Jackpot - A Real OT in Zambia!

Hi Everyone,
Well, we have reached Lusaka in one piece after catching a bus from Luanshya (on the Copperbelt) on Wednesday. The bus was scheduled to leave around 8 am, but they had to wait for it to fill up and we finally left at around 10am (we're getting used to Zambia time!).

Yesterday, we visited the University Teaching Hospital (UTH to the locals) and as we walked into the building Fran spotted a sign that said "Occupational Therapy". I could not believe my eyes!

UTH is the largest hospital in Zambia and caters for around 800 inpatients and sees 1400 outpatients a day. We briefly met with the managing director, and when I asked about the Occupational Therapy Department he started telling me about Physiotherapists who then do some occupational therapy training. My heart sank... my spirits were quickly lifted as our Rotary host, Peter, told me he knew an Occupational Therapist who worked in the hospital.

So we went on a mission to track her down.... Her name is Julie and she's from Holland. She's been in Africa for 12 years, and Zambia for four. Her role at the university is in the Department of Medical Education Development. She's trying to improve the standard of teaching of the Universitie's medical courses (she also has a Masters in Public Health and Medical Education - hence she can take on this role). She has very little to do with the 'occupational therapy' department, as it is not run by Occupational therapists, but by people who have had some basic training in rehabilitation. She is able to subsidise her wage from the university by working as an OT at one of the international schools, assisiting with children with ADD and Aspergers, and also educating the staff about these conditions. We had a rather candid discussion about the organisations and facilities I've seen whilst we've been away, and she was able to fill in the gaps from a cultural point of view. She is keen to get Australian Occupational Therapy students to do project placements in Community Based Rehabilitation in Zambia and is willing to supervise these students too (I have no idea how she'll fit it in - she's so busy already!)

After meeting Julie, we visited Apters and Disacare. Apters is an organisation run by people with disabilities that produces paper mache equipment for children with diasbilities - they make corner chairs, standing frames, and supportive seating and charge a very minimal fee. The structure is started with dense cardboard and then the paper mache is applied to give the stability. They are painted brightly and varnished for durability.

Disacare is also run by people with disabilities. They make wheelchairs and do wheelchair modifcations to suit village life. We'll include some pictures of their work when we have more time. Their latest invention is a tricycle ambulance - a tricycle with a trailer on the back in the form of a stretcher to carry people out of the village and to the nearest health clinic. Amazing stuff!!

That's all for now. We're off to Livingstone today to see the mighty Victoria Falls!

Take care, Jodie : )

Jodie's next vocational update...

Since the district conference we have been enjoying the hospitality of the Rotarians on the Coperbelt - Northern Zambia where, ironically, they mine a lot of copper (amongst other things, but you should check with the guys about that..)

In Ndola we visited the National Vocational Rehabilitation Centre, which is a residential facility for adults with disabilities to train in a variety of vocations. Unfortunately, there have been no students since February as there was supposed to be a strike by the staff, so the students were sent back to their homes. However, the strike didn't eventuate, and the staff have been there without any clients since. Regina, the Physiotherapist, has been seeing some clients privately to make some money for the centre. Hopefully the students will return soon. When the students are around, they have courses such as business and accountancy, agriculture, and home economics. The orthopaedic department is able to produce prosthetics for those who require it - the limbs are somewhat different to those you'd see in Australia, but they are doing a great job with the minimal resources and equipment they have.

The following day we visited Authur Davidson Children's Hospital, which is a 250 bed hospital - the only Children's hospital in the District, and one of only two (I think..) in the country. The main illnesses they see are TB, malaria, cholera, and infectious diseases such as chicken pox and the measles. The children with those infectious diseases are kept in hospital to keep the measles or chicken pox from spreading through the village. They have a physiotherapy department - located on the third floor, but without an elevator - which is staffed by two physios.

In Kitwe we visited the Valley View Basic School, which has a hearing impaired unit for around 22 students. The students are involved in a number of programs, and are taught with in the unit, as well as with the rest of the students. The students were curious to know a bit about Australia, and their teacher was able to interpret for us as their sign language is different to the signing we use in Australia.

Yesterday we visited Kalalushi Mining Hospital, where I spoke to the Physiotherapist who deals with the mining accidents, in particular Lower Back Pain injuries. They tend to use a lot of machines as opposed to hands-on physiotherapy. The clients are seen between 2 - 5 times a week. The physiotherapist is not involved in any training to prevent to incidence of injuries in the mines. This is taught by the First Aide Officers. We discussed the role therapists in Australia play when they are trying to prevent such workplace injuries, and the Consultant Surgeon said they may discuss it in the current review of the first aide training.

In the afternoon I visited Company Clinic, which is a private facility offering Physiotherapy amongst other medical facilities. Although they treat mainly adults, they run a clinic on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at the local church where children from the local area can come and receive treatment for a minimal fee. There is also an Occupational Therapist (!) working amongst the local villages as a missionary providing some group treatment to those in more remote areas. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to meet her.

Today we arrived in Luanshya and Fran and I visited the Dagama School for Children with Physical Disabilies. This is a Catholic run school and has just over 170 students from Grade 1 - Grade 12. Due to the decreasing incidence in Polio, this school now caters for students with intellectual impairment as well. Around 40 of their students do not have disabilities, but are considered 'vulnerable' children, either being single (one parent has passed away) or double (both parents have passed away) orphans. These children do not board at the school like the other children, but come from their homes in the local area for school. The school has a physiotherapist and a pool (but this can only be used in the warmer months as there it is not heated).

That't about all from me for now - just to clarify I haven't defected to becoming a Physiotherapist, I'm still an Occupational Therapist, trying to spread the word of the importance of my profession to hospital executives in Zambia!

Take care, Jodie : )

Chris' Blog - 14-15th May

The Trip – 14/15 May – 33-34/47

Wednesday saw us with a scheduled ‘Free time”, however we were all kept busy. I visited Raman’s factory – Wood Industry Processing. The plant takes pine trees from a stage where they have been cut down, through to timber, molding and different products such as doors and flooring. Importantly now piece of wood is wasted, including the sawdust and bark.

The reminder of the team visited the Zambian flying air doctor.

Lunch was a combined meeting of the Ndola clubs, with Matilda from the team that visited D9600 the guest speaker. And then the sad part as we left on our way to our next hosts at Kitwe. All of the team, with the exception of myself are staying with PDG William, while I am with a different host, Moss.

The evening was an evening with our hosts, so while I went out for dinner, the rest of the team had an evening in.

We spent Thursday with the Rotary Club of Mufulira, about a 45 minute drive from Kitwe. While with Mufulira we visited a farm set up by one of the mining companies for retired and out of work miners as a way to teach them skills to look after them selves when they stop working in the mines. Yes in retirement they are planning to farm!!! The farm started in 2004, and has a manager (paid by the mines), with the rest of the group in a cooperative. To date they are growing Bananas, assorted vegetables, maize (of course) and a piggery. They have further plans, including a dam. Interestingly there is no need to liaise with people down stream, they can just block it up.

After the farm, it was off to the golf course for a super fast lunch (1 hour from ordering to delivery), and then a visit to a local health clinic / hospital in a squatters camp, and then on to a school building and water pump that have been installed by the local Rotary club. One thing you have to say about Rotary here (D9210), they are making a difference to the many disadvantaged and struggling people. It is hard to understand even while we are looking at people from our 4x4’s how much difference a bore hole and water pump improve life for these people. Something to think about next time we turn on our hot water taps and have a shower. Well done all here for these projects.

We then take in a short tour of the town, and then join the Mufulira club for a meeting. We arrive back with our hosts in Kitwe at about 10pm for dinner. (For the rest of the team they enjoy a meal prepared by chef Jodie).

Chris' Blog - 12-13th May

12 & 13 May 31-32/47

What a couple of busy days. One thing that can be said for the Ndola Rotarians they really looked after us and met our Vocational needs. The next couple of paragraphs will not do justice to the efforts they made, but we were all so busy, that I’ve got behind in my diary, so my apologies.

On Monday we did visits to the Major of Ndola (Greg’s host) which included another newspaper interview, a community school (not funded by the government), the crash site of Hammarsk Joold (former UN Secretary General), National Vocational Rehab centre (Jodie had an extra visit later in the day with the physiotherapist), a new orphanage / school complex under development and Northrise University (a new private University). Overall there is a definite rise in standards in Zambia compared to our previous countries, and notably a bit more planning and some maintenance with some things. A pleasant change!

In the evening we presented to both Ndola clubs. While we did well, as a team we all agreed it was probably one of our worst while we have been away.


Tuesday was up and at them again. No rest for the wicked. We started the day at Fran and Jodie’s host (Don) farm, where we has a piggery, grows banana’s and chickens for both laying and meat, as well as a couple of other things. We then traveled to the Ndola museum which explained some of the many traditions of the local people, ranging from cooking, traditional roles to importantly and solving illnesses. Quite interesting. After lunch at the Rotary centre, Northern Technical College, where they teach automotive, mechanical engineering and IT. IT was then a quick visit to the Arthur Davidson Children’s hospital, where Jodie was able to see the Physio department equipment and then to the artificial limb factory. An exhausting day, followed by dinner with our hosts and team at and Indian restaurant.

Chris' Blog - 11th May

11 May 30/47

An 8.15am flight to Ndola meant leaving the Executive Lodges at 6.45am. Not a mean feat when we had got to bed after 1am following the night before. To top it off, Greg had a swollen ankle following a dancing incident the night before. George, form Lusaka who was looking after us while we were there did a spectacular job looking after us and getting us to the airport for the 45 minute flight. After a delay, we finally arrive at Ndola at about 10am. We are collected at the airport, (with Greg off in a chauffer driven merc (the mayor’s – his host)) to the Golf course. Yes we got to play golf. However we before we teed off, we had two media interviews – for a newspaper and a local radio station. Great game, and a first for Fran. (She has some real golf talent for a first timer).

We then had lunch with a local Rotarian, and had fresh pasta along with the chance to watch the Grad Prix on TV. At about five, after some Sallowship (a term used for fellowship with some drinks at at lot of clubs here we then headed off to our hosts. Greg and Ryan visited a village and Fran, Jodie and I enjoyed a fantastic Indian dinner.

Chris' Blog - 10th May

10 May 29/47.

The Presentation. We were the third GSE team, following the inbound team from Canada, the outbound from Canada, us and then the out bound team to D9600. And the result!!! Rather than using my own words I will quote from people that spoke to us afterwards.

“Best presentation at the conference”, “Most professional GSE presentation every delivered at a D9210 conference”, “Not only do we know about you, we know about your country as well – something not many teams have been able to do”. etc. And we even gave them “Heads and Tails” 300+ people in one game. So much so that I as team leader spent the next 2 hours talking to Rotarians about how to prepare, and present, people asking for copies of the presentation. D9600 – you would have been proud of your team, and the magnificent members that your clubs have nominated.

The afternoon was spent on a tour of Lusaka. We then prepared for the Governors Dinner. After a mix up with the bus, we arrived 2 hours late, but really got into the festivities. The night doubled as the DG’s change over and awards night. A fun evening was had by all, although it was quite sad at the end when we had to say good bye to our friends and hosts from the clubs that had hosted us during the past 3+ weeks. After a later return, we all hit the sack dead tired.

Chris' Blog - 9th May

The Trip – 9 May 28 /47

This morning we went to the conference and after trying to miss the district business session (which went 1.5 hours over time), we enjoyed a number of sessions about different projects in the district (some of which we had seen or will be seeing). Lunch was at the conference centre and after that we and the Canadian team took the opportunity, while the conference again worked through district business, to visit the shopping centre across the road from the conference centre. One of the highlights was for us to play ten pin bowling. Jodie was the victor, although some of us were late so had fill in bowlers until we joined them.

After this we returned to our lodge, and prepared for the carnival, (really it was just a bit outside BBQ / Broil). However after much eating, including our favorite maize and Impala, (which we saw at the conference centre every morning, we participated in some auctions (I ended up with a Rotary shirt for 100,000 ZK), we danced the night away, with Aussies dancing with Canadian’s USA’s, Malawi’s, Mozambique’s, Zimbabweans and of course Zambians. (Greg even danced with the DG’s Ann (wife).

After the Carnival we hit the sack as Saturday was our big day!!

Smallholders

As I look at the planning an direction of agriculture in Malawi and (to a lesser extent) Mozambique I've gotten to see the two different models of farm operation - the smallholder (maybe 2 acres) and the commercial farmer (50 acres and above). Most government programmes in Malawi tend to focus on the smallholder, as he grows the staple maize and cassava crops to feed himself and those around him. One problem, however is that where a commercial farmer may grow (with the right variety selection, fertilizer application and weed control) 8T/Ha, a smallholder will often average about 0.8T/Ha. Malawi has put in place a scheme to subsidise fertilizer prices for smallholders, but this will be difficult to continue to the same extent with rising fert prices. It must be said in relation to maize production that Malawi exported maize to Zimbabwe last year, when 10 years ago it was very much the other way around.

As people say to me, the smallholder is happy if he has enough to feed his family - if you don't know the things you don't have, then you don't miss them. I guess it depends to what extend people want to change the way they live. In manyways agriculture is like that of Britain and Ireland 200 years ago, and I hope the people here don't experience the same heartbreak that some of my ancestors experienced as things change.

Still, even if someone has a job, often they will have a patch of maize somewhere in town.


Til later, God bless,

Greg.

P.S. - Happy Mothers day to the mothers in my family.

From Fran and Jodie

Hi again everybody!

As you are aware now, we have arrived in Lusaka after another epic bus ride - with the great company of the Canadians! A few observations of Zambia so far - the roads are slightly better than Malawi and much better than Mozambique!

Similar systems run in the town, such as the privately run mini bus companies (like our Maxi taxis) but you need to negotiate a rate prior to getting on board. Fortunately, we have had all of our transport arranged so we haven't had this experience yet.

Lusaka appears a lot more developed than the other cities we have visited - there are shopping centres!!! They are a popular place to hang out for the young people - at the moment there is a hip hop show happening outside the internet cafe in the Arcades shopping centre. The area around the main parts of town in Lusaka seem a little different to Lilongwe in that there are not any villages close to the town centre and the security is high! Lots of people (not sure if they're security, military, police or otherwise) with rather large guns wandering around the shopping complex.

We have also seen a movie theatre and we went ten pin bowling yesterday afternoon with our Canadian friends! I'm not sure of the movies that are out at home at the moment, but I'm guessing these flicks are a little behind the times!

Today (Saturday 10th May) is the last day of the District 9210 Conference that we have been attending in Lusaka.
It has been interesting to see a conference run at this level and meet and greet some important people in Rotary International. We have learnt a lot about individual club projects, Rotary International, and District level issues and been privy to some interesting discussions. As a non-rotarian it has been helpful understanding a little more about the overarching District governance and even though it will be slightly different back in Australia, the basic model is the same.

It has especially been a wonderful way to catch up with some host families and rotarians that we have met along the road so far!! We have also met many of our hosts that will be taking care of us in our final 2 weeks in Zambia.

All GSE teams had their presentations this morning!! The inbound teams to Southern Africa - Canada and Australia; and the two teams that were outbound from Africa . I like to think that we all gave insightful and interesting presentations and from what I have heard...the Rotarians agree! We presented to a crowd of about 90 rotarians and I was extremely nervous! There were some technical problems which meant we couldn't present in our usual (and now very comfortable) format. But it all went well and it sparked another wave of Rotarians coming over to say hello and discuss certain issues in our presentations that struck a chord with them.

We have hopefully now converted 90 Rotarians from Marmite to Vegimite as we had samples to try!!

As Chris mentioned, we have travelled to Lusaka with our fellow inbound GSE team from Canada. We all get along very well and it has been great chatting with them and learning about their lives back home. We leave them tomorrow as we head to the north and they head south but I would like to thank them for their good company and laughs and also thank them in advance for the future hosting of members of our team when we visit Canada!
The fun should continue tonight at the conference formal dinner.... Jodie and I can finally wear the dresses that we have been carting around just for this occasion!

Tomorrow (Sunday 11th May) we head to Ndola in the Copperbelt region in Northern Zambia. I feel that this conference weekend, having been a break from Vocational visits, has been a time for refreshing our minds and preparing for the final part of our journey. For me, I have been able to consolidate my learning so far and think about all the questions I need to ask to fill the gaps in my understanding of rural health education and practice!

Also tomorrow it is Mothers Day in Australia and I would like to wish all our mothers a HAPPY MOTHERS DAY from all of us!! We are thinking of you and wish we could be there to give you a hug!!

Take Care, Fran and Jodie : )

Chris' Blog 8th May

The Trip – 8 May 27/47

After our long day, we were given most of the morning off. It was great to recharge the batteries after such a long trip the day before and also to get to know the Canadian Team. Lunch was at the conference venue followed by the opening ceremony. It is interesting to note, that like any district conferences, it was late before it started, and a number of the speakers went overtime, or at least took up their allotted time.

The conference was opened by a government Minster, and addressed by the RI rep Thomas Branun. He had some interesting thoughts. With a mini break, with both dancers and a local band, the keynote speaker Prof Oliver Saasa who talked about development in Africa.

Other items at the conference included, membership, new clubs, and the younger sections. Interestingly the club with the largest growth in the district was Zimbabwe!!!

In the evening we were all hosted at five different functions run by the five clubs in Lusaka. It was well organized and promoted fellowship.

Chris' Blog - 7th May

The Trip 7 May 26/47

After most of the team climbed aboard the bus at 7.50am, I was collected at about 8.05am. A mini bus with two GSE team, ours and the Canadians (D7010). We all got on well and started off our international bus trip.

After stopping at the boarder, Greg, Fran, Jodie and I were all taken to a meeting room to discuss why we had over stayed our visit in Malawi, and advised that we could either stay and explain our situation in court, or be banned from visiting Malawi without prior approval from the government. If it hadn’t been so serious it would have been funny. Hutch (one of the Rotarians), talked our way through it. (our approval was for 7 days and we were there for eight!!)

Then to the next border checkpoint, and they had run out of forms (one short). So I didn’t fill out a form. Guess what, I got asked if I could explain why I hadn’t, etc. What a time!

So off we go. After being told we would arrive in Lusaka at 2-3pm, then 4pm, then 6pm, we arrive at 8.30pm. Lloyd (the Canadian team leader) and I then have to follow up the bags that were carried by other Rotarians, so we both arrive at our accommodation at 9.20pm, and dinner is finally on at 10pm. We all survived. WELL DONE TEAMS!!!

Chris' Blog - 6th May

The Trip - 6 May 25/47

Today was a much more relaxing day with a trip to a pottery factory – about an hour and a half from Lilongwe. The quality was all very good, and in fact this was probably one of the most “touristy” places that we visited. We enjoyed lunch along with the highly efficient service (Fast food here is an hour minimum. After that is was back to our semi base at cross roads, to be collected to prepare for our presentation to the Bawila club.

Our presentation went well (even with a black out in the middle of it). After the meeting some of the club, along with Fran, Greg and I visited the local for a couple of drinks and to say farewell to Malawi.

And to say farewell Tim (my host) and I saw a Hyena run across the road in front of us while driving home.

Chris' Blog 5th May

The Trip 5 May - 24/47 (Half way)

Today started early with travel from my host’s huts (Tim) to the city. We catch up with the others and arrive at the Lilongwe Tobacco Auction Centre. We are shown the operation which is interesting, the entire collection and distribution. They process over 13,000 bales of tobacco a day, with an auction of each bale. It is interesting watching the auction process, as the auctioneer and the buyers walk past each bale (not stopping), and bids are made on the sign of a wink or movement of a hand. We couldn’t tell what he was saying, so were all surprised to find out it was in English.

After that we visited the Limbe Leaf Tobacco Company. While we had previously been through a factory, it was interesting to revisit one that was much larger, and be given some deeper insight into not only the production and processing process, but to see the logistical side of it as well. During the process we met the CEO, logistic manager and were lead around by a long serving engineer.

After lunch at cross roads, (becoming a favorite haunt) we went to the local Maize silos. Admittedly we all through “so what” but after viewing the entire process, including walking on the roof on top of the West tower, (over 100 meters), and then across on standard industrial grates about 90 meters in the air (and being able to look down and see the ground between our feet) to the east tower, we were very impressed.

Dinner was then with the group and some members of the RC of Bwaila, at a local Chinese restaurant, which was similar to western Chinese, but had some of the spice of Asian Chinese. Home at 9.45pm after a 6.45am departure this morning.

Chris

Chris' Blog 3rd May

3 May

Today is our hotel day. We decide to go for a walk to the craft markets and do some shopping. After trying to arrange a taxi (they don’t really exist) and trying to hail a mini bus, we decide to walk (about 1 hour 15 minutes) Very warm. We spend over an hour looking and bartering with local “craftsmen” (yes I was the big spender and now have the bulging bags to so for it) we are kindly given a lift to the “Crossroads” shopping centre, (thanks to Ash who found us and gave us a lift) for a great lunch. After that most of us spend some time on the internet e-mailing home. We then walk back to our hotel (1 hour) and spend the evening in each others company playing cards.

Chris' Blog - 2nd May

The Trip 2 May – Chris’s log – 21/47

Today is our last day with the RC of Lilongwe. We start the day with Fran and Jodie going to the SOS school (Nursery through to secondary education + options for the disabled) and Greg, Ryan and Chris visiting the University of Malawi’s Bunda College (Agricultural College). It is interesting for us all, Greg talk to the people in the crop dept, Ryan in the Ag engineering dept and me to the Assistant Registrar after we all spoke to the Vice principal.

When you consider the method that education and the economy is working, they have progressed a long way in the 2000’s. There are many similar issues, ranging from reducing income from the government (currently they are nearly 100% funded by them) recruiting staff and community welfare issues. So far, I have seen that a lot of institution rely on donations from international organisations, whether new or hand me downs. I am also surprised by the huge student to staff numbers. 700 students to 300 staff. This is based off the equivalent of $200 income per student from the government for each student per annum. They have introduced full fee places which are about $1,000 per annum. To put this into perspective, the gardeners are paid about $10 a week, and the Registrar and senior staff about $2000 a month.

The facilities are aging, but fairly good. The systems are predominantly electronic, however they are college (campus) based rather than across the entire institution. (Enrolment across the University of Malawi is somewhere between 5,000 to 6,000). It is interesting that the major issues that the Bunda campus is that it is 30km out of town, which means that staff either have to travel, or live on campus. Staff complain about having to attend meetings on other campuses (Reminds me of the issues I had when working at Gatton).

They have plans to improve efficiency, however it is difficult in a social sense as the logical way is to reduce staff numbers. In an environment where there is high unemployment in the area, this will have a massive effect in the local area, with no government safety net.

After a lovely home cooked lunch we went to the Natural Resources College. This college offers study up to what we would know as Associate Diploma or Associate Bachelor programs. It is more applied. The difference is that this institution only offers full fee programs. As a result it is significantly more business focused, with it offering its facilities as a conference centre, an operational farm (that makes a profit) and a number of other small money makers. It has 1300 students and 100 staff (with some services outsourced)

The college was originally built by the Canadian government, and was built with Canadian’s overseeing the work. To be honest, it is one of the best public buildings that I have seen, and they are all over 20 years old.

We view both the animal area (but not the piggery as we could cause disease) and the irrigation fields. After this visit we are moved to the hotel. I have enjoyed my time at Lincoln and Evelyn’s house, and from the little time learn a lot about and understand a lot better business operations in Malawi.

Greg's dispach

I've spent just over two weeks in Malawi and Mozambique and have had the opportunity to observe farms both big and small ( in relative terms) both from passing by along our road travels and from farm visits. I can say it is truelly amazing the variety of crops that can be grown side by side in this part of the world. In many respects such as rainy and dry season much of Malawi reminds me of northern Australia, but one farm I visited near Blantyre had much the sam plants - and weeds - that yoyu would expect to see back home along Petrie Creek on the Sunshine Coast. Despite the availability of suitable irrigation water during the dry season not just from the ability to make dams but also from having the 3rd largest freshwater lake on the world on their doorstep, Malawi has not developed to any significant extent its irrigation potential. Illovo Sugar in the south of the country is one notable exception, and I have been encouraged but the smaller irrigation activities I've seen on other farms - when there isn't a local pump house or neighbours who run their own irrigation setups that you can look at over the fence to get some ideas it has to leave you at a distinct disadvantage. The lack of government funding and to some extent planning has also been a dampener on irrigation expansion, and also the lack of capital that small farmers can access.
Credit is one other significant disincentive to businesses of all sectors - in both countries farmers and businesspeople say they cannot get local finance at less that 22%. The lack of infrastructure is also a problem, as is the knowledge and expertise to service farms and businesses in this part of the world. The two Australian farmers in Mozambique had to get parts regularly from South Africa or even from Australia. Malawi experiences problems with its produce because it is a landlocked nation.
In all this I can say that there is great potential for the expansion of sustainable agriculture in Malawi and Mozambique - so many crops can be grow nearly side by side from the likes of rice, mangoes and bananas to having nearby maize, soyabeans and sweet potatoes. The problems aren't with growing crops but in what you do with them after they come of the paddock and how you go about making money from them.
I can say also that I've been greatly heartened by the attiude of the local rotarians wherever we've gone - not just in their hospitality towards us but in their desire to improve their communities through both expanding trade and the local economy and also directly helping those who through circumstances such as disability or being orphaned are unable to help themselves. May God bless you all.

Greg.

Fran's Blog 3rd May

Well as you can see we have all been so busy on this GSE exchange! There is so much to absorb and to remember and I find it so interesting to learn not only about rural health issues in Africa but also about the areas of expertise of the other GSE team members.

In Malawi there is an organization called the Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM – like Australia, there are also many acronyms in health here). Briefly, they consist of a network of health facilities that operate in parallel with the public system (Ministry of Health). The facilities drill down to a rural village level where there may be two health professionals working at the equivalent of an enrolled nurse and diploma in health level. The distribution is quite vast across the country however there are problems with local communities being able to afford the health services. Like Australia, there may be transport problems with large amounts of time to travel to a health facility for more complicated needs however here there is only feet and bikes as the main mode of transport. Or you could wait for a mini-bus to come once a week (or month) past a rural village.

Retention of health professionals in the country is difficult with the absence of electricity, water, telecommunications, and education for doctors children combined with the attraction of overseas salary that pulls health professionals away from the country as well as away from rural villages. problems with professional isolation and no communication is also an issue here.

The basic issues in rural health workforce retention and attraction are similar to Australia but the issues to be overcome are much more exaggerated than Oz. Such as poverty, lack of electricity and clean running water, and lack of communication at the basic level. There is a long road to walk but there are many organizations here (NGO’s) that provide help at different levels.

Like Australia, politics and lack of research into the reality of the situation hinder the effective provision of quality health care to rural communities. It is too much to explain here but red tape, human resource turnover at the Ministry level, lack of communication between all players in the system etc all play a part. There are overlaps of serves provided as well as gaps elsewhere.

There are very heartwarming stories though and some excellent roads that are starting to build. Jodie’s blog will explain some of this and you can read about some of our activities in the other entries, I don’t want to double up!

I am having a fabulous time and learning a lot and I can’t believe we are halfway already!!

I will be back with more at the next chance I get!

Fran

Vocational Update...

So it seems Chris has kept everyone up to date on our whereabouts, so I thought I'd just put a few points in from the Vocational Visits I have been fortunate enough to have had in the past 2 weeks...

Open Arms Orphanage - this was in Blantyre (Malawi). It is run beautifully by an English guy, Neville. They have an infants and a toddlers section in the main orpahange, and then a 'transition hut' where they bring family members in from the village to begin to transition the children back to their village families, once the families are able to care for them. They re-learn to sllep on a floor mat and eat village food that is cooked outside on the wood burners. The goal of the orphanage is to place the children back in their village with the support of their family. They provide the familiy with some food and farming items to assist the sustainability of the child's return. They also provide an outreach service where they go and check on the child's health and safety once they are back in the community.

For the children who are unable to be placed back in the village, they now have two house run by 'house mothers' and these children attend a private school in the area near the orphanage. It was a fabulous organisation to visit, and all the staff and volunteers appeared to be enjoying their work.

MACAHO - Fran and I visited this place in Blantyre where adults with vision, hearing and physical impairments are employed to make local handicrafts such as rugs, hammocks, clothing, embroidery, and placemats. They were doing some wonderful work, and the people who were working there were able to do tasks that suited their skills and abilities.

Delivering Wheelchairs in Salima - the RC of Lilongwe is involved with a project where they are dlivering wheelchairs to people with mobility issues in the villages of Malawi. My host, Hetherwick, also was delivering a wheelchair to the daughter of his cook at his lake house in Salima, so we went to do this before meeting the group for the bigger distribution.

Zione is the cooks daughter. She is 20 and has cerebral palsy, and until we too kthe wheelchair out, her family were carrying her around. We fitted her in the wheelchair and advised the family to provide some postural support using the sarongs that they carry their babies with over here. She seemed very excited about her new chair, and was smiling from ear to ear!! Her parents were very grateful.

We then went to the Madnaga area, a village in Salima, to the Clinic there where we met with the Tribal Authority (Chief Madanga - a lady!!) to deliver 18 wheelchairs to people with physical disabilities. Unfortunately, there were more children who required a wheelchair, and there weren't enough small chairs with appropriate supports for these kids. The wheelchairs we were able to fit were greatly appreciated. Our team worked together to unpack and put the wheelchairs together, while we tried to fit the appropriate sized wheelchair for the individuals who were present. A little different to wheelchair precription in Australia, I must admit, but I did more wheelchair adjustments and consultations in those few hours than I have in my whole career!! Fortunately, the family I was staying with had a daughter my age who is a doctor and she was able to interpret into the local language (Chechewa) for me. We tried to advise the guardians about the importance of providing some postural supports in the form of sarongs and pillows, as this is all they have access to. It was an amazing experience, and I'm so glad we were able to help out the Rotary Club in this project, as they have been so kind and generous to us. I've asked that next time they deliver wheelchairs they aim to take a physiotherapist from the local hospital (I'd say take an OT - but there are no OTs working in Lilongwe!!).

SOS Children's Village - Well, this was just a perfect place for me to visit! There was a rehabilitation hospital for childre aged 0 - 18 years, a special education unit, a kindergarden, a primary and high school, and also a Health Clinic servicing the local villages.

The Rehabilitation Program is serviced by Rehabtechnicians who have Diplomas in OT/PT, but are not 'officially' either. They run morning and afternoon programs for children with disabilities (primarily cerebral palsy) within a 25 km radius. The children come 2 x a week with their parent or guardian and do a 2 1/2 hour program involving aspects of OT, physio and speech therapy. The guy who runs the more 'OT' focussed programs supports the children and families with things such as mealtime management, play, fine motor skills, school readiness, and socialisation. The children are categorised according to their level of mobility.

Once they are ready to transtion to school, they may attend the special education unit and this is usually supervised by the rehab tech staff. The children may then transition into the main school - but the transition is not part time, they are required to attend mainstream school full time, with the support of Learning Support in the main school. This occurs in both Primary and secondary school.

The interesting thing is that the centre is able to make and supply equipment to the children and their families to take home - unlike Australia where we are unable to do this now due to the risk of litigation! They have large stocks of corner chairs, standing frames, wheelchairs and walkers - which is a fantastic resource for the children.

I was able to assist the rehab tech make a splint for a toddler - he was far from impressed with the situation though!! I was also able to leave them with some information and handouts from my memory stick, which they were incredibly grateful of, as they do not have internet access and the resources they have are more than 20 years old.

We also had a look around the Health Centre. The most interting part was the clinic HTC - HIV testing and counselling. The people who come to be tested are counselled by the nurse prior to being tested. Then, the have a blood sample analysed on a swab of paper which gives them a result in 10 - 15 minutes, and counselling is provided afterwards regarding disclosure to partners and family, as well as information on transmission risks and safe sex etc.. It seemed like a comprhensive service, given that they have had 1200 clients since January.

Sorry, this was meant to be a summary, but there have been so many fabulous experiences along the way!

We'll keep you updated as we head towards Zambia mid next week for the District Conference! We're looking forward to catching up with the 9210 team who visited our district before we left.

Take care, Jodie

Chris' Thoughts on "Cheap Labour"

Chris’s thoughts on "Cheap Labor"

One of the many things that we are aware of is the cheap price of labor, particularly house staff. While we have been here we have all lived in homes that have house staff, some who are paid $2 a pay (or even less). Sounds like a good deal, but is it fair. What you don’t always realize is that there is often a lot more behind it.

There is no social security in Malawi, so a job is a valuable thing. To add to it often staff are provided housing with their employment in the house allotment (often a separate structure). Further some employers then pay for the schooling of the children of their staff member, and in one case this has continued to cover University fees as a doctor none the less. If you multiply this by 5 or 10 staff (house maid, gardener, driver, two guards etc) the costs can add up. And importantly these people are not living the subsistence life style and are not on the poverty line, and the employer is building capacity in the family and the country. Food for thought.




Costs of some items

300ml bottle of coke – 40MK (35cents)
Loaf of bread – 99MK (90cents)
Litre of petrol – 200.1 MK ( $1.50)

Chris' blog 1st May

The Trip – 1 May 20/47

Today was a public holiday in Malawi. However the Rotary Club put us to good use. In the afternoon we participated in their wheelchair project in the Saleima area (about 125km away). The RC of Lilongwe has a plan to provide every person that needs a wheelchair with one. They (through a matching grant with a club in the UK) have arranged for two cartons (580 chairs). Next year they have a grant with a club in the US. And the other clubs in Malawi will be following through with the program.

Prior to the Greg Ryan and I visited Lincoln’s farm. Here he is growing different fruits, (oranges, lemons, tangerines, mangoes and cross breeding goats to produce greater quantities of milk. IN Australia these types of activities with occur in conjunction with some researchers (maybe PhD or Masters Students), by here as no such opportunities are around, so he is just doing it himself.

Chris

Chris' Blog 30th April

The Trip - 30 April

After a hectic day yesterday, we are working off what we are told, as we don’t have a program. We start off at a facility that the RC of Lilongwe built with finance through 3H, and opened by none other that PRIP president Clem. The Rotarian’s are very proud about that, and the fact that some of us know him!!!!!

Great facility and well maintained. It was handed over to the government a couple of years after being opened, but the club maintains an active interest in it and have pledged to build new living quarters. They teach the disable different skills including agriculture, computing, manual arts, sewing and Home Economics. This prepares them for future work.

After that Jodie, Fran, Ryan and I visit the Animal refuge. Well run and with a plan to return animals that have been injured, or not too tamed by humans to the wild. Others that were formerly pets (and I use that term loosely) will spend the rest of their lives here as they could not survive in the wild. We see 3 types of Monkeys, a Leopard, snakes and a Hyena. In the evening we participate in the 1st birthday celebration of the RC of Bwaila.

Chris' Blog 28th & 29th April

The trip 28 – 29 April – Chris

Monday was one of the busiest days we have had. We start the day off after a hearty breakfast, at eh local provincial Nursery school. It is an orphanage that is supported by the local club. While we are there we plant some orange trees. The school is teaching the orphans skills that they will be able to use, which in this case is agriculture. At the school they grow Maize, mangos and other fruit and vegetables. The produce is then used to supplement the food that is purchased or donated to the school.

We then visit the sleeping quarters and some of the facilities. The nun that runs it has some plans to expand what they produce to fish.

Following this it is off to a project that the club started off with a micro credit loan (to initially purchase a sewing machine and materials. This group (10 at the moment) in Mabassa make shoes (thongs / flip flops depending where you are from) from old car tyres and old leather clothes. Between the 10 of them they make and distribute 17 pairs a day which they sell for about US$2.50 each. Production costs are US$1.25, so half of every pair are the proceeds that can be distributed. The production group are now all going to school, and with their determination have set up small class for the local children to learn, which stops them causing mischief and being open to predators). The most interesting thing with this group is that many of the production group does not have legs… For me to date this is one of the best programs that I have seen. All for an initial cast of about US$15, which has been paid back!!!!

After this we visit the local medial college. It prepares people for careers as nurses, and other roles in hospitals and clinics with a 2 year program. If any of the students decide to go on to become doctors it is another 7 years!!

We then visit the local Agriculture Poly (ISPM) where we make our presentation to the club and about 100 students. After an initial quiet spot when we open to questions we are over run and take up a good 70-80 minutes with the students. After that it is off to another village school to look at some of the architecture built by the villages. The village has built the buildings, however due to some lack of expertise, it is expected that the buildings here will need to be rebuilt in 10 years.

We then fly home for lunch (3.30pm) and then the team goes for a walk and some shopping. On our return we have a farewell dinner with the club and some of the members of the Rotoract club.

Tuesday

Up and left Chimoio by 5.30am (in the mini bus). Transfer the Tete members at 10am at Changara. Tete at 11.30am, Lunch in the Car and off to our border crossing at 3pm. After waiting in No man’s land for an hour, we cross the border after meeting the GSE team from D7010 Canada. Then of to Lilongwe, where we arrive at 5.30pm, home to our hosts and we present to the RC of Lilongwe at a meeting at 7pm. Top effort team!!! 700+km across some shocking roads.