3 Weeks ago since my last update here. Time flies, even in Africa.
And a new paragraph which would start with the same number - if not for this sentence. 3 Months since my arrival here. Time for some reflexion.
On the work-level, I have no reason to complain. Whilst some other volunteers struggled to start their mandate - and in a rare case that struggle ain't over yet, I've been granted the luxury of an almost immediate kickoff, and since then, work only increased. Needless to say the level of necessary flexibility is high. But the reward is great, as I've found a lot of nice colleagues and we're getting somewhere. What appeared to be a mandate for some IT-dude has been transformed into a cool work plan where I've committed myself into 4 axes, being:
- Organizational development! Working on tasks, roles and responsibilities and the organizational chart with the commander-in-chief to improve overall performance - and hence a better result with the strategical plan. Making value out of skills which are available, and trying to put people in a position where they are more happy to work. This is a time-consuming task, and I'm more than worried to go too fast on this one. The start we've made was promising - and I'm still hoping we can continue with that vibe for a long time.
- Information technology. Still amusing as this might appear the least-challenging axe - but beware, providing that they should be able to continue after my departure, this has to be put in place by a plan that provides also the necessary funds. Which is more challening than the technical answer, and means that the option of providing payed services to cities and villages is at the moment under investigation.
- Assistance to municipalities. As is it one of the services provided by the association, every member that is up-to-date with their membership fee is entitled to have some support - in the case where the association is able to do so. Currently, I've finished writing a project plan to support the first 2 requests. One is at the village of Kindi - where it involves general project management; the other is the city of Houndé on the management of land development and city finances. After these 2 requests there are still 3 waiting.
- Project management within the association itself. As it is a good way of getting to know the procedures, the way to get-things-done, and as a bonus: pick up things to get them sorted out which have been left behind too long, I've been doing some small projects. Think that should be reduced later on, but that was a good way to start working.
Back to the basics: a normal week day. It starts mostly at 6 o'clock. My breakfast has transformed into half a liter of pineapple juice - import from Ivory Coast, and according to the label: 100% pure juice. After the shower it's time to head for work - which starts mostly at 7.00. For sure, I cannot miss my coffee and a chat with the 2 secretaries round 9 o'clock. Work stops at 12.30, and I head home for a baguette. Most of the time, I'm back at work round 14.00. The day at the office ends at 18.00 or a bit later. (Or sometimes none of this above is right and there's no time for lunch. Or a meeting in the evening lasts till 22.30. Or there's a meeting with the president of the association at the mairie which starts usually at 6.30. Or all of the above. For sure, there's a plan, and there's real life. They seldom match. But that's ok.)
Some other reflexions:
- It is fucking hot here sometimes. Drains energy, one day more than the other. In general, I like the sun. But if there's a God: let the rain come. I would be really thankful!
- Never think you've seen everything. I got used to seeing people driving a motorbike and carrying 2 goats. Well, today I saw one with 3! They were still alive, and according to my honest judgment, not enjoying the ride.
- Sometimes, there's such a thing as a free lunch. My neighbours have a night guard. He's sitting all night in front of their house on a chair. Watching my house. Cool!
- Curfew is finally over (remember the title of this story!). Now we can get back to binge drinking. Finally!
- I didn't post here since 3 weeks, but I did a post on the website of my Dutch partner - and former employer, Daidalos. If you understand Dutch or just haven't had enough yet, go here.
- Everybody here loves my ipad. From the teenage daughter of my chief to the mayor of Ouaga: they all want one.
- Call people 'chef', they like that.
And to end, some pictures.
 |
| The crew working on connecting the power generator set to the new building - one of my projects. They managed within 5 minutes of digging to hit a water line. |
 |
| For my Dutch friends: if you want your kitchenware back, just write to: Restaurant at the Parc les deux Balé, Boromo, Burkina Faso. |
