Contact lenses, I should specify, not “contacts” as in acquaintances, although you should never take those for granted either.
On Tuesday, someone’s contact fell out in our water van. The Ugandans with us--Bob, one of our translators, and Joram, a surveyor who has been working with us on the water education talks--were first shocked, then a little freaked out, then curious (while still a bit perturbed that some foreign object just came out of someone’s eye). Everyone laughed about the event ten minutes later, but think about it: wouldn’t you be a bit surprised too?
I feel like the Duke students on this trip take our contact lenses for granted. I don’t know how many of us are wearing them on the trip (off the top of my mind, at least five of the 10 students here), but all of the students in the van at the time wore contacts, myself included. Do we actually think about how blessed we are with the technology--medical or not--available to us in the States? We’re working in a country where Bob and Joram had never even heard of contacts before, let alone seen them, and we’re wearing dailies, contacts you wear ONCE and throw out after a single day.
I’ve probably visited 15 or so schools and spoken to at least 1,500 students by this point. Maybe more, even; Tuesday alone, we presented to approximately 500 students. Not once have I seen a child wearing glasses. Why would they be? Where are the means? When these communities are worrying about a lack of clean water during the dry season and battling diarrheal diseases, typhoid, and malaria, I think 20/20 vision ranks pretty low on the priority sheet.
I can’t even imagine how someone would deal with contacts here (at least out in Kashongi; it’s probably somewhat easier in towns and cities, but maybe not by much). How do you ensure that you’re washing your hands with clean water before you touch the lens that enters your eye? Who has the capacity to care for eye infections, should they arise?
Friday, July 23, 2010
Waiting for Museveni
Disclaimer: I’m no expert on Ugandan politics, so my impressions could be totally misinformed, but they are exactly that--impressions. Also, cameras weren’t permitted at the event, so no pictures. :(
Yesterday, the president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, happened to be in Kashongi to give a speech on farming. Coincidentally, Kashongi is where our interventions take place, so we were able to go see him... which was cool and an amazing opportunity, to be sure, but also had its own frustrations and downsides as well.
We were told that the event started at 2 PM, so we walked over to the field with Jordan B. around 1:45 PM. Dr. Mugerwa--who is friends with the president (Museveni attended the opening ceremony for MMH a few years ago)--joined us later. Since nothing actually starts on time in Uganda, we figured we would have to wait around. We just didn’t know how long.
Jordan B. led us down the middle aisle that separated the standing crowd down the middle, leading us up to the "VIP" area in front where chairs were lined up under white tents. It was definitely an interesting dynamic since we were the ONLY bazungu there, but we were told that Dr. Mugerwa had said we were coming and that sub-county officials wanted to acknowledge our efforts in the area. Indeed, we were asked to stand during the introductory remarks given to President Museveni by a sub-country official.
Ultimately, despite the excitement of seeing the president speak (albeit in Runyankole, so we mostly had no idea what he was saying), I’m left with some less than favorable sentiments towards him.
First of all, he didn’t even show up until 5:30 PM, 3.5 hours after the scheduled time. (Does this happen in the States as well? How long do people wait to see Obama speak? I don't mean waiting in line but actually waiting for him to take the podium.) Some people had been waiting since 1 PM to see him; shouldn’t he be concerned about the productivity of his people? Something tells me that if he leaves them waiting for hours, they aren’t getting anything done. Also, the time you make people wait should be directly inverse to the time you yourself are allowed to speak.
Moreover, he seemed extremely apathetic and indifferent, not to mention slightly out of touch with the needs of the people (although who am I to judge?). He hardly acknowledged anyone, and in his speech--which was on modern farming (using better seeds, practicing crop diversification, etc.)--he promised the community certain improvements, like paved roads... but only if the government had money. Are paved roads really the top priority? What about healthcare? Providing safe water? Education?
I don’t want to sound like I’m not grateful for the opportunity to hear President Museveni because I certainly am. Let’s just say I was glad the ordeal was over at the end.
Yesterday, the president of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, happened to be in Kashongi to give a speech on farming. Coincidentally, Kashongi is where our interventions take place, so we were able to go see him... which was cool and an amazing opportunity, to be sure, but also had its own frustrations and downsides as well.
We were told that the event started at 2 PM, so we walked over to the field with Jordan B. around 1:45 PM. Dr. Mugerwa--who is friends with the president (Museveni attended the opening ceremony for MMH a few years ago)--joined us later. Since nothing actually starts on time in Uganda, we figured we would have to wait around. We just didn’t know how long.
Jordan B. led us down the middle aisle that separated the standing crowd down the middle, leading us up to the "VIP" area in front where chairs were lined up under white tents. It was definitely an interesting dynamic since we were the ONLY bazungu there, but we were told that Dr. Mugerwa had said we were coming and that sub-county officials wanted to acknowledge our efforts in the area. Indeed, we were asked to stand during the introductory remarks given to President Museveni by a sub-country official.
Ultimately, despite the excitement of seeing the president speak (albeit in Runyankole, so we mostly had no idea what he was saying), I’m left with some less than favorable sentiments towards him.
First of all, he didn’t even show up until 5:30 PM, 3.5 hours after the scheduled time. (Does this happen in the States as well? How long do people wait to see Obama speak? I don't mean waiting in line but actually waiting for him to take the podium.) Some people had been waiting since 1 PM to see him; shouldn’t he be concerned about the productivity of his people? Something tells me that if he leaves them waiting for hours, they aren’t getting anything done. Also, the time you make people wait should be directly inverse to the time you yourself are allowed to speak.
Moreover, he seemed extremely apathetic and indifferent, not to mention slightly out of touch with the needs of the people (although who am I to judge?). He hardly acknowledged anyone, and in his speech--which was on modern farming (using better seeds, practicing crop diversification, etc.)--he promised the community certain improvements, like paved roads... but only if the government had money. Are paved roads really the top priority? What about healthcare? Providing safe water? Education?
I don’t want to sound like I’m not grateful for the opportunity to hear President Museveni because I certainly am. Let’s just say I was glad the ordeal was over at the end.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Never Take For Granted... #36: Paved Roads
Think back to your last road trip, or any moderately long drive. What was it like?
Personally, I’m thinking of my most recent commute from Durham to Charleston, a 4.5 hour drive I typically enjoy. I listened to some music, talked to my parents, read a little bit until the motion sickness got to me. Oh, and I slept. Lots of sleep.
Until this summer, I had never traveled to an area without widespread paved roads. I knew the roads were going to be bumpy and I expected lots of dust, but I don’t think anything could have adequately prepared me for this. We have great drivers who know how to make the ride a smooth as possible--really, the maneuvering they do is truly something to behold--but there’s only so much to be done when some of the roads are simply riddled with sunken holes and trenches.
At first, the roads didn’t really bother me. They’re just bumpy. That’s all. But by this point in the trip, I’ve realized all the comforts that accompany paved roads--a smooth journey, relative silence, clean shoes/clothes/bodies from a lack of dust, the ability to read, nap, or write in one’s journal.
I’ve frequently found myself wondering what I’ll be thinking on the drive home from the airport when I’m finally back in Charleston after three flights over two days of travel. Am I going to be bedazzled by all the lit streets and businesses so late at night? Am I going to find the silence and stillness of the journey uncanny? Or worst, am I going just sink comfortably back, into the silence, the stillness, and the air-conditioned vehicle, forgetting everything I had just left behind?
Personally, I’m thinking of my most recent commute from Durham to Charleston, a 4.5 hour drive I typically enjoy. I listened to some music, talked to my parents, read a little bit until the motion sickness got to me. Oh, and I slept. Lots of sleep.
Until this summer, I had never traveled to an area without widespread paved roads. I knew the roads were going to be bumpy and I expected lots of dust, but I don’t think anything could have adequately prepared me for this. We have great drivers who know how to make the ride a smooth as possible--really, the maneuvering they do is truly something to behold--but there’s only so much to be done when some of the roads are simply riddled with sunken holes and trenches.
At first, the roads didn’t really bother me. They’re just bumpy. That’s all. But by this point in the trip, I’ve realized all the comforts that accompany paved roads--a smooth journey, relative silence, clean shoes/clothes/bodies from a lack of dust, the ability to read, nap, or write in one’s journal.
I’ve frequently found myself wondering what I’ll be thinking on the drive home from the airport when I’m finally back in Charleston after three flights over two days of travel. Am I going to be bedazzled by all the lit streets and businesses so late at night? Am I going to find the silence and stillness of the journey uncanny? Or worst, am I going just sink comfortably back, into the silence, the stillness, and the air-conditioned vehicle, forgetting everything I had just left behind?
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Tom & Jerry
Went into the dining area to grab a chipatte for lunch a little while ago, and two little kids were sitting there watching Tom & Jerry on the television. It always amazes me when I think about how much American culture permeates other nations. More examples: Hearing familiar music on the radio (Top 40 hits [or at least the ones that were Top 40 before I left for Uganda], John Legend, Black Eyed Peas, etc.) and seeing ads for Grey's Anatomy on the TV.
As a side note: I'm currently reading Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. It's a FANTASTIC book. Those of you who don't know much about Paul Farmer should pick up a copy! I still can't believe I shook his hand last year. GHTA + Neha = awesome. /giddy
As a side note: I'm currently reading Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. It's a FANTASTIC book. Those of you who don't know much about Paul Farmer should pick up a copy! I still can't believe I shook his hand last year. GHTA + Neha = awesome. /giddy
Friday, July 16, 2010
Happy Birthday, Jenny!
I hope you have a happy happy birthday! Sorry I can't be there to surprise you with an ice cream cake, but I'll try to find cool souvenirs to bring home! Speaking of which, cake... yummmm! I could totally go for some strawberry or french vanilla ice cream cake right now. Add that to my list of cravings.
Cannot wait to be home--just a little more than three weeks now! So close, yet so far. Two more weeks in the field and one more week of office work.
Cannot wait to be home--just a little more than three weeks now! So close, yet so far. Two more weeks in the field and one more week of office work.
Primary School Educations
Tuesday, June 13, 2010
In the midst of the uncertainty following the Kampala bombings, our work continues. Yesterday, SM began its follow-ups with some of the pregnant women who had visited the intervention and been diagnosed with complicated pregnancies. Meanwhile, I’ve spent the past three days at Kashongi primary schools, working with the CVCs to give education talks on water, sanitation, and hygiene.
The school structures themselves are typically pretty crude--buildings made of mud, brick, and/or concrete. The doors and windows tend to be gaps in the wall, and when a school doesn’t have a room large enough to accommodate its collected pupils, we often give the talks outside, under the shade of a large tree as the students gather on the grass. The students themselves have been wonderful listeners and participants, and they are always so intensely curious about the muzungo who show up at their schools.
One of my favorite parts of the presentation is when we relate drinking water, nutritious foods, exercise, and sanitation to famous footballers. The students love talking about football, and when we ask them about their favorite teams and players, we get a lot of Manchester United and Wayne Rooney. Slightly less Arsenal and Chelsea; other players that get named are Lampard, van Persie, Fabragas, and Didier Drogba, the Ivory Coast star who plays for Chelsea, of course. We almost always hear teams in the English Premier League--very rarely do we hear of any African teams.
My second favorite part is quickly becoming our introductions; I was able to introduce myself entirely in Runyankole for the first time today! Thus far, I can say: "Good afternoon everyone. Thank you for coming. My name is Tina and I'm from Duke University, America. I'm happy to be here." And at the very end, I say, "Thank you for having us." The language is pretty complicated, but I’m hoping to pick up more as the days pass!
[Images from a P/S talk.]
[A plastic tank at a school.]
In the midst of the uncertainty following the Kampala bombings, our work continues. Yesterday, SM began its follow-ups with some of the pregnant women who had visited the intervention and been diagnosed with complicated pregnancies. Meanwhile, I’ve spent the past three days at Kashongi primary schools, working with the CVCs to give education talks on water, sanitation, and hygiene.
The school structures themselves are typically pretty crude--buildings made of mud, brick, and/or concrete. The doors and windows tend to be gaps in the wall, and when a school doesn’t have a room large enough to accommodate its collected pupils, we often give the talks outside, under the shade of a large tree as the students gather on the grass. The students themselves have been wonderful listeners and participants, and they are always so intensely curious about the muzungo who show up at their schools.
One of my favorite parts of the presentation is when we relate drinking water, nutritious foods, exercise, and sanitation to famous footballers. The students love talking about football, and when we ask them about their favorite teams and players, we get a lot of Manchester United and Wayne Rooney. Slightly less Arsenal and Chelsea; other players that get named are Lampard, van Persie, Fabragas, and Didier Drogba, the Ivory Coast star who plays for Chelsea, of course. We almost always hear teams in the English Premier League--very rarely do we hear of any African teams.
My second favorite part is quickly becoming our introductions; I was able to introduce myself entirely in Runyankole for the first time today! Thus far, I can say: "Good afternoon everyone. Thank you for coming. My name is Tina and I'm from Duke University, America. I'm happy to be here." And at the very end, I say, "Thank you for having us." The language is pretty complicated, but I’m hoping to pick up more as the days pass!
[Images from a P/S talk.]
[A plastic tank at a school.]Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Queen Elizabeth Nat'l Park: Pictures
[Our two safari vehicles. I was in the green one for the night drive and the tan one for the sunrise drive.]
[Some of the doubles at Kingfisher Lodge... such a charming place to stay. Photo courtesy of Claire.]
[The walkway and view leading down to our triple room. Photo courtesy of Claire.]
[The sophomore girls on the balcony of their double rooms. So cute! Photo courtesy of Claire.]
[Claire, me, and Lauren in front of the view overlooking the park.]
[Inside our triple. The two "non-loft" beds.]
[More from inside our room. The ladder leading up to the "loft" (poor Claire), the bathroom door, and our small table.]
[We encountered baboons on the way to our night drive! There was a group of them just chilling on the side of the road... pretty cool.]
[Queen Elizabeth's gorge. I would love to come back one day and go chimp-tracking there; apparently, it's one of the better places to go tracking, with a fairly high chance of seeing chimps.]
[Pictures from our night drive...]
[We saw lions! No males, though; only lionesses. The first one we saw was just chilling in a tree, and then we saw a few in the grass. This one only began moving because another safari vehicle (not one of our cars) drove up on the plain after them. A BIG no-no, and a violation that carries a $150 USD fine if caught. These rules are in place for a reason...]
[Me, Heidi, and Claire in the backseat of the safari vehicle during the sunrise drive.]
[Elephant crossing during the sunrise drive. We were so close!]
[... Except we got a little bit too close here. The elephant in front turned back and began stomping to warn us off.]
[Beautiful waterbucks.]
[Claire and me at the hotel on QE park premises. Another GORGEOUS view.]
[While we had coffee at the QE hotel, a little birdie came down to say hi to us!]
[Elephants on the boat ride. We also saw buffaloes, hippos, and alligators, but I'm personally partial to elephants, hence all the pictures. I'm totally rediscovering my love for elephants on this trip.]
[More elephants at a watering hole.]
[More elephants. Look at the little one! Soooo cute.]
[Claire and me before the boat ride.]
[Sitting on the balcony of our triple. QE is beautiful! Photo courtesy of Claire.]
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