To start with Daidalos, the consultancy company I have been working for since 2006. On Monday we had our yearly strategy meeting. Not only is it uncommon for people who have resigned to attend these meetings, it's even more uncommon for such person to receive a time slot. In this case, one to explain what I'm about to do, and the partnership we've agreed on. It feels really nice that people you've worked with over almost the last 5 years are willing to support this project. A handout of my presentation and some information of the partnership can be found here.
Secondly, I've had a meeting with the VNG - International. As I'm going to work for the Association of Municipalities of Burkina Faso, and knowing that there is a partnership between VNG - International and a number of countries in West-Africa, it was an excellent opportunity to speak to people who know a lot on the topic of LGA's (Local Government Associations). We've decided to keep in touch to see if we can work together during my placement.
And last but not least, last weekend I've had a coffee break with a volunteer I've met on the P2V training. It looks like we're heading towards 'same place, same time' in Burkina Faso. Which, seen the length of our coffee break, will be joy.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain
the CLEAR framework on participation
The table below gives a nice overview of matters to take into account when it comes to participation. I found it in a publication of VNG (found here) and it is a summary from the report of Prof. Gerry Stoker ‘Extending Local Participation' to the CDRL, October 2004.
As an architect, I like frameworks, and this one is no exception.
As an architect, I like frameworks, and this one is no exception.
| Factor affecting participation | How it works | Associated policy target |
|---|---|---|
| Can do | The individual resources that people have to mobilize and organize (speaking, writing and technical skills, as well as confidence to use them) make a difference in their capacity to participate | Capacity building: specific support measures or targeted development |
| Like to | To commit to participation requires a sense of involvement with the public entity that is the focus of engagement | Sense of community, civic engagement, social capital and citizenship |
| Enabled to | The civic infrastructure of groups and umbrella organizations makes a difference because it creates or blocs an opportunity structure for participation | To build the civic infrastructure so that there are groups and organizations around to channel and facilitate participation |
| Asked to | Mobilizing people into participation by asking for their input can make a big difference | Public participation schemes that are diverse, engaging and reflexive |
| Responded to | When asked people say they will participate if they are listened to, not necessarily agreed with, but able to see a response | A public policy system that can show a capacity to respond |
things ... and stuff that matters
After a couple of days of frenzy not-knowing where to begin it seems that the start of the puzzle has been solved. Doctor, dentist and medical clearance appointments have been planned in, my new passport should be on its way and helping hands to get my house cleared came flying in. I should admit though that for this last one I announced a couple of times that my supply of Belgian beer needed to be exterminated. Last but not least action for this week, I've turned in my resignation letter at work.
Together with these plans, it's also time to face reality that I'm leaving behind a lot of people I care for. First of all my father, we've spent so much time together since my mom died suddenly in 2009, making up time we've lost years before. I'll miss the talks with my sister, and smart-mouthing my brother. I'll miss my grandparents and knowing that since they are aging, there is a chance we will not be able to see each other again. And I'll miss gatherings with uncles and aunties, nephews and nieces. I took it all into account before deciding to go with VSO, but this is the part I don't look forward to.
Together with these plans, it's also time to face reality that I'm leaving behind a lot of people I care for. First of all my father, we've spent so much time together since my mom died suddenly in 2009, making up time we've lost years before. I'll miss the talks with my sister, and smart-mouthing my brother. I'll miss my grandparents and knowing that since they are aging, there is a chance we will not be able to see each other again. And I'll miss gatherings with uncles and aunties, nephews and nieces. I took it all into account before deciding to go with VSO, but this is the part I don't look forward to.
destination known
Another morning, another episode. Response from Burkina Faso - 'yes'. So not even 3 months after writing a first mail to VSO, my destination is known.
And 8 weeks left to work with my current employer. Slogan-wise, it's a change from 'dedicated people, smart solutions' to 'sharing skills, changing lives'. Somehow, they do fit together.
One important step is already taken: a new home for my cat. Believe the right person stood up, last week it was. But definitely, I couldn't be more relieved with this solution and am convinced my big red furry monster will do fine!
And with this response, I'll probably start the only project for the coming years which might go according plan; let's call it project-cleanup-behind-you-and-prepare-to-quit-holland. 10 weeks left.
And 8 weeks left to work with my current employer. Slogan-wise, it's a change from 'dedicated people, smart solutions' to 'sharing skills, changing lives'. Somehow, they do fit together.
decision made
Time flies! It took me a while to sort out the proposal from VSO, but finally I sent in the 'yes'-version (I did made both, just to put myself in the viewpoint of rejecting as well as accepting). My final acceptance came with the answer that I will be working with local IT-people, and should be able to commit myself to some more long-term coaching and teaching (- as well with an explanation that my role will require quite some traveling throughout the country. Yay!)
But most of all, it took more time to ease myself with the location. Burkina Faso it is. In all honesty, I gave VSO the answer that I was willing to work in all continents; but the image in my head was pointed towards Asia. So with the new subtitle of this blog in mind, it's time to 'sail away from safe harbor' and head for Africa.
Living and working in Burkina Faso can be seen as quite a challenge. Besides the climate (average temperature of 30C throughout the year, midday temperatures going to 48C and some cold winter nights round 18C) there is a non-deniable indication on the UN Development Index. Out of 169 countries lined from rich to poor this one ends up on place 161, meaning it scores better than: Liberia, Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Burundi, Niger, Democratic republic of the Congo and Zimbabwe. A returned volunteer gave me the insight that I would need a shitload of patience, so I've added that to my list of things-to-pack.
Hopefully I get the final acceptation at the beginning of next week, which would allow me to start sorting things out here and begin the next phase of preparation.
But most of all, it took more time to ease myself with the location. Burkina Faso it is. In all honesty, I gave VSO the answer that I was willing to work in all continents; but the image in my head was pointed towards Asia. So with the new subtitle of this blog in mind, it's time to 'sail away from safe harbor' and head for Africa.
Living and working in Burkina Faso can be seen as quite a challenge. Besides the climate (average temperature of 30C throughout the year, midday temperatures going to 48C and some cold winter nights round 18C) there is a non-deniable indication on the UN Development Index. Out of 169 countries lined from rich to poor this one ends up on place 161, meaning it scores better than: Liberia, Chad, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Burundi, Niger, Democratic republic of the Congo and Zimbabwe. A returned volunteer gave me the insight that I would need a shitload of patience, so I've added that to my list of things-to-pack.
Hopefully I get the final acceptation at the beginning of next week, which would allow me to start sorting things out here and begin the next phase of preparation.
decision making
'A roller-coaster' was the term I used to describe events of the last days to a friend. 2 major steps taken.
First of all, on some unsuspected morning, I received a proposal for placement from VSO. The same day I would have my first talk with my placement advisor. 'assessment of a proposal' is an interesting process: description of the proposed functions and responsibilities, combined with factual information on the country, security and cultural issues, which aspects to consider, risks and opportunities. I'm still undecided about the proposal, but have learned that the aspect of having one of more specific appointed counterparts is quite crucial to me. More information and a final decision on this proposal to come ...
Secondly, I've had a chat with the directors of the consultancy company I work for. Talking on what I'm about to start and the story towards this decision. The response was quite nice. It might even be possible to transform our collaboration towards some-sort-of-partnership for those 24 months I'll be working in development!
First of all, on some unsuspected morning, I received a proposal for placement from VSO. The same day I would have my first talk with my placement advisor. 'assessment of a proposal' is an interesting process: description of the proposed functions and responsibilities, combined with factual information on the country, security and cultural issues, which aspects to consider, risks and opportunities. I'm still undecided about the proposal, but have learned that the aspect of having one of more specific appointed counterparts is quite crucial to me. More information and a final decision on this proposal to come ...
Secondly, I've had a chat with the directors of the consultancy company I work for. Talking on what I'm about to start and the story towards this decision. The response was quite nice. It might even be possible to transform our collaboration towards some-sort-of-partnership for those 24 months I'll be working in development!
post-P2V
Busy time.
Upon request, I've completed my requests for some good-conduct-certificates. Yep. Even for those who find it hard to believe, I still manage to get these kind of documents.
And back from Boxtel for a preparing-to-volunteer weekend full of sessions on HIV/AIDS, globalisation issues, international trade, cultures, health & safety. And lots of fun. 17 nice folks (well, at least 16 - still amazed on how I end up with a group as nice as them). During the late hours the gents gathered for a private session on exchange-a-pig-to-apologise-for-misbehaviour-in-specific-cultures. Definitely the best session of the weekend, though that opinion might be slightly influenced by alcohol.
Next thing on the list is a chat with my placement advisor, so I've been thinking on intelligent feedback on where I want to go (uhm uhm, almost anywhere) and what sort of project I'd like to do (uhm uhm, almost anything, as long as it involves well, uhm uhm, ...).
Am happy to spend next weekend on manual-labor: nothing as good as emptying your mind by pulling power lines and installing electrics in the garage of a friend. Win-win situations, ya gotta love them.
in principio ...
... there is this first blog-post. The same week I got an email with the approval of VSO to go abroad with them. Yay !!!
After working in IT for more than 10 years, I came to the conclusion this was the right time to go for change, and try to make a change that matters. VSO bridged the gap between the idea, and the belief of being able to carry it out.
So, in the next couple of months I'll go through a 'preparing to volunteer' and 'skills for working in development countries' course, get in contact with my placement advisor to find an suitable position, get a medical clearance, and ... make a million lists of things I need to organize and do.
At the moment, I do not have the slightest idea of the actual challenge I'll be facing (a.k.a. 'the project') and where I will end up, but I'll keep you posted.
After working in IT for more than 10 years, I came to the conclusion this was the right time to go for change, and try to make a change that matters. VSO bridged the gap between the idea, and the belief of being able to carry it out.
So, in the next couple of months I'll go through a 'preparing to volunteer' and 'skills for working in development countries' course, get in contact with my placement advisor to find an suitable position, get a medical clearance, and ... make a million lists of things I need to organize and do.
At the moment, I do not have the slightest idea of the actual challenge I'll be facing (a.k.a. 'the project') and where I will end up, but I'll keep you posted.
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