International Day of Peace

On  September 21 of each year, the International Day of Peace is observed around the world.  It was established through a unanimous vote of the UN General Assembly, declaring a day of non-violence and cease-fire.  This year's theme is "Education for Peace".

It reminded me of the sad state of schools here in Africa.

A primary school in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

In spite of their circumstances, children are still very eager to learn.  As it is the only way out of poverty.

School children unmindful of the holes on the mud walls and roof of their classroom in the DRC

Students about to finish the day's class in DRC

There is so much to be desired.  Only that resources are always scarce.

Possessions

After three weeks, I still have not finished arranging my things in the house.  It is a small house with nothing much so finding a place for everything is a challenge.  When I was transferred to this duty station, I thought things will be a lot better.  For one, this place is a bigger town compared to the previous one, which is more like a village.  However, life has a way of bringing surprises.  So, what can I do but to stretch once again my coping powers and revise my strategy.

I realized some of the things I have cannot be useful here because of the limited availability of electricity.  I am not complaining.  After all, living conditions are quite difficult for most people in this place.  I just need to get by with the basic things and find ways to adjust to what is available.  At least, I am still able to bake and cook with electricity at night time.  

It's time to sort out my possessions and see which are really necessary.  I know I shouldn't be accumulating a lot of things since mobility and movement are expected in my line of work.  However, after some time, I get complacent.

Every change brings an opportunity to assess our lives and make new beginnings once again.

The house where I moved

I speak your language

I am fortunate to have the opportunity to learn and speak different languages.  In my years of living outside the country, I have observed that speaking the language of your host country brings you closer to its people.

Back in Zambia, my colleagues have been eager to teach me basic phrases in Nyanja and Tumbuka despite English being widely spoken.

Working in a multicultural environment also gives me the chance to learn basic phrases from different countries.  Like this colleague from Senegal, who would say, "Na nga def?" every time I meet him.  To which, I would be struggling to remember the correct reply, "Mangi fi rekk."

The cleaning lady in my house does not speak English.  So I have started to teach her short phrases.  She is very enthusiastic.  After two years, I am still far from being fluent in French.  I am working on it everyday.  I like learning languages.  It takes practice though.  My French teacher said maybe in two more months, I'll speak their language.

A man selling different herbs and medicines in Congo