Published by gerry June 12th, 2008
in Uncategorized.
I actually reached the point of one year in Nepal two months ago. Interestingly I have found it a tangible experience in Nepal where life is very much cyclical. People live by the seasons and the harvest. From now on everything is for the second time around. The second Nepali New Year and the second Bhuddha Janyati (Bhuddha’s birthday). Likewise my work is repeating itself I’ll be heading to the Terai again in a week’s time as part of the government’s data collection programme.
However one year in Nepal does not equal one year to go. Including the in-country training it is 26 months in total to complete a volunteer placement. I’ve just got through an awkward intermediary period where psychologically you feel you are half way but when asked how long I will be staying the answer is still more than a year.
One year is not a bad accomplishment considering 6 of the 17 volunteers in my group have returned early. Amongst the education volunteers the attrition rate has been higher with half of the 8 education volunteers leaving before making one year.
On the upside three volunteers in our batch have recently completed one year placements and one will now be staying for two. On the downside I have lost a good friend. I suspect this may be a feature over the next year until my time is up.
Here’s to another year.
Published by gerry May 14th, 2008
in Nepal and Development.
At the VSO conference a year ago one of the ‘old’ vols made a presentation on her experience here in Nepal. She called it ‘Nepali flat: A little bit up a little bit down’, which says more than I could ever explain about a typical experience as a volunteer here in Nepal.
On finishing her presentation of the rollercoaster ride that most of us go through she left us with a few words of wisdom that went something along the lines of:
Be patient
Know when to listen
Know when to speak
Know when to let go
Know when to push hard
And know when to yell and scream
As a newbie that hadn’t spent a day in my placement yet I remember wondering exactly when would be an appropriate time to yell and scream. Well I think I know now.
Continue reading ‘Knowing when to yell and scream’
Published by gerry May 14th, 2008
in Nepal and Development.
I recently went with a colleague to Chitwan district to conduct training for district staff (Note: no elephant rides). It has probably been the most rewarding experience to date on a number of different levels. Firstly I was actively involved in planning the training on the request of my colleague and the end result reflected this collaboration. The suggestions I put forward for the training (on advice from other VSO education vols) seemed to work well and were positively received in the evaluation (including a formal evaluation was one of the suggestions). Finally I also had the opportunity to deliver some training myself and put in practice some of the ‘participatory approaches’ that VSO train us for.
All up, as a VSO volunteer, the Chitwan training felt very much the way development should work. I only wish it could be like this more often.
Published by gerry May 11th, 2008
in Nepal.
I haven’t had a good year for new years. This year the Nepali new year was immediately preceded by the VSO conference. We always have a good party at the end of the VSO conference, it is always the first or last for some vols so no shortage of enthusiasm. This year I was involved in planning the party which we felt we should start preparing for from day one. this meant three days of intensive discussion in a genuine party atmosphere, broken up by a few serious sessions, which I have now forgotten. Against my better judgment I decided to follow this with a drink for new years as well.
Suffice it to say I was tired before we even got started and even though half the others went home at 10pm (very late in Nepal) I was determined to stay to midnight now that I had committed. At about 11.30pm when by some fluke an Aussie tourist actually picked my accent (which I believe is now very confused) I realised I was missing something. I started looking for it even though I didn’t know what it was. Surprisingly I didn’t find it. The Aussie was a little miffed that I wasn’t eager to start a conversation, but I was partly annoyed at being discovered as well as concerned about missing something and wasn’t keen to explain that I didn’t know what it was. When someone else left and started putting on their jumper I finally realised what I had lost. No still had my shoes. Ah, thats right my jacket.
The bar was all cushions and low lighting. It wasn’t a good place to loose something. I made a couple of fruitless expeditions in search of my jacket and was consoled by a friend saying that it must be “really annoying” to have lost it. Personally I think the only annoying thing about having lost my jacket (read stolen) is someone telling you it is “annoying”, but that may just have been my mood at the time.
Luckily the next new year is not for about 6 months. I think, there are so many here you never know.
Published by gerry May 1st, 2008
in Nepal.
The government has lost its love for Earth hour somewhat. We now have three whole days of power and only about 4 Earth Hours (power cuts) on on other days.
I think there must be one or two Nepal Electricity employees who are real fans of Earth Hour though, because the power still mysteriously goes off from time to time regardless of the schedule.
Published by gerry May 1st, 2008
in Nepal and Development.
The VSO conference was held for three days over the election. This was my second conference making me a bit of a veteran. I have to say I actually enjoyed all the development speak and unceasing positiveness. It reminds you of why you are here and fosters a feeling of solidarity.On the other hand after it is all over it can seem like a total bunch of twaddle as you fall gently (or possibly crash) back to earth and have to deal with the reality of your day to day life and potential for real change in your placement.
Therefore with tongue in cheek I offer a new theory on international development that I may present at the next conference. If implemented it will have the additional benefit of ensuring that no matter what you achieve you can forever justify the need for your organisation and continue to hold workshops and conferences.
Don’t dwell on past success. Focus on what’s wrong now.
On a more serious note I actually wonder if this is not a little too close to the truth. You rarely hear of NGOs looking for reasons not to continue their programmes, but what problem they can ‘fix’ next.
Published by gerry May 1st, 2008
in Nepal.
In the election the maoists have won more than double the seats of any other party, with about 35% overall. This came as a surprise to all the commentators, intelligence agencies and apparently the Maoists themselves.
The journalists, who have been eating humble pie, have now theorised that the result came about because people wanted change and were tired of the same old leaders (the current prime minister is in his 7th, non-consecutive term). There is also a theory that the Maoists vague threats to go to the streets if they did not win also ‘encouraged’ people looking for peace. All agree that the Nepali people have given the Maoists a mandate for change. Nevermind that the election was for an assembly to draft a new constitution, but then the parties were campaigning as if it was a general election anyway.
The joke around the office is that now the Maoists have won we will no longer say Namaste as a greating, but Lal Salam (Red Salute).
The joke didn’t last very long as most of my colleagues are upper caste Hindus who arguably have the most to loose if there is a redistribution of wealth. However on the whole I don’t think there is much to worry about. The Maoists have suddenly warmed to capitalism and free market economics possibly even more so than previous governments.
Published by gerry April 3rd, 2008
in Nepal.
I’d just like to point out that noone is more dedicated to the cause of Earth Hour than the government of Nepal. Here they don’t just turn the lights off, but the whole power grid for 8 hours a day, every day. Beat that!
Published by gerry April 3rd, 2008
in Tech.
Here is the full story. The EU are investigating, but I’d say its too late! What a sham, no more need be said!
