Musings

Everyday, Matt and I spend multiple hours, if not most of the day, capacity building. What does that mean exactly? We’re working to help the staff of POMC more effectively run their programs, Maasai Food Security and the GAR (Generation-at-Risk) HIV/AIDS awareness and support. So, we do things like teaching typing skills, and how to use different computer programs; doing English grammar and editing activities; creating workplans and assessing effectiveness of completed projects; evaluating for improvement for similar activities in the future; creating outlines of good reports and proposals- what should be included, what shouldn’t. So we’re helping the staff do their jobs better. Instead of teaching the same things over and over, without knowing what people actually know, now staff are starting to see the benefit of pre and post-surveys at AIDS awareness events, so that they know how to align their teaching with knowledge of their class, as well as seeing what was actually learned. Instead of doing goat distributions haphazardly to people in the community, staff are seeing the benefit of creating programming that decreases dependency.
But is this worth doing? I think so. But now that Food-for-Work has ended, what about the people who have no food and many mouths to feed, no usable skills and no potential income? Should I be doing something to help them? What can I do? I don’t have any skills that will help them right now. I can’t make food magically appear. I don’t know how to start a small business. What kind of business would be successful right now? Most can’t afford food, let alone clothes, beadwork, or other items.
I know that long-term what I’m doing day-to-day will have positive effects on development within this community. The program will empower people to help themselves. We’re starting income generation activities, so that the program itself isn’t going to be dependent on foreign donors (a model to the community). We’re developing curriculum for training in haybaling, drought resistant crop farming, water harvesting, etc. We’re encouraging formation of self-help groups and merry-go-rounds, where people come together to solve their collective problems, or pool their money to jump-start businesses or pay school fees. I just wish there was something I could do right now. I’m so blessed. MCC provides for all of my needs. I have food. I have water. And yet, I am reminded, that I am powerless to do anything. All I have, all I am, is a gift from God. I am humbled reminded that apart from God, I can do nothing. God is control. (phew!)

Calling all language learners

I just wanted to say that I have no idea what other things you'd like to know about Maa. So now it's your turn, tell me what you want to know. I look forward to your imput.