maintaned. In July we will spend three days in Chitosi village, 165 km far away from Mporokoso.

What to say in the end. Do not have any expectations, let  everything flow. Africa will find you. During your studies focus on practical issues as how to make rope pump,  simple latrine, how to improve incomme generating activities, water  sanitation and hygiene ( WASHE), counselling, everything about HIV/ AIDS, prepare some activities for youth clubs, how to plant  and use Moringa tree, what to prepare from soja beams, above mentioned Tippy Tap  and  enjoy your time in Hornsio.

J.V. Gothe said „ Theory is darkness, practice is green tree of life“. 

Chishamwamba Basic school, Headmaster and DAAP coord.

In the end some funny story. From Culture and Relligion seminar you know how with marriage in Africa is. We are here 15 days, according to Happiness, our accountant, Vendula has got proposals for marriage. One from local businessman, he has offered 5 000 000 Kwacha (approx. 700 Euro, 8 rope pumps), second is our guard Handre, he is poor, did not come with offer yet. But he has daily shift all week! 

Poeple take care!  Have nice time!

All the best from Mikulas. Mporokoso, Zambia, 29. May. 2010. 

November team 2009