Today was the last day of work. Unfortunately, it was quite slow and the power was out, so there wasn't much we could do.
Thankfully, we ended up returning to the Anne Stein school for disabled children to play with the kids and say goodbye. That was a little easier than the first time, maybe because we knew what to expect. A little boy in a wheelchair was talking to me, and i heard "maitse." I said, "maitse?" And he said, "Ee." So I told one of his teachers that he needed water. She said, "That boy is a problem. He has attention deficit disorder. Just ignore him." I was shocked, but there wasn't much I could do. I shrugged apologetically at the kid.
Max was gone virtually all day, so we left his gifts on his desk. Just as we were getting ready to leave, he showed up. Wow! We're supposedly having a party tomorrow at BNLS. Headquarters is arranging transport for Kgosi and Mma Kgosi, but not for us, so we're still trying to figure out how to wrangle our bags onto the bus.
Then we said goodbye to the staff, which was pretty quiet. A quick goodbye and hug and off we went. That was the anticlimactic end to 10 challenging weeks! Hard to believe.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Yesterday I finally got a package in the mail from my dad. It included a GREAT gift for the library--finger puppets! The staff loves them and plans to use them with the disabled kids at Ann Stein, the creche (kindergarten) kids, etc. Thanks, Dad!
Today Mnjama came for our final evaluation. We had a good discussion, largely about the program itself. We talked about how the program originally started to send interns to the Rothschild libraries. Those libraries, though, are really failing. I'm sure Cara can give more detail, but Mnjama agrees. It's too bad! But Mnjama had the idea, which the three of us have discussed, that future interns could get more professional enrichment by living and working in Gabs. We'll discuss more once we're Stateside, I'm sure.
We also encouraged Mnjama--who asked what we thought--to send Max to the U.S., if anyone. He really has been pretty exemplary for what he had to work with. He has a vision for the library and a commitment, and I think he would learn a lot. Mnjama was right, saying that of the station librarians we know, Max is most willing to challenge the status quo, and that's a necessary attribute for someone to gain from a U.S. visit. I'd love to show him around.
Ashley and I also went and bought our gifts for the staff. We did end up settling on two plastic chairs for the trailer. I think the staff is happy.
While sitting with the staff having tea, as usual, we had an interesting discussion. Folks here--especially kids--like to yell "lekgoa" at us when we're walking around, which means "white person" but also "rich person" or any generic leader/powerful type. Kedi laughed and asked how that made me feel. I said I didn't like it, because I would never imagine yelling "black person" at someone. She said she understood--that it must feel like there's nowhere for me to hide. Yes! That's it. But she said it's really just excitement. I think she's very right, but it truly will be nice to blend in a little more again, back in Wisconsin. I'm used to getting unwanted stares, comments, and epithets in the U.S., too, but it's a little more subtle and I have more of a community to turn to.
One more day...
Today Mnjama came for our final evaluation. We had a good discussion, largely about the program itself. We talked about how the program originally started to send interns to the Rothschild libraries. Those libraries, though, are really failing. I'm sure Cara can give more detail, but Mnjama agrees. It's too bad! But Mnjama had the idea, which the three of us have discussed, that future interns could get more professional enrichment by living and working in Gabs. We'll discuss more once we're Stateside, I'm sure.
We also encouraged Mnjama--who asked what we thought--to send Max to the U.S., if anyone. He really has been pretty exemplary for what he had to work with. He has a vision for the library and a commitment, and I think he would learn a lot. Mnjama was right, saying that of the station librarians we know, Max is most willing to challenge the status quo, and that's a necessary attribute for someone to gain from a U.S. visit. I'd love to show him around.
Ashley and I also went and bought our gifts for the staff. We did end up settling on two plastic chairs for the trailer. I think the staff is happy.
While sitting with the staff having tea, as usual, we had an interesting discussion. Folks here--especially kids--like to yell "lekgoa" at us when we're walking around, which means "white person" but also "rich person" or any generic leader/powerful type. Kedi laughed and asked how that made me feel. I said I didn't like it, because I would never imagine yelling "black person" at someone. She said she understood--that it must feel like there's nowhere for me to hide. Yes! That's it. But she said it's really just excitement. I think she's very right, but it truly will be nice to blend in a little more again, back in Wisconsin. I'm used to getting unwanted stares, comments, and epithets in the U.S., too, but it's a little more subtle and I have more of a community to turn to.
One more day...
Monday, August 9, 2010
It's the first day of our last week. Wow, hard to believe.
After the usual statistics and shelving, I turned my attention back to the new books. Tattle taping is one task I've never done in a US library. It's kind of satisfying.
Angelina called yesterday and said she wouldn't be seeing us again. She's heading to South Africa to visit her daughter at boarding school. I was so confused, I ended up calling her back to confirm. Yes, that was really goodbye. I wish we would've had a chance to say goodbye properly, including some last photos and such. And it's too bad she won't be around for the evaluation/grading, since she knows most about the work we've been doing all summer. So it goes.
Mnjama, however, will be coming tomorrow to do our final evaluation. I hope he's impressed!
After the usual statistics and shelving, I turned my attention back to the new books. Tattle taping is one task I've never done in a US library. It's kind of satisfying.
Angelina called yesterday and said she wouldn't be seeing us again. She's heading to South Africa to visit her daughter at boarding school. I was so confused, I ended up calling her back to confirm. Yes, that was really goodbye. I wish we would've had a chance to say goodbye properly, including some last photos and such. And it's too bad she won't be around for the evaluation/grading, since she knows most about the work we've been doing all summer. So it goes.
Mnjama, however, will be coming tomorrow to do our final evaluation. I hope he's impressed!
Friday, August 6, 2010
This morning an official from BNLS appeared. After a long chat with Max, Ashley and I were invited into a meeting. The official (I can't recall her name) apologized, saying BNLS had "failed" us this year. They were supposed to be a partner in the program, visiting us and offering professional support, but they have been completely absent from our experience. She's right, and I appreciated the acknowledgment. Then she said she hoped the apology would mean we could go back to the US and say good things about BNLS, so the relationship could continue. Aha! An ulterior motive! While the effort is good, there are clearly huge problems with how BNLS handled this summer, and I can't in good conscience change my story. After our chat, we all headed to the kgosi's house, where the official offered an apology to the kgosi and Mma. Very interesting damage control. And I don't think she planned to go visit Cara--mostly this appears to be a response to Max's letter of complaint. I hope I'm wrong, and that BNLS gives Cara the same attention.
Continuing on today's theme of politics, I've been asking around about the BDP/BMD split. See, Botswana's president is a member and the chair of the Botswana Democratic Party. This summer, the BDP has been unraveling, and a splinter group--the Botswana Movement for Democracy--has been building steam. It's hard to get a good understanding of what's going on from the newspapers, and the TV news is in Setswana. My impression is that Khama (the president) likes power a bit too much and the BMD is trying to nip his autocratic tendencies in the bud, but I wasn't sure. So last night I asked Mma to explain to me. She claimed--to my surprise--that Khama doesn't want corruption and the BMD folks are corrupt, which is why they split off. Hm! So today I asked some staff members. They completely disagree with Mma. They say, as I suspected, that Khama has been making unilateral decisions more and more, threatening democracy, and the BMD is trying to restore democracy. All in all, an interesting political environment here right now. And, I must say, it makes me a bit uneasy. I don't get a good feeling from Khama, whose administration has been vitriolic about the BMD and critical press. I hope things can stay civil, and that the situation doesn't devolve. If the debate can stay hot but democratic, it's a great example to the US on how to wage protest and share power and opinion.
Continuing on today's theme of politics, I've been asking around about the BDP/BMD split. See, Botswana's president is a member and the chair of the Botswana Democratic Party. This summer, the BDP has been unraveling, and a splinter group--the Botswana Movement for Democracy--has been building steam. It's hard to get a good understanding of what's going on from the newspapers, and the TV news is in Setswana. My impression is that Khama (the president) likes power a bit too much and the BMD is trying to nip his autocratic tendencies in the bud, but I wasn't sure. So last night I asked Mma to explain to me. She claimed--to my surprise--that Khama doesn't want corruption and the BMD folks are corrupt, which is why they split off. Hm! So today I asked some staff members. They completely disagree with Mma. They say, as I suspected, that Khama has been making unilateral decisions more and more, threatening democracy, and the BMD is trying to restore democracy. All in all, an interesting political environment here right now. And, I must say, it makes me a bit uneasy. I don't get a good feeling from Khama, whose administration has been vitriolic about the BMD and critical press. I hope things can stay civil, and that the situation doesn't devolve. If the debate can stay hot but democratic, it's a great example to the US on how to wage protest and share power and opinion.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Today some new books arrived again. Hooray! So we're back in the accessions grind, which is actually quite welcome, as I've felt a bit like I'm twiddling my thumbs. Unfortunately, a lot of the books are duplicates of each other or even ones we already have. Strangely, there seems to be a BNLS purchasing obsession with a series on teens with various disabilities. I think we now have six copies of each in the series.
There are some gems, though, including a donated book about a young woman's life with HIV in Botswana and a book on international human rights law in Africa. Plus, just having new covers on the shelves will be exciting.
There are a few rumors in the mill:
1) Max talked to Ashley and a bit to me. It seems he wrote a letter of complaint to BNLS for giving us so little support this year. Indeed, he's right. There has been little interaction, no official visits, and no planning. In response, supposedly the head of the public libraries department will visit Molepolole Public Library tomorrow morning. We'll see.
2) There may be a goodbye party for us next week. Max said it should have been a party for us and our host families, to thank all of us, but he's heard nothing about this. I heard about it via a text from Cara, who heard about it from Lucia. In any case, if it happens, they're thinking Thursday.
As always, we don't know what to expect and what will end up happening. I've learned to let such rumors into my mind, and then just relax and see what happens.
There are some gems, though, including a donated book about a young woman's life with HIV in Botswana and a book on international human rights law in Africa. Plus, just having new covers on the shelves will be exciting.
There are a few rumors in the mill:
1) Max talked to Ashley and a bit to me. It seems he wrote a letter of complaint to BNLS for giving us so little support this year. Indeed, he's right. There has been little interaction, no official visits, and no planning. In response, supposedly the head of the public libraries department will visit Molepolole Public Library tomorrow morning. We'll see.
2) There may be a goodbye party for us next week. Max said it should have been a party for us and our host families, to thank all of us, but he's heard nothing about this. I heard about it via a text from Cara, who heard about it from Lucia. In any case, if it happens, they're thinking Thursday.
As always, we don't know what to expect and what will end up happening. I've learned to let such rumors into my mind, and then just relax and see what happens.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
One week
One week from today will be my last day at Molepolole Public Library. It's ending a little strangely: very quiet! I came in today looking forward to going back to the Ann Stein (sp?) Center for Disabled Children, but the staff member in charge had gone to Gaborone for the day. Instead I hunkered into working some more on my papers, brushing up on my Botswana history, and manning the circulation desk. Monday we had new newspapers of all sorts, but none today. One user came in looking for the Daily News, but no go. I'm not sure what's happening with our periodicals!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Slowly winding down...
There's not much to report here. We're slowly winding down to the final halt. The kids are on vacation now, so no Wordworks Club. I'm focusing on wrapping up the experience by stepping back and taking a look at what I've accomplished. I'm working on a few short papers simultaneously, as well: one with Ashley about our user survey, one about my new book statistics project, and ultimately my reflection for UW.
The staff is being very sweet--we've made an impression! So far two different staff members have given us gifts. So sweet, but makes me worry about returning the favor! Ashley and I are thinking practical gifts: chairs for the trailer/staff break room. And some sugar as a joke, since the staff is constantly so horrified by our black tea drinking.
Let me know if there's anything you readers can think of that I need to do to wrap up this internship. Six days left of going to Molepolole Public!
The staff is being very sweet--we've made an impression! So far two different staff members have given us gifts. So sweet, but makes me worry about returning the favor! Ashley and I are thinking practical gifts: chairs for the trailer/staff break room. And some sugar as a joke, since the staff is constantly so horrified by our black tea drinking.
Let me know if there's anything you readers can think of that I need to do to wrap up this internship. Six days left of going to Molepolole Public!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Two days later...
It's been a whirlwind here!
Tuesday was a pretty normal day at the library. We both went early and did stats and such, then worked on a new display of staff picks. We're even trying to get the cleaners and gardeners to pitch in.
I elected to go back in the afternoon to see what the WordWorks class looks like when staff teaches. I chatted with the staff in charge while we waited for the kids and was disappointed to find out they did no teaching or lesson planning--just handed out word find puzzles. That's too bad. WordWorks will only be sustainable if staff takes ownership, number one, and also if they engage the kids. Not surprisingly, the kids didn't show up that afternoon. The students talk to each other, so if it wasn't fun, they might not have come for that reason. Also, they're writing exams this week, so they must be exhausted.
Yesterday we headed to Gabs for some business and met for lunch with Angelina and Ethelene to discuss the internship. We stayed with Angelina last night and had a good time socializing and talking about the program with Ethelene. She has been an enormous help, and her visit has been better than I could have even predicted.
This morning we got up very early and fought traffic to get to BNLS, where we managed a meeting with the director of BNLS. A big deal! Several other BNLS officers came, too. We talked about the program, some about challenges, and a lot about what we have been doing. I think she was impressed, and she's going to try to squeeze in visits to us before we leave, despite her very busy schedule talking to parliament and speaking at library openings. It seemed, in my short visit, that she's very capable, very smart, and very intuitive. We had a quick cup of tea and headed off.
Tomorrow we have an "outing" to a game reserve with Ethelene before she heads back to the US. We'll miss her!
Tuesday was a pretty normal day at the library. We both went early and did stats and such, then worked on a new display of staff picks. We're even trying to get the cleaners and gardeners to pitch in.
I elected to go back in the afternoon to see what the WordWorks class looks like when staff teaches. I chatted with the staff in charge while we waited for the kids and was disappointed to find out they did no teaching or lesson planning--just handed out word find puzzles. That's too bad. WordWorks will only be sustainable if staff takes ownership, number one, and also if they engage the kids. Not surprisingly, the kids didn't show up that afternoon. The students talk to each other, so if it wasn't fun, they might not have come for that reason. Also, they're writing exams this week, so they must be exhausted.
Yesterday we headed to Gabs for some business and met for lunch with Angelina and Ethelene to discuss the internship. We stayed with Angelina last night and had a good time socializing and talking about the program with Ethelene. She has been an enormous help, and her visit has been better than I could have even predicted.
This morning we got up very early and fought traffic to get to BNLS, where we managed a meeting with the director of BNLS. A big deal! Several other BNLS officers came, too. We talked about the program, some about challenges, and a lot about what we have been doing. I think she was impressed, and she's going to try to squeeze in visits to us before we leave, despite her very busy schedule talking to parliament and speaking at library openings. It seemed, in my short visit, that she's very capable, very smart, and very intuitive. We had a quick cup of tea and headed off.
Tomorrow we have an "outing" to a game reserve with Ethelene before she heads back to the US. We'll miss her!
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thank goodness for UW professors!
Today Ethelene visited from UW. I was kind of nervous, oddly. I guess I wanted her to be proud and impressed? It was so good to see a familiar face and get a hug. We talked with the family for a good long while, trying once more to explain the program--it's purpose, parameters, and especially the fact that we're not getting paid. Mma and the Kgosi were pretty gracious. Then we headed to the library and met with Max, who had glowing things to say. He's a kind man, and I'm grateful to have him. We gave Ethelene a pretty thorough tour of the library, then got to head out to the new one for another look--it's still huge and gorgeous! The internship would truly be a different experience there.
We decided on the spur of the moment that Ashley and I would ride down to Gabs with Ethelene and Angelina, for lunch at NewsCafe. We chatted on the way, then Angelina headed to the office so the three Wisconsonians could catch up and discuss the program. That was wonderful, to really reflect for a good long while. I truly felt heard, and I was able to realize yet again and even more how much I've learned and accomplished, and also where I might've made mistakes.
Angelina had scheduled an appointment with Mnjama for the afternoon, so Ashley and I had to catch a combi back to the station to head back to Moleps. It was a long day but wonderful. Now we need to decide what to do Friday, on our "outing"!
We decided on the spur of the moment that Ashley and I would ride down to Gabs with Ethelene and Angelina, for lunch at NewsCafe. We chatted on the way, then Angelina headed to the office so the three Wisconsonians could catch up and discuss the program. That was wonderful, to really reflect for a good long while. I truly felt heard, and I was able to realize yet again and even more how much I've learned and accomplished, and also where I might've made mistakes.
Angelina had scheduled an appointment with Mnjama for the afternoon, so Ashley and I had to catch a combi back to the station to head back to Moleps. It was a long day but wonderful. Now we need to decide what to do Friday, on our "outing"!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Week's end
It's Friday already!
This morning was slow at the library. I was ecstatic that Njama came to visit, though. He came for about 15 minutes, in which we showed him our displays and discussed what we've been doing. The meeting was much too brief for my taste, especially after 7 weeks without seeing him! Apparently we'll probably see him next week during Ethelene's visit.
I spent quite some time looking for some good beginning typing freeware on the library's very slow dial-up connection, but couldn't seem to pull up a download. Not sure why.
I also replaced the "please do not reshelve" books that have been disintegrating all over the library. It looks much better now. I will never understand the globally universal tendency for patrons to incorrectly reshelve books instead of leaving them lazily out on the table like we want them to. It's a human behavior mystery.
Monday Ethelene will visit our home and work. I will need to make sure to leave nothing out--I know I'll be excited!
This morning was slow at the library. I was ecstatic that Njama came to visit, though. He came for about 15 minutes, in which we showed him our displays and discussed what we've been doing. The meeting was much too brief for my taste, especially after 7 weeks without seeing him! Apparently we'll probably see him next week during Ethelene's visit.
I spent quite some time looking for some good beginning typing freeware on the library's very slow dial-up connection, but couldn't seem to pull up a download. Not sure why.
I also replaced the "please do not reshelve" books that have been disintegrating all over the library. It looks much better now. I will never understand the globally universal tendency for patrons to incorrectly reshelve books instead of leaving them lazily out on the table like we want them to. It's a human behavior mystery.
Monday Ethelene will visit our home and work. I will need to make sure to leave nothing out--I know I'll be excited!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Today I decided I had finally had enough of the sign that says "geograyhy" and made all new Dewey guide signs for the shelves. Hooray!
Kedi brought up the chair incident from yesterday and actually had a really good point that I hadn't thought of: if we turn away patrons or don't have enough chairs, that can actually be a good thing, because they might complain to BNLS and push BNLS to open the new library or make other much-needed changes. It's often simply impossible to understand the context behind seemingly irrational behavior and decisions, and I need to remind myself that often the natives know best. Even with all my education and good intentions, I fall into Amerocentric thinking.
As I flipped through today's Daily News, I saw that the Sesigo launch in Kanye finally received notice, almost two weeks later. Imagine a two week news cycle in the US! Everything is paced very differently here.
Just when we had concluded that Njama had disappeared or forgotten about us, he gave me a call yesterday. Apparently his vacation in Kenya turned into a trip to Zimbabwe and South Africa, too. Wish someone had told us! He's coming tomorrow to visit me and Ashley, then on to Cara.
Ashley and I left the library a bit early and began our marketing strategy, taping colorful, informative posters outside post offices, clinics, AIDS/HIV counseling/testing sites, grocery stores, etc. I hope they will generate traffic and interest.
Kedi brought up the chair incident from yesterday and actually had a really good point that I hadn't thought of: if we turn away patrons or don't have enough chairs, that can actually be a good thing, because they might complain to BNLS and push BNLS to open the new library or make other much-needed changes. It's often simply impossible to understand the context behind seemingly irrational behavior and decisions, and I need to remind myself that often the natives know best. Even with all my education and good intentions, I fall into Amerocentric thinking.
As I flipped through today's Daily News, I saw that the Sesigo launch in Kanye finally received notice, almost two weeks later. Imagine a two week news cycle in the US! Everything is paced very differently here.
Just when we had concluded that Njama had disappeared or forgotten about us, he gave me a call yesterday. Apparently his vacation in Kenya turned into a trip to Zimbabwe and South Africa, too. Wish someone had told us! He's coming tomorrow to visit me and Ashley, then on to Cara.
Ashley and I left the library a bit early and began our marketing strategy, taping colorful, informative posters outside post offices, clinics, AIDS/HIV counseling/testing sites, grocery stores, etc. I hope they will generate traffic and interest.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Back to the grind
After a much-needed long holiday weekend, it was back to work today. Since the kids have a "mini vac" this week, we are free from our usual teaching duties, which is kind of nice. And with Ethelene arriving next week and the itinerary undecided, the staff will be in charge of lesson planning for next week.
So, freed from the seventh-grader yoke--ha--we began compiling the data from our user survey. Already there are some interesting things to note: users absolutely want free internet access and computer training above all else. We have some work and write-up to do!
The library was BUSY today. I love it. There weren't enough places to sit, so I gave users the couple of staff chairs--no workers were in the building anyway, since Max is away and the mice will play. But wow, did I cause an unexpected crisis. One staff member went to Kedi, the administrative woman, and accused the gatekeeper of stealing or misplacing the chairs. When the gatekeeper and Kedi came to me, I immediately owned up, but the anger was interesting. In my mind, no one was using the chairs and the users' needs come first. But Kedi told me that, if there are no chairs, patrons need to just leave. There is a clear demarcation of what chairs belong where. In fact, I witnessed an argument over a chair earlier in the internship. I should have known better! Easily solved--a couple of chairs had emptied by then and I returned them to the staff areas. Phew!
So, freed from the seventh-grader yoke--ha--we began compiling the data from our user survey. Already there are some interesting things to note: users absolutely want free internet access and computer training above all else. We have some work and write-up to do!
The library was BUSY today. I love it. There weren't enough places to sit, so I gave users the couple of staff chairs--no workers were in the building anyway, since Max is away and the mice will play. But wow, did I cause an unexpected crisis. One staff member went to Kedi, the administrative woman, and accused the gatekeeper of stealing or misplacing the chairs. When the gatekeeper and Kedi came to me, I immediately owned up, but the anger was interesting. In my mind, no one was using the chairs and the users' needs come first. But Kedi told me that, if there are no chairs, patrons need to just leave. There is a clear demarcation of what chairs belong where. In fact, I witnessed an argument over a chair earlier in the internship. I should have known better! Easily solved--a couple of chairs had emptied by then and I returned them to the staff areas. Phew!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
A day late
Yesterday was rough, and I had a sticky keyboard at the internet cafe, so I didn't update. My apologies.
In WordWorks, we worked on verbs and adjectives. It's amazing how rote memorization trains the brain. We said, "who knows what a verb is?" Everyone replied, "A verb is a doing word." Whoa. So we tried to make sure they actually knew WHAT A VERB IS, not what they've been told to check on a standardized exam. Reminds me a bit of No Child Left Behind, no? We also worked on adjectives. So, we did things like describing something and they would have to name the noun (like "I Spy") and verb charades, where they acted out a verb and everyone guessed it, etc. We ended by reading a news article together. Then we split the group into three teams: one each in charge of nouns, verbs, and adjectives, and asked them to list examples of those parts of speech that they found in the article. To my semi-surprise, almost no one could do it--even the best students. I really believe that school is way more helpful if material can be used in real life, and it was too bad that they couldn't translate their grammar knowledge to a real text. More work to be done! There's also one boy who just doesn't understand a word, I don't think. I'm not sure how to help him without singling him out...
This morning, our "father" the kgosi gave a (rather long) lecture on the history of Botswana, Molepolole, and our tribe, the Bakwena, to a large group from Kaeleboga seventh graders. I couldn't understand most of it, as it was in Setswana, but the kids behaved, at least. I was delighted that the staff pulled together to set up for the event and even managed to get a couple dozen chairs from the community center at the last minute. Mazunga had been disappointed yesterday when those tasks hadn't been done. Afterward, the staff shared tea and biscuits--I guess to celebrate a job (well) done. One staff member, who shall remain nameless, said that a lot of what the kgosi said was incorrect. I believe it. He told all the kids, for instance, that "Ottoman" is spelled "O-T-T-O-R-M-A-N." But the staff member immediately said, "I can't say he's wrong. He's my chief." That scared me. To me, one of the most important things in an operational democracy is speaking truth to power. If the kgosi is incorrect or is doing something wrong, his people should be able to speak up, or no one will be able to advance. This was especially troubling given the current political climate in the nation as a whole, which I don't completely understand, but is a bit volatile at the moment and features a bit of an autocratic, royal-born president.
This afternoon, our WordWorks group didn't show up. Curses! I was disappointed. They have a lot to learn, and it makes me feel like I've done something worthwhile.
Almost Friday!
In WordWorks, we worked on verbs and adjectives. It's amazing how rote memorization trains the brain. We said, "who knows what a verb is?" Everyone replied, "A verb is a doing word." Whoa. So we tried to make sure they actually knew WHAT A VERB IS, not what they've been told to check on a standardized exam. Reminds me a bit of No Child Left Behind, no? We also worked on adjectives. So, we did things like describing something and they would have to name the noun (like "I Spy") and verb charades, where they acted out a verb and everyone guessed it, etc. We ended by reading a news article together. Then we split the group into three teams: one each in charge of nouns, verbs, and adjectives, and asked them to list examples of those parts of speech that they found in the article. To my semi-surprise, almost no one could do it--even the best students. I really believe that school is way more helpful if material can be used in real life, and it was too bad that they couldn't translate their grammar knowledge to a real text. More work to be done! There's also one boy who just doesn't understand a word, I don't think. I'm not sure how to help him without singling him out...
This morning, our "father" the kgosi gave a (rather long) lecture on the history of Botswana, Molepolole, and our tribe, the Bakwena, to a large group from Kaeleboga seventh graders. I couldn't understand most of it, as it was in Setswana, but the kids behaved, at least. I was delighted that the staff pulled together to set up for the event and even managed to get a couple dozen chairs from the community center at the last minute. Mazunga had been disappointed yesterday when those tasks hadn't been done. Afterward, the staff shared tea and biscuits--I guess to celebrate a job (well) done. One staff member, who shall remain nameless, said that a lot of what the kgosi said was incorrect. I believe it. He told all the kids, for instance, that "Ottoman" is spelled "O-T-T-O-R-M-A-N." But the staff member immediately said, "I can't say he's wrong. He's my chief." That scared me. To me, one of the most important things in an operational democracy is speaking truth to power. If the kgosi is incorrect or is doing something wrong, his people should be able to speak up, or no one will be able to advance. This was especially troubling given the current political climate in the nation as a whole, which I don't completely understand, but is a bit volatile at the moment and features a bit of an autocratic, royal-born president.
This afternoon, our WordWorks group didn't show up. Curses! I was disappointed. They have a lot to learn, and it makes me feel like I've done something worthwhile.
Almost Friday!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
I started compiling and graphing my personal statistics project today. I hope it yields some good material for coursework and for Max/BNLS. I already know it will, and it's a good opportunity to learn some new Excel tricks that I can turn around and teach.
We had the second of the two newly formed groups today and worked on nouns again. Somehow the hour class was done in 35 minutes! Oops. We'll devise some strategies for filling the extra time productively in the future.
One thing I've forgotten to note: apparently the contract for periodicals and newspapers (besides the Daily News, which the government distributes for free) lapsed, so there are no new issues of anything at the library. BNLS must not have gotten on top of the vendor/contract issue until it was too late. I hope a new contract can be put together and begun soon, because the periodicals are very very popular with users and their absence will definitely cut into our "footsteps."
Sort of unrelated but interesting: yesterday the entrance yard between the clinic, library, and community center was full of folks--mostly women and children. After some asking around, we found out the reason: the news has been reporting a certain wealthy ex-pat auto dealer who's been donating free warm blankets to the needy. Well, yesterday was his visit to Molepolole. It's terrible to think some of the coldest days of winter have already passed, and these folks didn't have a way to keep warm. We knew when the blankets arrived, even though we were inside, by the loud ululations ringing out from the lot. Hooray!
We had the second of the two newly formed groups today and worked on nouns again. Somehow the hour class was done in 35 minutes! Oops. We'll devise some strategies for filling the extra time productively in the future.
One thing I've forgotten to note: apparently the contract for periodicals and newspapers (besides the Daily News, which the government distributes for free) lapsed, so there are no new issues of anything at the library. BNLS must not have gotten on top of the vendor/contract issue until it was too late. I hope a new contract can be put together and begun soon, because the periodicals are very very popular with users and their absence will definitely cut into our "footsteps."
Sort of unrelated but interesting: yesterday the entrance yard between the clinic, library, and community center was full of folks--mostly women and children. After some asking around, we found out the reason: the news has been reporting a certain wealthy ex-pat auto dealer who's been donating free warm blankets to the needy. Well, yesterday was his visit to Molepolole. It's terrible to think some of the coldest days of winter have already passed, and these folks didn't have a way to keep warm. We knew when the blankets arrived, even though we were inside, by the loud ululations ringing out from the lot. Hooray!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Over the hump
It's official--we're more than halfway done with our internship!
Not much to report from this morning. This afternoon we had class, with our new two-group-twice-a-week scheme. We worked on nouns, with a small participatory lesson followed by a team competition. It went well. The biggest challenge, actually, is the staff! It's hard to create a feeling of vision and ownership, and they have a very different teaching style/experience from the one Mazunga, Ashley, and I want to use.
After class, we sat down with Max to discuss that for a bit. Staff ownership of programming is absolutely essential if anything will continue after Ashley and I leave. He definitely knows that, but there are so many cultural, bureaucratic, and practical roadblocks. For instance, Thabo had a great idea today, which she told to me. I asked her to tell the whole class, but she refused to do so in English. If a teacher won't take the risk to speak English, how can we expect the kids to? And how much is my presence as a native English speaker a factor in her refusal? We really need the staff's help, too, because we speak English very differently from the Batswana--a different accent, style, etc. The staff can communicate more easily in a lot of ways.
In a few weeks, when Ethelene visits, the staff will plan and run the club. I'll be eager to see how it goes.
Not much to report from this morning. This afternoon we had class, with our new two-group-twice-a-week scheme. We worked on nouns, with a small participatory lesson followed by a team competition. It went well. The biggest challenge, actually, is the staff! It's hard to create a feeling of vision and ownership, and they have a very different teaching style/experience from the one Mazunga, Ashley, and I want to use.
After class, we sat down with Max to discuss that for a bit. Staff ownership of programming is absolutely essential if anything will continue after Ashley and I leave. He definitely knows that, but there are so many cultural, bureaucratic, and practical roadblocks. For instance, Thabo had a great idea today, which she told to me. I asked her to tell the whole class, but she refused to do so in English. If a teacher won't take the risk to speak English, how can we expect the kids to? And how much is my presence as a native English speaker a factor in her refusal? We really need the staff's help, too, because we speak English very differently from the Batswana--a different accent, style, etc. The staff can communicate more easily in a lot of ways.
In a few weeks, when Ethelene visits, the staff will plan and run the club. I'll be eager to see how it goes.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Friday
We got to the internet cafe too late for me to blog yesterday, so I'm catching up.
Yesterday was a busy busy day! We showed up at the library at 7am and soon got into a double cab truck to head to Kanye, a village about an hour away. On the way, we stopped in Thamaga, which is about halfway between Molepolole and Cara's village, Mmankgodi. We went to their public library, which already has Sesigo, and checked it out. It was nice!
I should back up--Sesigo is the Setswana word for a pot in which they stored grain in the old days. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has funded an initiative in several countries to put free internet in public libraries, and Sesigo is the name Botswana chose for theirs--the internet is a store for intellectual sustenance like a jar is for physical sustenance.
We loaded two Thamaga staff members into the truck bed and headed to Kanye. Although we were almost an hour late, the program still hadn't started. Kanye's library is launching its Sesigo program, and they were kind of the seat for a big Botswanan National Library Service ceremony/celebration. We met a bunch of folks from Sesigo, BNLS, and the community before grabbing seats for what turned out to be a loooong ceremony in Setswana. The kgosi spoke, as did a Southern District Councilman, the director of BNLS, etc. A choir of BNLS staff sang a few songs--one was a really cute one with lyrics written just for the occasion, about giving thanks for the internet. After that, we milled around. A Sesigo rep did demos of Skype, Facebook, and Google Earth on a big projector, all of which was new to most of the audience. The Kanye police were there, demonstrating their new breathalyzers. Not sure why, but that was a hit. We also met directors from other village libraries.
Then we all loaded in a truck to go to an official luncheon. Ashley and I had gotten invites, but Max hadn't. He couldn't enter without one, so we headed home, stopping in Moshupa on the way to see their library and Sesigo computers. By the time we got dropped off at home for lunch, we'd been on the move for 6.5 hours already!
Max wasn't sure if kids would be coming, since they hadn't the day before, but he soon texted that a group would, indeed, be showing up, so Ashley and I headed back to the library. While we waited for the kids, Max explained that there had been miscommunication, and we would be switching to just 2 groups who would each come twice a week instead of 5 groups once a week. When the kids showed up, it became clear that this scheme had already somehow started. All the kids had come before,and Ashley and I hadn't planned a new lesson. Eek!
We ended up just changing the composition to one about family. The kids seemed to have a lot of trouble with new words--like "sibling"--and directions. We finally got going. When we heard the essays, it seems quit a few kids had fathers who had died recently. Chances are that the cause was HIV/AIDS. Pretty crazy, the impact of the disease.
We ended up walking homewards with the kids for about a half hour, and somewhat to our surprise, they were suddenly dynamic, excited, funny, lively, and MUCH better at English. It turns out they are TERRIFIED of school situations, I guess. After all, at least some kids get beaten at school every day... It was good to get to know them a little as people instead of scared students. I hope they can bring some of that personality to class next week.
Yesterday was a busy busy day! We showed up at the library at 7am and soon got into a double cab truck to head to Kanye, a village about an hour away. On the way, we stopped in Thamaga, which is about halfway between Molepolole and Cara's village, Mmankgodi. We went to their public library, which already has Sesigo, and checked it out. It was nice!
I should back up--Sesigo is the Setswana word for a pot in which they stored grain in the old days. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has funded an initiative in several countries to put free internet in public libraries, and Sesigo is the name Botswana chose for theirs--the internet is a store for intellectual sustenance like a jar is for physical sustenance.
We loaded two Thamaga staff members into the truck bed and headed to Kanye. Although we were almost an hour late, the program still hadn't started. Kanye's library is launching its Sesigo program, and they were kind of the seat for a big Botswanan National Library Service ceremony/celebration. We met a bunch of folks from Sesigo, BNLS, and the community before grabbing seats for what turned out to be a loooong ceremony in Setswana. The kgosi spoke, as did a Southern District Councilman, the director of BNLS, etc. A choir of BNLS staff sang a few songs--one was a really cute one with lyrics written just for the occasion, about giving thanks for the internet. After that, we milled around. A Sesigo rep did demos of Skype, Facebook, and Google Earth on a big projector, all of which was new to most of the audience. The Kanye police were there, demonstrating their new breathalyzers. Not sure why, but that was a hit. We also met directors from other village libraries.
Then we all loaded in a truck to go to an official luncheon. Ashley and I had gotten invites, but Max hadn't. He couldn't enter without one, so we headed home, stopping in Moshupa on the way to see their library and Sesigo computers. By the time we got dropped off at home for lunch, we'd been on the move for 6.5 hours already!
Max wasn't sure if kids would be coming, since they hadn't the day before, but he soon texted that a group would, indeed, be showing up, so Ashley and I headed back to the library. While we waited for the kids, Max explained that there had been miscommunication, and we would be switching to just 2 groups who would each come twice a week instead of 5 groups once a week. When the kids showed up, it became clear that this scheme had already somehow started. All the kids had come before,and Ashley and I hadn't planned a new lesson. Eek!
We ended up just changing the composition to one about family. The kids seemed to have a lot of trouble with new words--like "sibling"--and directions. We finally got going. When we heard the essays, it seems quit a few kids had fathers who had died recently. Chances are that the cause was HIV/AIDS. Pretty crazy, the impact of the disease.
We ended up walking homewards with the kids for about a half hour, and somewhat to our surprise, they were suddenly dynamic, excited, funny, lively, and MUCH better at English. It turns out they are TERRIFIED of school situations, I guess. After all, at least some kids get beaten at school every day... It was good to get to know them a little as people instead of scared students. I hope they can bring some of that personality to class next week.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Quick!
Ashley didn't nab a computer today and is waiting, so I'll be quick:
We're planning our lesson for next week. We'll concentrate on nouns and building vocabulary and pronunciation, per Max's suggestion.
I discovered--I think I forgot to say--that they DO give out condoms, but very discreetly. The gatekeeper (who counts "footsteps"--no automatic patron counters here) wraps four condoms each in magazine paper packets and puts them on his registration table (each patron must sign in!). Folks know they're there and grab them from the table on the way out. He says he goes through a lot of them. More men take them than women. Yay!
Tomorrow we are headed to Kanye to attend a ceremony attending the opening of Sesigo, a program btw Botswana and the Gates Foundation that aims to bring computers and internet to Botswana libraries. It'll be a trek, but a GREAT project and good networking opportunity.
No kids showed up today. Not sure what's up with scheduling. That was a bit disappointing.
We're planning our lesson for next week. We'll concentrate on nouns and building vocabulary and pronunciation, per Max's suggestion.
I discovered--I think I forgot to say--that they DO give out condoms, but very discreetly. The gatekeeper (who counts "footsteps"--no automatic patron counters here) wraps four condoms each in magazine paper packets and puts them on his registration table (each patron must sign in!). Folks know they're there and grab them from the table on the way out. He says he goes through a lot of them. More men take them than women. Yay!
Tomorrow we are headed to Kanye to attend a ceremony attending the opening of Sesigo, a program btw Botswana and the Gates Foundation that aims to bring computers and internet to Botswana libraries. It'll be a trek, but a GREAT project and good networking opportunity.
No kids showed up today. Not sure what's up with scheduling. That was a bit disappointing.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Storytime a la school
I skipped yesterday, and I have a short memory, so on to today!
We showed up at the library at 8am and headed soon after to a nearby primary school, to do a little library information/orientation session. First, we had a class of 2nd and 3rd graders. They were all packed into a room. One teacher said an intro in Setswana, then a prayer. Then Ashley and I each read a simple book in English, followed by Max in Setswana. Then Max talked briefly about libraries and reading. The kids are great--attentive, excited, and they answer back wonderfully! We gave new books away to children who participated especially well, which I have some issues with... Then we had a quick tea with a few of the teachers. One of them has been teaching since 1976! She said she's tired. I believe her.
We also had another ESL class with seventh graders. Yesterday's kids had a really hard time with English. This time, they were pretty good. I'm not sure how they're being sorted. We had the same program as usual. Thabo came again, and she seems displeased to be there, so I had a chat with Max about continuity and sustainability, and hoping Thabo and Lebogang will participate now, so they can teach once we leave! I'm getting more comfortable, and it was nice to hear that the club is creating buzz at the school--they've been showing up early out of excitement! Hooray. Trained or not, maybe I'm making a difference.
We showed up at the library at 8am and headed soon after to a nearby primary school, to do a little library information/orientation session. First, we had a class of 2nd and 3rd graders. They were all packed into a room. One teacher said an intro in Setswana, then a prayer. Then Ashley and I each read a simple book in English, followed by Max in Setswana. Then Max talked briefly about libraries and reading. The kids are great--attentive, excited, and they answer back wonderfully! We gave new books away to children who participated especially well, which I have some issues with... Then we had a quick tea with a few of the teachers. One of them has been teaching since 1976! She said she's tired. I believe her.
We also had another ESL class with seventh graders. Yesterday's kids had a really hard time with English. This time, they were pretty good. I'm not sure how they're being sorted. We had the same program as usual. Thabo came again, and she seems displeased to be there, so I had a chat with Max about continuity and sustainability, and hoping Thabo and Lebogang will participate now, so they can teach once we leave! I'm getting more comfortable, and it was nice to hear that the club is creating buzz at the school--they've been showing up early out of excitement! Hooray. Trained or not, maybe I'm making a difference.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Suddenly an ESL teacher
Yesterday we had our first crop of 7th graders for WordWorks club, which is supposed to help them with their English. It almost didn't happen--there's a lack of follow-through. Plus, Max waited until the last minute to realize we needed to figure out space, and maybe call the school to remind them. The kids finally showed up--the girls first, the boys showing up later, for some mysterious reason. We sat in a circle in the back garden.
First, we all wrote our names on pieces of paper, so we could attempt to learn them. Then we had everyone write a quick composition introducing themselves. Then we paired off and read them to each other. After that, we reconvened and introduced our partner to the group. Although this is kind of standard getting-to-know-you stuff in the U.S., the kids were confused a bit by all of it. Also, kids here have a really hard time with the concept of creativity, and an even harder time with loosening up around authority. I hope they'll relax a little and allow themselves fun. But it was a decent start. I felt awkward--after all, I'm certainly not trained as an ESL teacher!
We also had Thabo participate, since this club is actually one of HER objectives. She really sat back, and behaved almost like one of the kids. I wonder if she feels insecure? I hope she gains some confidence and ownership so the program can continue. If Ashley and I run the whole show, it won't be sustainable. Then again, if the staff runs the whole show, it won't happen or will be very school-like. I'll continue to try to strike a balance.
Today we get our second group. We'll have a group of kids every day. Hard work!
First, we all wrote our names on pieces of paper, so we could attempt to learn them. Then we had everyone write a quick composition introducing themselves. Then we paired off and read them to each other. After that, we reconvened and introduced our partner to the group. Although this is kind of standard getting-to-know-you stuff in the U.S., the kids were confused a bit by all of it. Also, kids here have a really hard time with the concept of creativity, and an even harder time with loosening up around authority. I hope they'll relax a little and allow themselves fun. But it was a decent start. I felt awkward--after all, I'm certainly not trained as an ESL teacher!
We also had Thabo participate, since this club is actually one of HER objectives. She really sat back, and behaved almost like one of the kids. I wonder if she feels insecure? I hope she gains some confidence and ownership so the program can continue. If Ashley and I run the whole show, it won't be sustainable. Then again, if the staff runs the whole show, it won't happen or will be very school-like. I'll continue to try to strike a balance.
Today we get our second group. We'll have a group of kids every day. Hard work!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Time to teach!
Today I went in early and shelved and checked on my statistical project. I also did quite a bit of research and brainstorming about curriculum for the WordWorks classes. Max showed us a rough idea of the curriculum plan, and we had some criticisms of it, which didn't go all that well... We really want to stress that English should be made fun and practical, instead of school-like and abstract. Max has a really hard time wrapping his head around what that would look like...
Then we found out that we get to start teaching Monday! This is great news. We were hoping to start this week, and when Max said maybe next week, I was worried that it would just keep being put off. But he called the principal at the school and finally got her on the phone, and they're ready to go! I'm excited but nervous to begin teaching.
TGIF.
Then we found out that we get to start teaching Monday! This is great news. We were hoping to start this week, and when Max said maybe next week, I was worried that it would just keep being put off. But he called the principal at the school and finally got her on the phone, and they're ready to go! I'm excited but nervous to begin teaching.
TGIF.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Anne Stein
Today was a long, productive, and learning-filled day. We went in early to meet Angelina. It had been over two weeks, so I was really excited to see her and talk to her. It was good--she and Max are really impressed with what we've done. We also discussed some of the issues with our family: the food disconnect and the grandson's discipline, more specifically. She explained some of the cultural food differences to us, and had a few suggestions. For one, we should ask them what they like. We should also keep ingredients for the food they like in our own refrigerator, in case a cooking emergency arises. Things like that. She also told us an easy recipe for chicken the Botswana way. The key will be communication, and probably a schedule and maybe a menu. It's intimidating to communicate, but I should get over that. I also think the balance is a bit in favor of us accommodating them, rather than the flip side of the coin, but it is what it is.
Afterwards, we trekked to the Anne Stein Center (?), a school for disabled children. For an hour, we sat with, played, and read to about 12-15 mentally (and some also physically) disabled children, around ages 4 to 12. It was quite a challenge! They have several staff, but the children are still hard to control. Since their verbal skills are lacking, they often "communicate" with hitting, and there is a lot of stealing with toys and tears. They have a good system of rotating everyone through the bathroom, which was impressive. In several ways, though, they have a way to go. They are a bit rougher with the children than we would be in the US, and many levels of disability and different kinds are mixed together in one room. But it was good that they have a place to go, and people who care about them, and that they live with their parents still instead of being shuffled to institutions.
After that adventure, we were drained and did a little work on the curriculum, but mostly reflected on the adventure. And we started distributing user surveys. Already the trend is that users want computer training and internet access, overwhelmingly.
Afterwards, we trekked to the Anne Stein Center (?), a school for disabled children. For an hour, we sat with, played, and read to about 12-15 mentally (and some also physically) disabled children, around ages 4 to 12. It was quite a challenge! They have several staff, but the children are still hard to control. Since their verbal skills are lacking, they often "communicate" with hitting, and there is a lot of stealing with toys and tears. They have a good system of rotating everyone through the bathroom, which was impressive. In several ways, though, they have a way to go. They are a bit rougher with the children than we would be in the US, and many levels of disability and different kinds are mixed together in one room. But it was good that they have a place to go, and people who care about them, and that they live with their parents still instead of being shuffled to institutions.
After that adventure, we were drained and did a little work on the curriculum, but mostly reflected on the adventure. And we started distributing user surveys. Already the trend is that users want computer training and internet access, overwhelmingly.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Today, I went in early. It was very foggy--almost misty. That had never happened before. It was kind of nice.
Ashley and I got some marketing posters and our user survey approved by Max, so we'll start those initiatives. The marketing posters will go either in commercial venues (store bulleting boards, internet cafes, etc), or--we have a targeted one--in clinics and hospitals.
The user survey should enlighten us a bit about current library use and what kind of programs spark folks' interest. We'll see how that goes.
Tomorrow, if transport can be arranged, we are going with some of the staff to a kind of daycare center for disabled kids. Usually it happens every Wednesday, but they've had a few weeks off to do Special Olympics activities of some sort. We'll go and play with learning-centered toys. I hope we get to go!
After dinner last night, the kgosi was chatting a bit with us. He was remarking that, when he finished high school, there were no universities or colleges in Botswana. And in school, they used to use empty soda bottles as test tubes for science class. That struck home--they're very, very behind the US, but they've also come a long way.
Ah, and besides posters and surveys, Ashley and I put together a display for Sir Seretse Khama day. He was the first president, and there's a national holiday Thursday. We put up books about Botswana, novels by Batswana, and Setswana language materials.
In interesting news--a shout-out here to Louise--there's a case in the news about a chief who's beating his constituents too much. Chiefs here can do that with men, as discipline, but this guy was going a little hog-wild, and now he's on trial. Well, guess who's his new defense attorney? Unity Dow! Look her up on Amazon if you don't know her.
Tomorrow Angelina's finally visiting us. Phew! It's easier to talk about things in person rather than over the phone. I hope we have time not in Max's presence...
Ashley and I got some marketing posters and our user survey approved by Max, so we'll start those initiatives. The marketing posters will go either in commercial venues (store bulleting boards, internet cafes, etc), or--we have a targeted one--in clinics and hospitals.
The user survey should enlighten us a bit about current library use and what kind of programs spark folks' interest. We'll see how that goes.
Tomorrow, if transport can be arranged, we are going with some of the staff to a kind of daycare center for disabled kids. Usually it happens every Wednesday, but they've had a few weeks off to do Special Olympics activities of some sort. We'll go and play with learning-centered toys. I hope we get to go!
After dinner last night, the kgosi was chatting a bit with us. He was remarking that, when he finished high school, there were no universities or colleges in Botswana. And in school, they used to use empty soda bottles as test tubes for science class. That struck home--they're very, very behind the US, but they've also come a long way.
Ah, and besides posters and surveys, Ashley and I put together a display for Sir Seretse Khama day. He was the first president, and there's a national holiday Thursday. We put up books about Botswana, novels by Batswana, and Setswana language materials.
In interesting news--a shout-out here to Louise--there's a case in the news about a chief who's beating his constituents too much. Chiefs here can do that with men, as discipline, but this guy was going a little hog-wild, and now he's on trial. Well, guess who's his new defense attorney? Unity Dow! Look her up on Amazon if you don't know her.
Tomorrow Angelina's finally visiting us. Phew! It's easier to talk about things in person rather than over the phone. I hope we have time not in Max's presence...
Monday, June 28, 2010
VRR trip
This morning, after a snafu with transportation, we were off to visit our first village reading room. We had to miss the meeting with the kgosi (I didn't know we were having one and didn't wear a skirt, so we weren't allowed in), and so we sat in the truck and...well...sat for over an hour. Max is trying to convince the kgosi to give the reading room a bigger space, with its own plot and electricity. I can see why--the reading room is in a little house in a residential neighborhood, with very very little shelf and chair space. And, as I said, no power. One woman is the only staff for the place, which she expressed as a burden, but there's truly not much work to be done.
Transport. Ah, transport. For some reason, Max cannot drive himself on official business. He must use a driver. And that means, with me and Ashley, we must reserve a double cab to travel anywhere. I don't understand, but ah well.
Family life is a definite challenge--there are cultural disconnects galore, around food and what's considered polite vs. rude. Angelina didn't come as planned last week--we need to talk to her this week. I hope she can make time!
We also found out that Max has only the equivalent of an associates degree--here it's called a diploma. He's hoping to go back to school for his bachelors.
Transport. Ah, transport. For some reason, Max cannot drive himself on official business. He must use a driver. And that means, with me and Ashley, we must reserve a double cab to travel anywhere. I don't understand, but ah well.
Family life is a definite challenge--there are cultural disconnects galore, around food and what's considered polite vs. rude. Angelina didn't come as planned last week--we need to talk to her this week. I hope she can make time!
We also found out that Max has only the equivalent of an associates degree--here it's called a diploma. He's hoping to go back to school for his bachelors.
Friday, June 25, 2010
By popular request
By request, some basic information (and apologies that it's text--the internet cafe computers don't recognize my camera):
What is your private dwelling like? How many rooms? Size? Furnishings? Beds? Walls? Windows? Kitchen, etc.
Our little house is made of cinder blocks coated in concrete, like most of the modern dwellings here. The alternative is huts with thatched roofs. The key to our place looks like an old fashioned skeleton key. All the rooms are painted the same color. You walk into the great room, with a living room and dining area. The fridge is in the dining area. To the right are our two bedrooms. Ashley is in the "kids" room, with a big bed but kiddish decorations. I'm in the "master" bedroom. The bathroom has everything you would expect, but no hot water and we have to flush the toilet with a bucket. In the kitchen, the stove/oven doesn't work, so we use a combination small oven/hot plate contraption. The fridge is in the dining area. We have beds, dressers, three couches, and a round dining table with chairs. There are few decorations on the walls. If you walk out the back door, you run into the laundry line and an orange tree.
What is the family's dwelling like? Same questions. Do THEY have running water.
What about electricity?
The main house, we haven't seen too much of. They have a separate bathroom/water closet. A living room. A large kitchen with two stoves, one electric, one gas. A dining room, which we've only eaten in once. The TV is always on. We haven't seen the bedrooms or other rooms. The floors, like in our place, are tile or linoleum squares. I haven't noticed any books besides the newspaper, magazines like Cosmo, and the Bible. Their toilets run fine, and they have hot water. We're both in the same boat in terms of intermittent water and electricity shortages.
How far is it to the library?
A 15-20 minute walk.
How big is the library? How many rooms? Walls, tables, chairs?
The main library is a rectangle about 20 feet by 100 feet, maybe, split 2/3 adult, 1/3 child. There is a circulation desk in the middle, and a magnetic gate by the front door. There are a few bean bag chairs in the children's section and two little tables with kid-sized chairs. In the adult section, there are two long rows of wooden tables with chairs and a small lounge area. Except for one large shelf holding the reference and Botswana collections, all the books are on metal shelves on the walls. There are windows near the ceiling. There is an office in back, which the entire staff shares, and a staff bathroom--no TP, no soap, no toilet seat. Out back in a spout coming out of the ground, for water. Out front, there is a worn down trailer. One third houses the HR/administrator's office, one third is for storage, and one third is where the staff sits when it's not too cold.
What is your private dwelling like? How many rooms? Size? Furnishings? Beds? Walls? Windows? Kitchen, etc.
Our little house is made of cinder blocks coated in concrete, like most of the modern dwellings here. The alternative is huts with thatched roofs. The key to our place looks like an old fashioned skeleton key. All the rooms are painted the same color. You walk into the great room, with a living room and dining area. The fridge is in the dining area. To the right are our two bedrooms. Ashley is in the "kids" room, with a big bed but kiddish decorations. I'm in the "master" bedroom. The bathroom has everything you would expect, but no hot water and we have to flush the toilet with a bucket. In the kitchen, the stove/oven doesn't work, so we use a combination small oven/hot plate contraption. The fridge is in the dining area. We have beds, dressers, three couches, and a round dining table with chairs. There are few decorations on the walls. If you walk out the back door, you run into the laundry line and an orange tree.
What is the family's dwelling like? Same questions. Do THEY have running water.
What about electricity?
The main house, we haven't seen too much of. They have a separate bathroom/water closet. A living room. A large kitchen with two stoves, one electric, one gas. A dining room, which we've only eaten in once. The TV is always on. We haven't seen the bedrooms or other rooms. The floors, like in our place, are tile or linoleum squares. I haven't noticed any books besides the newspaper, magazines like Cosmo, and the Bible. Their toilets run fine, and they have hot water. We're both in the same boat in terms of intermittent water and electricity shortages.
How far is it to the library?
A 15-20 minute walk.
How big is the library? How many rooms? Walls, tables, chairs?
The main library is a rectangle about 20 feet by 100 feet, maybe, split 2/3 adult, 1/3 child. There is a circulation desk in the middle, and a magnetic gate by the front door. There are a few bean bag chairs in the children's section and two little tables with kid-sized chairs. In the adult section, there are two long rows of wooden tables with chairs and a small lounge area. Except for one large shelf holding the reference and Botswana collections, all the books are on metal shelves on the walls. There are windows near the ceiling. There is an office in back, which the entire staff shares, and a staff bathroom--no TP, no soap, no toilet seat. Out back in a spout coming out of the ground, for water. Out front, there is a worn down trailer. One third houses the HR/administrator's office, one third is for storage, and one third is where the staff sits when it's not too cold.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
New initiatives
We're starting some new initiatives:
1. We're partnering with two primary schools in a pilot project to offer English language and homework help for 7th graders who are struggling. Time to go over the curriculum and write lessons!
2. I'm beginning to write curriculum and exercises to teach basic computer skills to the public, but first the STAFF. I'm excited to see how it goes over.
3. I started a statistics study, tracking circulation and "pick-ups" related to the new collection and new marketing initiatives we're planning.
It's fun to go out and meet with teachers at schools, even when the meetings are in Setswana.
Slowly!
1. We're partnering with two primary schools in a pilot project to offer English language and homework help for 7th graders who are struggling. Time to go over the curriculum and write lessons!
2. I'm beginning to write curriculum and exercises to teach basic computer skills to the public, but first the STAFF. I'm excited to see how it goes over.
3. I started a statistics study, tracking circulation and "pick-ups" related to the new collection and new marketing initiatives we're planning.
It's fun to go out and meet with teachers at schools, even when the meetings are in Setswana.
Slowly!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Baby steps
Today Ashley and I went to the library separately. I figured I'd go in the beginning, as usual, and Ashley would go later, to see the kids.
When I got there, the books weren't counted or shelved, which is odd. And the staff was all milling on the children's end of the library. Max appeared and began to give a speech of sorts. There was a lot of protest. Most of it was in Setswana, but I heard some English words: public programs, teamwork, going somewhere. I also heard the Setswana word for children, bana.
After it was over, I asked what had gone on, but no one would give me a translation or even a straight answer. The little I got: Max decided all the new books should be shelved. We would make room. And the children's books especially. Some of the protest was because everyone had been trained to leave space on the shelves to "let books breathe," but we're going to cram the shelves a bit for now. Max immediately cleared a huge space for a display of new children's books, which I happily assembled.
I then began to shift books around to make more space where needed and eliminate unnecessary gaps. Then I began to shelve! It felt great.
I also did the statistics today. It was encouraging to see that 3 of the 7 youth checkouts were new books, and 1 of the 4 adult books. They're circulating! One woman even came in to return a new book she had just checked out yesterday, trading it for another new book. There's excitement. It's great.
When Ashley came in, she convinced Max to box the old editions of encyclopedias and to de-dupe the collection, to make more space. We're making headway, for sure.
I'm worried, though, that once this flurry of work is over, we'll return to the doldrums. At least we have some trips tentatively planned: tomorrow and Thursday, Ashley and I will listen in on meetings between Max and local schools, in which he'll offer them outreach programming. And soon we'll do some field trips to what they call village reading rooms, which are teeny tiny "libraries" in rural areas. The travel and meetings should pass the time.
Max also told us that BNLS is holding a competition for branches, with three arms: public programs, reducing overdues, and teamwork. There are some kind of financial incentives. I hope it gets people moving.
Another thing that happened today and that has happened before: since the libraries are incredibly poor, even basic supplies are locked up and must be "issued." For instance, everyone has one pen and must protect it. And Ashley and I each had to sign for a roll of toilet paper.
When I got there, the books weren't counted or shelved, which is odd. And the staff was all milling on the children's end of the library. Max appeared and began to give a speech of sorts. There was a lot of protest. Most of it was in Setswana, but I heard some English words: public programs, teamwork, going somewhere. I also heard the Setswana word for children, bana.
After it was over, I asked what had gone on, but no one would give me a translation or even a straight answer. The little I got: Max decided all the new books should be shelved. We would make room. And the children's books especially. Some of the protest was because everyone had been trained to leave space on the shelves to "let books breathe," but we're going to cram the shelves a bit for now. Max immediately cleared a huge space for a display of new children's books, which I happily assembled.
I then began to shift books around to make more space where needed and eliminate unnecessary gaps. Then I began to shelve! It felt great.
I also did the statistics today. It was encouraging to see that 3 of the 7 youth checkouts were new books, and 1 of the 4 adult books. They're circulating! One woman even came in to return a new book she had just checked out yesterday, trading it for another new book. There's excitement. It's great.
When Ashley came in, she convinced Max to box the old editions of encyclopedias and to de-dupe the collection, to make more space. We're making headway, for sure.
I'm worried, though, that once this flurry of work is over, we'll return to the doldrums. At least we have some trips tentatively planned: tomorrow and Thursday, Ashley and I will listen in on meetings between Max and local schools, in which he'll offer them outreach programming. And soon we'll do some field trips to what they call village reading rooms, which are teeny tiny "libraries" in rural areas. The travel and meetings should pass the time.
Max also told us that BNLS is holding a competition for branches, with three arms: public programs, reducing overdues, and teamwork. There are some kind of financial incentives. I hope it gets people moving.
Another thing that happened today and that has happened before: since the libraries are incredibly poor, even basic supplies are locked up and must be "issued." For instance, everyone has one pen and must protect it. And Ashley and I each had to sign for a roll of toilet paper.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Obstacle course
We spent two weeks on accessions for the hundreds of new books Botswana National Library Service sent us: registering them, making circulation cards, tattle-taping... Finally, by this morning, they are ready. Then I overhear Ashley in conversation with some staff members, over on the other end of the library from where I'm doing some work for Max. It turns out the staff's plan is to box up all the new books and save them for the new library. Note that the library has been under construction for as long as anyone can remember, and the current collection is old, worn, and often irrelevant or even incorrect. It pained us to think these new books would just be boxed away. One of the staff--"L-- agreed with us, and pitched it to the staff, but another woman--"M"-- nixed our plan to make use of our new prizes. L told us to run it by Max.
Well, once he came back from a meeting, Max gave us a victory--he said we should absolutely shelve the books. We cycled the new ones that had been on display for a week to the shelves and created a new display, with a plan to add more new books, in that cycle, weekly. So exciting for us!
We were unprepared for the staff lashback. There was a muffled confrontation, complete with raised voices, in the office. The staff is now mostly not talking to us.
Ashley and I find ourselves in a cultural bind. I understand completely how irritating it must be for the staff to have two white kids come in and redo the library. On the other hand, we really want to help, and the new displays are getting user attention and circulation. I suspect no one on the Botswana side is really clear why we're here or what our intentions are. I plan to start a conversation the best I can about how they feel about our presence and how we can help them. In the end, I have a sneaking suspicion we're largely not welcome. I'm not sure what to do if that's the case.
In fact, Ashley and I discuss our internship obstacles quite a bit. There is the enormous problem of still being in the old building, where we can't hold programs and there are no public computers, for just a start. Then there is the cultural attitude towards interlopers and even the approach to work. Every day, I try to have a positive attitude and take small steps to make things better for users, but I'm not sure we are or can make a difference, or if change is desired.
I would really value some insight, suggestions, or comments of any sort. We're trying over here!
Well, once he came back from a meeting, Max gave us a victory--he said we should absolutely shelve the books. We cycled the new ones that had been on display for a week to the shelves and created a new display, with a plan to add more new books, in that cycle, weekly. So exciting for us!
We were unprepared for the staff lashback. There was a muffled confrontation, complete with raised voices, in the office. The staff is now mostly not talking to us.
Ashley and I find ourselves in a cultural bind. I understand completely how irritating it must be for the staff to have two white kids come in and redo the library. On the other hand, we really want to help, and the new displays are getting user attention and circulation. I suspect no one on the Botswana side is really clear why we're here or what our intentions are. I plan to start a conversation the best I can about how they feel about our presence and how we can help them. In the end, I have a sneaking suspicion we're largely not welcome. I'm not sure what to do if that's the case.
In fact, Ashley and I discuss our internship obstacles quite a bit. There is the enormous problem of still being in the old building, where we can't hold programs and there are no public computers, for just a start. Then there is the cultural attitude towards interlopers and even the approach to work. Every day, I try to have a positive attitude and take small steps to make things better for users, but I'm not sure we are or can make a difference, or if change is desired.
I would really value some insight, suggestions, or comments of any sort. We're trying over here!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Soccer and library marketing
This morning, contrary to expectations, we ended up getting up early again and catching a taxi to the village sports complex, where a soccer tournament was going on. We met up with a Peace Corps Volunteer who works with the District AIDS Campaign. Today she was on duty for the area's Gender Committee, educating folks about domestic violence, which is prevalent and hush hush in Botswana. We handed out fliers and posters and condoms--and information!
All the sponsors got to make a little speech. We hadn't prepared anything, but were grateful to have a chance at the mike for Ashley to talk about the new facility and encourage people to come by. We had one college teacher stop by to express his interest in volunteering, and one man wanted to know what kind of services might be available for his 3-year-old. We also did a bunch of networking with community groups, the police, and the community. A success, and fun, too.
All the sponsors got to make a little speech. We hadn't prepared anything, but were grateful to have a chance at the mike for Ashley to talk about the new facility and encourage people to come by. We had one college teacher stop by to express his interest in volunteering, and one man wanted to know what kind of services might be available for his 3-year-old. We also did a bunch of networking with community groups, the police, and the community. A success, and fun, too.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Day of the African Child
Yesterday we waited to go in to the library. It was the Day of the African Child, and we wanted to be there in the late afternoon for sure--that's when the kids come.
We used up some time doing some projects until the kids started to arrive. We had set up a display of new kids books, and once a few showed up, we also revealed some paper and crayons we had bought the day before, and commenced a coloring and giggling extravaganza. After a break in the chilly outdoors to munch on a biscuit, we read books together, including some silly ones, one about flags, and a picture dictionary in Setswana and English. That one was especially fun, because the kids helped us learn some vocab.
Ashley made a sign that said "ALL STAR LIBRARY KIDS" and they all signed. I'd say it was pretty successful, if small.
We learned how to make pap yesterday, which is a kind of porridge. It's hard, because it gets almost too stiff to stir. It also didn't help that we were cooking by LED lantern during a power outage. But the lights were back up in time to watch the first half of the Bafana Bafana game.
Today we were up early again, and I finished my shelf read project. The pace and amount of work to do is much slower/smaller here, so I'm not sure what to do next.
We used up some time doing some projects until the kids started to arrive. We had set up a display of new kids books, and once a few showed up, we also revealed some paper and crayons we had bought the day before, and commenced a coloring and giggling extravaganza. After a break in the chilly outdoors to munch on a biscuit, we read books together, including some silly ones, one about flags, and a picture dictionary in Setswana and English. That one was especially fun, because the kids helped us learn some vocab.
Ashley made a sign that said "ALL STAR LIBRARY KIDS" and they all signed. I'd say it was pretty successful, if small.
We learned how to make pap yesterday, which is a kind of porridge. It's hard, because it gets almost too stiff to stir. It also didn't help that we were cooking by LED lantern during a power outage. But the lights were back up in time to watch the first half of the Bafana Bafana game.
Today we were up early again, and I finished my shelf read project. The pace and amount of work to do is much slower/smaller here, so I'm not sure what to do next.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
CAPS
It's COLD in Botswana! I only semi believed there would be a winter here. It's amazing how chilly temperatures are magnified with no indoor heat anywhere. So I walked to work this morning, leaning against the brisk wind, in a fleece, hat, and gloves.
Tomorrow is the Day of the African Child. To celebrate them, Ashley and I gathered materials for a display of new Africa-related children's books, made a sign just for kids, and set everything aside to put up in the morning. We plan to buy some cookies (biscuits) and a coloring book and set of crayons and have a snack and coloring session with the kids tomorrow. We'll see how it turns out.
I came with an eye to providing computer training, and I'm definitely doing some. It turns out, though, that we must start with the staff! There are no public access computers, and the staff have very very little experience with computers, so I've been answering questions. For instance, I taught the admin woman that one can create a capital letter using shift instead of toggling CAPS on and off every time, and I showed another staff person how to do a sum in Excel. Baby steps.
One of the perks of my shelf read project is that I'm in a great position for impromptu reference help. Today I helped a fellow find some books on nutrition.
I also saw a disabled user for the first time. He used the back door, which doesn't have the narrow magnetic gate in the way. One of the staff is administering a survey about disabled services in smaller village reading rooms in the area--I look forward to seeing her data.
Tomorrow is the Day of the African Child. To celebrate them, Ashley and I gathered materials for a display of new Africa-related children's books, made a sign just for kids, and set everything aside to put up in the morning. We plan to buy some cookies (biscuits) and a coloring book and set of crayons and have a snack and coloring session with the kids tomorrow. We'll see how it turns out.
I came with an eye to providing computer training, and I'm definitely doing some. It turns out, though, that we must start with the staff! There are no public access computers, and the staff have very very little experience with computers, so I've been answering questions. For instance, I taught the admin woman that one can create a capital letter using shift instead of toggling CAPS on and off every time, and I showed another staff person how to do a sum in Excel. Baby steps.
One of the perks of my shelf read project is that I'm in a great position for impromptu reference help. Today I helped a fellow find some books on nutrition.
I also saw a disabled user for the first time. He used the back door, which doesn't have the narrow magnetic gate in the way. One of the staff is administering a survey about disabled services in smaller village reading rooms in the area--I look forward to seeing her data.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Monday Monday Monday
This morning we showed up early, as usual. The library is having new winter hours, to deal with the cold. We now open at 8 and close an hour earlier--at 5.
Ashley and I are finally starting to work on projects. She made some great informational bookmarks today, and I created a complex arrear form in Excel and began the important and very needed task of doing a shelf read--many things are out of place. Since there's no OPAC, our users depend on browsing to find materials, so it's even more essential that items be in the right place!
I had a telling interaction today that made me change my hopes and expectations quite a bit. The main administrator, who has some power at the library, was in the office, poring over a phone book. I asked if she needed help. She said she was looking for a bank called Botswana Trading Post and couldn't find it. I looked over, and she was on "B-Ba." I explained that "Botswana" starts with "Bo" and she should turn to the page that has that included in the upper corner page guide. We found it right away. She was shocked and amazed. So, the library administrator cannot use a phonebook nor does she understand how alphabetization works. I have no way of knowing the literacy levels of the other staff...
Tomorrow!
Ashley and I are finally starting to work on projects. She made some great informational bookmarks today, and I created a complex arrear form in Excel and began the important and very needed task of doing a shelf read--many things are out of place. Since there's no OPAC, our users depend on browsing to find materials, so it's even more essential that items be in the right place!
I had a telling interaction today that made me change my hopes and expectations quite a bit. The main administrator, who has some power at the library, was in the office, poring over a phone book. I asked if she needed help. She said she was looking for a bank called Botswana Trading Post and couldn't find it. I looked over, and she was on "B-Ba." I explained that "Botswana" starts with "Bo" and she should turn to the page that has that included in the upper corner page guide. We found it right away. She was shocked and amazed. So, the library administrator cannot use a phonebook nor does she understand how alphabetization works. I have no way of knowing the literacy levels of the other staff...
Tomorrow!
Friday, June 11, 2010
No rains down in Africa to bless
Yesterday Ashley, Ahti (sp?) and I piled into Kgosi's truck with him (I accidentally sat on a large hunting rifle...) and headed out of town to one of the family farms. Best experience so far in Africa. They have 50 hectares there, with maize, cabbage, peppers, rabe, spinach, onions, bananas, etc. in one section, a small selection of those for household use in another section, the beginnings of an orange and mango orchard in another section, and finally the livestock--one rabbit, plus many ducks, chickens, guinea foul, goats, and sheep. The cattle are at a different farm. We met the farm manager. Charity is from Zimbabwe and has a degree in agriculture. She was great--showed us everything and even quoted Chinua Achebe. The other workers were busy making porridge in an iron kettle like a witch's, over an open fire. Ahti, the kgosi's grandson, showed us the hiding place of a mama dog and her new, feeding puppies. As the sun set, it hit me--I'm in Africa!
We drove home sleepily in the dark, as the English news murmured about Mugabe and Mandela. We ate well, and I crashed.
This morning we were at work at 7.30 as usual, and helped to reshelve. Then back to the inventory project. It'll be good to get the accessions done so we can make us of all those new books, and especially concentrate on projects and interactions. We did have our first reference interaction today--a young man who's taking a certification course in hospitality and wanted some books on tourism in Botswana. That was fun. While we sit and work, we think of more ideas for little projects, so that's good.
It was cloudy and windy for the first time this morning, and we were cold! Nothing is heated indoors here, and the temperature can easily be in the 40s F at night. We need to remember to bring tea and cups so we can partake of the boiled water always available at work.
We knocked off at 12.30 for the weekend, our 24 hours being more than used up. I'm aching to watch the World Cup!
We drove home sleepily in the dark, as the English news murmured about Mugabe and Mandela. We ate well, and I crashed.
This morning we were at work at 7.30 as usual, and helped to reshelve. Then back to the inventory project. It'll be good to get the accessions done so we can make us of all those new books, and especially concentrate on projects and interactions. We did have our first reference interaction today--a young man who's taking a certification course in hospitality and wanted some books on tourism in Botswana. That was fun. While we sit and work, we think of more ideas for little projects, so that's good.
It was cloudy and windy for the first time this morning, and we were cold! Nothing is heated indoors here, and the temperature can easily be in the 40s F at night. We need to remember to bring tea and cups so we can partake of the boiled water always available at work.
We knocked off at 12.30 for the weekend, our 24 hours being more than used up. I'm aching to watch the World Cup!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Almost Friday...
No internet time yesterday--we were working! Got there at 7.30 and learned how to do statistics: sorting books left out on the tables by class, then reshelving, then counting those and new clients and overdues, etc. We also worked on filling out accessions registers: each new book must be recorded in a big ledger. That is the only inventory--there is no catalog, let alone an OPAC. To find a book, users have to know the class numbers and just browse from there.
At some point, Max let us know we would go to the museum to see an art exhibition. Kind of to show the library's face at a local event. We learned a little about the history of the tribe and saw some art, including amazing things woven out of plastic bags and formed from papier mache. The tribe is called the bakwema: the people of the crocodile. Our compound wall has paintings of crocodiles on it. We learned that you're not allowed to eat your totem animal, so no crocodile meat for me.
After stopping home for lunch, we worked some more on the accession registers. Max was gone, and the staff, who had been eyeing us for some time, finally told us that we were making them look bad by "punishing ourselves." We had run headfirst into the wall of a different cultural concept of work. Just to see what it was like, we sat out in the trailer with the staff and chatted. They do that for most of the day. Absolutely no work. Sometimes there was not even staff in the library at all! It was a learning experience.
This morning we did stats again and typed up our plans before Angelina visited us from UB. She was pleased with what we were planning, and we discussed a couple of issues. Then she dropped us off at the College of Education, where the new batch of Peace Corps Volunteers was being sworn in. The US Ambassador was there, and the big kgosi, and the national coordinator of HIV/AIDS programming. The volunteers are interesting--5 will stay in Moleps and the other 51 will spread all over the country. It will be good to have some contact with other Americans.
Then home for lunch, and the kgosi invited us to see his farm this afternoon, so after 5 hours of work this morning, we're off!
At some point, Max let us know we would go to the museum to see an art exhibition. Kind of to show the library's face at a local event. We learned a little about the history of the tribe and saw some art, including amazing things woven out of plastic bags and formed from papier mache. The tribe is called the bakwema: the people of the crocodile. Our compound wall has paintings of crocodiles on it. We learned that you're not allowed to eat your totem animal, so no crocodile meat for me.
After stopping home for lunch, we worked some more on the accession registers. Max was gone, and the staff, who had been eyeing us for some time, finally told us that we were making them look bad by "punishing ourselves." We had run headfirst into the wall of a different cultural concept of work. Just to see what it was like, we sat out in the trailer with the staff and chatted. They do that for most of the day. Absolutely no work. Sometimes there was not even staff in the library at all! It was a learning experience.
This morning we did stats again and typed up our plans before Angelina visited us from UB. She was pleased with what we were planning, and we discussed a couple of issues. Then she dropped us off at the College of Education, where the new batch of Peace Corps Volunteers was being sworn in. The US Ambassador was there, and the big kgosi, and the national coordinator of HIV/AIDS programming. The volunteers are interesting--5 will stay in Moleps and the other 51 will spread all over the country. It will be good to have some contact with other Americans.
Then home for lunch, and the kgosi invited us to see his farm this afternoon, so after 5 hours of work this morning, we're off!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
We stopped by the library at 1.30 today to meet Max. He wasn't ready until 2, so we poked around. Starting at 2, we sorted new books into class number ranges to be entered manually into a huge register. Then I sat and read with the patrons to get a feel for how they work. We also got our own library memberships. We each get two tiny envelopes, one each for a book, so two books at a time. When we check out a book, we take a little pink card out of the book and into our envelope, which goes into a circulation shoebox. Then we stamp the book with a date 14 days out. Then it's ours! Apparently they have tremendous trouble with overdue books...
Sample new books: the Communist Manifesto, one of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books, juvenile books about alcoholism, and some romance novels.
Still no running water. It came on for a bit last night at about 2.30 AM. Thankfully the running toilet woke me up and I was able to flush the toilet with a bucket and refill a bucket. But this morning, had to wash my face from a bucket, with a pitcher I found.
Also still no refrigerator.
It's a challenge here! Such a huge learning experience, and makes me realize all that I take for granted in the US.
Sample new books: the Communist Manifesto, one of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books, juvenile books about alcoholism, and some romance novels.
Still no running water. It came on for a bit last night at about 2.30 AM. Thankfully the running toilet woke me up and I was able to flush the toilet with a bucket and refill a bucket. But this morning, had to wash my face from a bucket, with a pitcher I found.
Also still no refrigerator.
It's a challenge here! Such a huge learning experience, and makes me realize all that I take for granted in the US.
Monday, June 7, 2010
On site
After a "restful" weekend, we all shipped out to our sites this morning. It was sad to leave the University of Botswana, which was starting to feel a bit like home. Cara went of to Mmangkodi, and Ashley and I went to Molepolole. After dropping off our things at the chief's place and meeting his wife, our new "mother," we headed off to the library. The library is a bit of a walk from our house, and you have to cross bits of concrete across concrete waste waterways to walk in. Our boss wasn't in, so we passed a little time applying for library cards and reading intro to Setswana books before some boxes of new books arrived. The head clerk, Margaret, showed us how to check off the books on the shipping slip--using carbon paper!-- and then how to write the borrowing cards. Yes, nothing is computerized, so they use borrowing cards at the back of the book, just like when I was a child.
Max showed up and we had a little chat about the framework the interns used last year and what kind of things we could do this year. As far as I can see, things are pretty well set up, but at a standstill until the new building is ready. We're going to have to be creative to devise some helpful projects.
The library culture is very different from in the US. It is absolutely quiet. Even the staff whispers, and rarely at that. Max told us they've tried to have children's programs, but any bit of noise makes the adults really mad, and they'll walk out. So now he's forced to try to do a bit of children's programming by going to the schools. There are no programs for youth (age 12-29) or adults at all. But there are certainly a lot of ideas in the works. Max seems to have thought of everything--there's a plethora of plans and proposals in his files, all written up, and he even has a newsletter, brochures, and friends of the library up and running.
After a few hours at the library, he told us we should come back tomorrow afternoon and we walked back to the khosi's compound. We found out that our stove and refrigerator do not work, so Mma Khosi brought us some lunch, which was delicious and I was very grateful. Tonight I guess someone will bring dinner, too. Also, the whole city has been without water for 2 days, so a man came with several buckets of water to fill the toilet tank, provide us with a place to wash up, and some boiled water to drink.
An adjustment!
Thanks for all the comments. Keep 'em coming.
Max showed up and we had a little chat about the framework the interns used last year and what kind of things we could do this year. As far as I can see, things are pretty well set up, but at a standstill until the new building is ready. We're going to have to be creative to devise some helpful projects.
The library culture is very different from in the US. It is absolutely quiet. Even the staff whispers, and rarely at that. Max told us they've tried to have children's programs, but any bit of noise makes the adults really mad, and they'll walk out. So now he's forced to try to do a bit of children's programming by going to the schools. There are no programs for youth (age 12-29) or adults at all. But there are certainly a lot of ideas in the works. Max seems to have thought of everything--there's a plethora of plans and proposals in his files, all written up, and he even has a newsletter, brochures, and friends of the library up and running.
After a few hours at the library, he told us we should come back tomorrow afternoon and we walked back to the khosi's compound. We found out that our stove and refrigerator do not work, so Mma Khosi brought us some lunch, which was delicious and I was very grateful. Tonight I guess someone will bring dinner, too. Also, the whole city has been without water for 2 days, so a man came with several buckets of water to fill the toilet tank, provide us with a place to wash up, and some boiled water to drink.
An adjustment!
Thanks for all the comments. Keep 'em coming.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Here safe
Hi all,
I'm safe here in Botswana. One of the UB professors has given me the extra key to her office so I can use her computer. Yay!
This culture shock thing is no joke, it turns out. Nothing here is familiar, and I'm definitely having some trouble sleeping and eating. I hope it gets better soon.
We are staying in the graduate student housing. We each have a little room, and share a kitchen, bathroom, and living room with a total of six women (3 of us from Wisconsin). One of the other women is from Uganda, one from...hm.... and the last is from Botswana but never seems to be around. Everyone is very nice.
This morning we met the dean of the library and information studies program and the dean above him. Then we met in a conference room and had delicious snacks while getting some orientation on health, safety, and the like from Profs. Mnjama and Totolo, another professor, the head of international programs, and two student workers from the international office. It was good to have a lot of questions answered.
I also found out that I will be staying in the compound of the chief of Molepolole. I will have my own small apartment, and he is even having a refrigerator installed for me! The city will look to me as another of his children, effectively, so I have to watch my behavior carefully--no young men stopping by at night, and absolutely skirts in the chief's city hall type lodge. Everyone agreed that pants and sneakers should be just fine at work, though. I feel fortunate to have been placed there, also because there are grocery stores "with variety" and such in Molepolole, so I won't need to commute to Gaborone for my basic shopping. I was also expecting that the bus ride would be 2 hours from Moleps to Gabs, but it should be only 1.
Send me your calm energy, and I will post again when I have an opportunity.
I'm safe here in Botswana. One of the UB professors has given me the extra key to her office so I can use her computer. Yay!
This culture shock thing is no joke, it turns out. Nothing here is familiar, and I'm definitely having some trouble sleeping and eating. I hope it gets better soon.
We are staying in the graduate student housing. We each have a little room, and share a kitchen, bathroom, and living room with a total of six women (3 of us from Wisconsin). One of the other women is from Uganda, one from...hm.... and the last is from Botswana but never seems to be around. Everyone is very nice.
This morning we met the dean of the library and information studies program and the dean above him. Then we met in a conference room and had delicious snacks while getting some orientation on health, safety, and the like from Profs. Mnjama and Totolo, another professor, the head of international programs, and two student workers from the international office. It was good to have a lot of questions answered.
I also found out that I will be staying in the compound of the chief of Molepolole. I will have my own small apartment, and he is even having a refrigerator installed for me! The city will look to me as another of his children, effectively, so I have to watch my behavior carefully--no young men stopping by at night, and absolutely skirts in the chief's city hall type lodge. Everyone agreed that pants and sneakers should be just fine at work, though. I feel fortunate to have been placed there, also because there are grocery stores "with variety" and such in Molepolole, so I won't need to commute to Gaborone for my basic shopping. I was also expecting that the bus ride would be 2 hours from Moleps to Gabs, but it should be only 1.
Send me your calm energy, and I will post again when I have an opportunity.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
T minus 19 hours
The boarding pass is printed, the bags are packed. Off I go! Looking forward to a life-changing summer and some sustaining comments from friends back home...
Sunday, May 23, 2010
T minus 1 week
It's a hot, muggy day in Wisconsin. One week from today, I'll be boarding a plane for Amsterdam. It's hard to get my head around that.
I'm slowly working through my to-do list. I even bought skirts yesterday!
Today some friends are having a going-away party for me. It will be great to see everyone and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, which I hear aren't so common in Botswana.
Wednesday, I head home to Minneapolis to drop off my cats and see my family before flying out of MSP.
Let the countdown begin...
I'm slowly working through my to-do list. I even bought skirts yesterday!
Today some friends are having a going-away party for me. It will be great to see everyone and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, which I hear aren't so common in Botswana.
Wednesday, I head home to Minneapolis to drop off my cats and see my family before flying out of MSP.
Let the countdown begin...
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