Having never been to the Sinazongwe District, I thought it best to start researching and blogging about my placement location as a way of forcing me to start gathering the vital information I need to prepare me for planning there. Keep in mind that the information I'll be summarizing here are cobbled together from different profile pages and from the sometimes erroneous Wikipedia. But, I promise, as I get better in my knowledge of this seemingly isolated district in the southern province of Zambia, I will be feeding you, my very faithful blog readers, with more incisive, colorful, and hopefully humorous stories about my new home.
From what I gather, the Sinazongwe District is so named after Chief Sinazongwe, the current Head of District. Although people speak English, the local language is Tonga. The district is located immediately south of Zambia's capital city, Lusaka, and is populated by approximately 11,528 inhabitants. Two important water landmarks are the Zambezi River, which runs along the border of southern Zambia and northern Zimbabwe, and Lake Kariba, a man-made lake created by the Kariba Dam, which I presume was meant to be a hydroelectric project. Lake Kariba is now populated by very dangerous and probably ravenous Nile crocodiles. I read a story about a woman, who was mauled there while fetching water, but aid projects invested in the district have installed water pumps, providing water for the villagers and specifically for the purpose of minimizing crocodile maulings. Interestingly enough, Lake Kariba is also filled with kapenta fish, which has subsequently morphed into the Sinazongwe District's largest industry following the collapse of the copper industry. Other wildlife include hippopotamuses, tiger fish, cormorant (a water bird), and elephants. If not for the Nile crocodiles, Lake Kariba would be, on the basis of appearances, a pleasant enough water body in which to recreate. With the crocodiles languishing in the lake's waters, though, I doubt you'll see me playing in there, so don't expect any corresponding photographs!
The district is also replete in coal and is home to the Collum Coal Mine. There was a minor infraction there in October (2010) involving employees of the mine and company supervisors when the employees' protest against low wages and poor labor conditions was squelched. Luckily, my placement requires that I not get involved in local politics. Amen!
I prefer to think about the possibilities and opportunities available to people. Other aid and charity organizations, such as USAID and CARE, have already completed research assessments in the region to map out such social difficulties as food security and health care capacities. In the coming weeks, I'll be writing about some of these conditions to give you, readers, a sense of the magnitude of development needs in the district. Think of poverty as a handicap, but one that can also be overcome with the support of the wider community.
In the meantime, keep thinking about how your contribution of $10 or more could help move CUSO-VSO's role forward for the district's residents. So, please keep visiting my fundraising page to stay on top of my money-raising campaign. Thanks for continuing to read these pages.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
ZAMBIA COUNTRY PROFILE
Even if you have never been to the African continent, you can probably imagine the level of poverty in a country like Zambia. Not unlike residents of other Third World countries, Zambians live in abject poverty. Per capita Gross National Income (GNI) is only USD$320. According to poverty reports from the World Bank, more than a million Zambians live on USD$1.00 per day, a level of poverty that exists in even in the more affluent major cities, like Lusaka, the capital of Zambia.
Poor sanitation and poverty results in high infant (about 300 per 1000 live births) and maternal (650 per 100,000 live births) mortality rates. The average life expectancy is only 35 years. HIV Aids places an additional burden on Zambia's weak healthcare capabilities. The number of facilities are inadequate and they do not have the ability to care for HIV Aids patients.
Unlike the counterparts of Third World countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, there is no safety net (i.e. unemployment insurance, housing subsidies, food stamps) to assist the poor with living. Zambians are no less affected. Poor Zambians have to rely on charity, aid programs to help them develop the infrastructure and skills capacities to become more self-sustaining. In some communities, they have to walk for miles just to fetch their daily drinking water and some have to boil it to make sure it is safe for drinking. Daily living, literally, becomes a process of scraping for food and water.
Zambia does have capacities that represent potential for sustainable development. Reports from those who know Zambia report of its beautiful landmarks everywhere, embodied in the mountainous terrains and the spectacular natural wonders (i.e. Victoria Falls, Zambezi River). Its rich soils produce a bounty of various crops that range from fruits (i.e. sugar cane, avocado, grapes) to grains (i.e. wheat and rice). These are only some of the foods grown there. The literacy rate (87% males, 75% females) indicates an educated workforce that would be receptive to capacity trainings.
The government is seeking to diversify its economic exports, a decision learned after the country's income (GNP, GDP) plummeted from the drop in the value of copper, which was Zambia's primary industrial export. The government also hopes to gain dollars from the growing tourism market.
Dreams are thwarted by poverty. To cope psychologically, the poor settle for philosophies that make them feel better about their situation. In the Philippines, the saying "bahala na" means "well, just leave it alone", which is to say that fate must be left up to God because there is nothing they can do about it. From where the poor are on the Kuznet's inequality curve, this is true. But to those, who can influence change and betterment, "bahala na" is simply an excuse. The situation in Zambia clearly justifies aid and volunteer support from individuals and agencies that have the willingness and the ability to help.
Please visit my fundraising webpage and donate today to support the community work of CUSO-VSO. Even if you have only $10 to give, that is still $10 more than yesterday.
Poor sanitation and poverty results in high infant (about 300 per 1000 live births) and maternal (650 per 100,000 live births) mortality rates. The average life expectancy is only 35 years. HIV Aids places an additional burden on Zambia's weak healthcare capabilities. The number of facilities are inadequate and they do not have the ability to care for HIV Aids patients.
Unlike the counterparts of Third World countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, there is no safety net (i.e. unemployment insurance, housing subsidies, food stamps) to assist the poor with living. Zambians are no less affected. Poor Zambians have to rely on charity, aid programs to help them develop the infrastructure and skills capacities to become more self-sustaining. In some communities, they have to walk for miles just to fetch their daily drinking water and some have to boil it to make sure it is safe for drinking. Daily living, literally, becomes a process of scraping for food and water.
Zambia does have capacities that represent potential for sustainable development. Reports from those who know Zambia report of its beautiful landmarks everywhere, embodied in the mountainous terrains and the spectacular natural wonders (i.e. Victoria Falls, Zambezi River). Its rich soils produce a bounty of various crops that range from fruits (i.e. sugar cane, avocado, grapes) to grains (i.e. wheat and rice). These are only some of the foods grown there. The literacy rate (87% males, 75% females) indicates an educated workforce that would be receptive to capacity trainings.
The government is seeking to diversify its economic exports, a decision learned after the country's income (GNP, GDP) plummeted from the drop in the value of copper, which was Zambia's primary industrial export. The government also hopes to gain dollars from the growing tourism market.
Dreams are thwarted by poverty. To cope psychologically, the poor settle for philosophies that make them feel better about their situation. In the Philippines, the saying "bahala na" means "well, just leave it alone", which is to say that fate must be left up to God because there is nothing they can do about it. From where the poor are on the Kuznet's inequality curve, this is true. But to those, who can influence change and betterment, "bahala na" is simply an excuse. The situation in Zambia clearly justifies aid and volunteer support from individuals and agencies that have the willingness and the ability to help.
Please visit my fundraising webpage and donate today to support the community work of CUSO-VSO. Even if you have only $10 to give, that is still $10 more than yesterday.
Monday, December 13, 2010
MY FUNDRAISING PAGE IS UP
Okay, so all of my blogs so far have been about fundraising for my placement. I realize that this is a bit obsessive, but I had to get all my ducks in a row and make sure that all the web logistics were taken care of before I can proceed onto other meaningful subjects.
A little explanation is needed, I think. On the left side of my blog page, you will see two links under the heading, "Volunteer". One is the link to CUSO-VSO, which informs everyone about CUSO-VSO. Besides the individual stories from volunteers, I would encourage everyone to also read about CUSO-VSO's history and the length of time they have been sending volunteers overseas. Their mission statement is also important because it describes the scope of their work, which indicates the greatest needs afflicting indigent communities. After reading the impact of CUSO-VSO volunteers in developing countries, how does one not want to give?
Above the CUSO-VSO link is a weblink to my personal fundraising page, which I found to be particularly impressive. The page is a personal appeal for funds, complete with two images and an hour glass figure that tracks my progress by indicating the amount of dollars I raise, day by day. As you can see, my total dollar goal is USD$3,000, which can be broken down as USD$2,000 through on-line contributions and USD$1,000 through door-to-door canvassing. Upon my return, I will be giving several presentations, complete with photographs, to describe our work in the Singazongwe District. I anticipate raising more funds from this presentation and possibly recruiting some volunteers from around the Pioneer Valley.
Donors can contribute directly through my fundraising webpage. It has security features, allowing you to give with a credit card. If you prefer to send checks by snail mail, there is a place for you to enter your information and then send a check. If you choose this option, please remember to write the check to "CUSO-VSO" and not to me (Camille) because the funds do not help me directly, but rather the overall work of CUSO-VSO. Instead, my name should be placed in the memo part of the check, which on most is at the lower left hand (southwest) corner.
Please disregard the fundraising start date on my page. It reads May 1, 2009 (8:30 a.m.). The start date for me is actually today, December 13, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.
Last night, I discussed with my sister how I can kick start this campaign and she came up with the idea of commemorating it with the upcoming holidays. She argued that because Christmas is a time of giving, people might feel generous enough to give the minimum request of $10 on behalf of someone they care about. What a wonderful idea! End the holiday with a new relationship with a developing country community OR start the new year doing the same! Donors' names will be listed on my fundraising webpage. Thus, as part of a donor community, you can see how your contribution helps to the total dollar amount and become a mini-celebrity for as long as my fundraising page runs! I will be asking my family members to contribute to CUSO-VSO instead of buying me Christmas gifts. The contribution won't edible or wearable, but will definitely be tangible and will last longer.
Over the next few days, I will be preparing some country briefings and writing about the culture of Zambia to generate stronger incentives to participate. If you thought today's blog was verbose, wait until you read the one tomorrow. Keep checking back here. . . if you dare! Just kidding.
A little explanation is needed, I think. On the left side of my blog page, you will see two links under the heading, "Volunteer". One is the link to CUSO-VSO, which informs everyone about CUSO-VSO. Besides the individual stories from volunteers, I would encourage everyone to also read about CUSO-VSO's history and the length of time they have been sending volunteers overseas. Their mission statement is also important because it describes the scope of their work, which indicates the greatest needs afflicting indigent communities. After reading the impact of CUSO-VSO volunteers in developing countries, how does one not want to give?
Above the CUSO-VSO link is a weblink to my personal fundraising page, which I found to be particularly impressive. The page is a personal appeal for funds, complete with two images and an hour glass figure that tracks my progress by indicating the amount of dollars I raise, day by day. As you can see, my total dollar goal is USD$3,000, which can be broken down as USD$2,000 through on-line contributions and USD$1,000 through door-to-door canvassing. Upon my return, I will be giving several presentations, complete with photographs, to describe our work in the Singazongwe District. I anticipate raising more funds from this presentation and possibly recruiting some volunteers from around the Pioneer Valley.
Donors can contribute directly through my fundraising webpage. It has security features, allowing you to give with a credit card. If you prefer to send checks by snail mail, there is a place for you to enter your information and then send a check. If you choose this option, please remember to write the check to "CUSO-VSO" and not to me (Camille) because the funds do not help me directly, but rather the overall work of CUSO-VSO. Instead, my name should be placed in the memo part of the check, which on most is at the lower left hand (southwest) corner.
Please disregard the fundraising start date on my page. It reads May 1, 2009 (8:30 a.m.). The start date for me is actually today, December 13, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.
Last night, I discussed with my sister how I can kick start this campaign and she came up with the idea of commemorating it with the upcoming holidays. She argued that because Christmas is a time of giving, people might feel generous enough to give the minimum request of $10 on behalf of someone they care about. What a wonderful idea! End the holiday with a new relationship with a developing country community OR start the new year doing the same! Donors' names will be listed on my fundraising webpage. Thus, as part of a donor community, you can see how your contribution helps to the total dollar amount and become a mini-celebrity for as long as my fundraising page runs! I will be asking my family members to contribute to CUSO-VSO instead of buying me Christmas gifts. The contribution won't edible or wearable, but will definitely be tangible and will last longer.
Over the next few days, I will be preparing some country briefings and writing about the culture of Zambia to generate stronger incentives to participate. If you thought today's blog was verbose, wait until you read the one tomorrow. Keep checking back here. . . if you dare! Just kidding.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
ORIENTATION: CUSO-VSO AND VOLUNTEERING
Yesterday, my older sister, Monique, made me aware of the fact that most people would not know what CUSO-VSO is or what I am doing with them. Here are some background facts.
Early this year (February, 2010), after lodging an initial application, I was invited to attend an assessment day, an important part of the recruitment process, on April 29th. Thereafter, I was selected as a volunteer to serve in the Singazongwe District in Zambia for 6 to 12 months. Because this is a new placement, the coordinators have assigned a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to me, which would entail compiling information about capacities, resources, assets, after first meeting with the planning officers of the district, and identifying opportunities for improving poverty and strengthening capacities. Six months is a good time frame to gather information and then begin prioritizing. Subsequent plans will likely come from the initial six months. My placement assignment includes finding and compiling a list of large funding sources, such as major aid foundations, government aid agencies, that could be drawn on to fund future urban and community planning projects that arise from both the SWOT analysis and meetings with the planning officers.
CUSO-VSO spends about CD $30,000 to send a volunteer overseas, and being a non-profit, volunteers are asked to take some responsibility for collecting at least $2,000 through fundraising. This is the reason many of you are being notified of these blogs. I, for one, like that I am being given responsibility for my placement.
My fundraising strategy is to break the tactics down into three segments. The first is to approach and secure donations from my family, circle of friends, and through my media social network. Those connected to these networks should expect to get regular updates of my progress. The second segment is to canvass people in my community to introduce residents to the work that CUSO-VSO does and to potentially recruit future new volunteers from America into CUSO-VSO. Finally, I plan to do a presentation that showcases my experience after returning from Zambia. It will include information about the work that we, in the Sinazongwe District, did and, of course, introduces residents to the culture and people of Zambia.
More information about CUSO-VSO can be obtained from their website. I created a link, which is positioned to the left of this blog page under "Volunteers". All volunteers are also given the option of setting up a fundraising page through CUSO-VSO, which counts dollars and reports progress.
Meeting dollar amounts is better visualized when I set goals for myself. Thus, for the next six weeks before I leave, I intend to:
Beginning Tuesday (December 14, 2010), I will provide details of where to send contributions. At that time, I also hope to have my fundraising page up and running. I hope to hear from many of you.
Early this year (February, 2010), after lodging an initial application, I was invited to attend an assessment day, an important part of the recruitment process, on April 29th. Thereafter, I was selected as a volunteer to serve in the Singazongwe District in Zambia for 6 to 12 months. Because this is a new placement, the coordinators have assigned a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to me, which would entail compiling information about capacities, resources, assets, after first meeting with the planning officers of the district, and identifying opportunities for improving poverty and strengthening capacities. Six months is a good time frame to gather information and then begin prioritizing. Subsequent plans will likely come from the initial six months. My placement assignment includes finding and compiling a list of large funding sources, such as major aid foundations, government aid agencies, that could be drawn on to fund future urban and community planning projects that arise from both the SWOT analysis and meetings with the planning officers.
CUSO-VSO spends about CD $30,000 to send a volunteer overseas, and being a non-profit, volunteers are asked to take some responsibility for collecting at least $2,000 through fundraising. This is the reason many of you are being notified of these blogs. I, for one, like that I am being given responsibility for my placement.
My fundraising strategy is to break the tactics down into three segments. The first is to approach and secure donations from my family, circle of friends, and through my media social network. Those connected to these networks should expect to get regular updates of my progress. The second segment is to canvass people in my community to introduce residents to the work that CUSO-VSO does and to potentially recruit future new volunteers from America into CUSO-VSO. Finally, I plan to do a presentation that showcases my experience after returning from Zambia. It will include information about the work that we, in the Sinazongwe District, did and, of course, introduces residents to the culture and people of Zambia.
More information about CUSO-VSO can be obtained from their website. I created a link, which is positioned to the left of this blog page under "Volunteers". All volunteers are also given the option of setting up a fundraising page through CUSO-VSO, which counts dollars and reports progress.
Meeting dollar amounts is better visualized when I set goals for myself. Thus, for the next six weeks before I leave, I intend to:
- Speak with 200 people.
- Seek a minimum of $10.00 (to start) from each person to meet my basic amount of $2,000.
- Provide incentives to give more (i.e. $50 for a postcard from Zambia with a short note every three months).
Beginning Tuesday (December 14, 2010), I will provide details of where to send contributions. At that time, I also hope to have my fundraising page up and running. I hope to hear from many of you.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
MOVING FORWARD
On Thursday (December 9), I participated in an outreach training with CUSO-VSO and learned that volunteers would be raising funds to recover some of the costs of being placed. Although the idea of having to go out into the community seemed daunting to me at first, the outreach training connected me to various opportunities to stay in touch with people, who might be curious about volunteering in Africa or elsewhere. I also saw this as an opportunity to expose them to the world of doing volunteer work in the Third World and to possibly encourage them to do the same.
CUSO-VSO is a non-profit organization, which relies on agency partners and individuals to carry out their poverty work. Hence, they work with their volunteers to expand their reach in the community and have thought up different creative ways in which to best assist volunteeers with fundraising. One of these ways is the fundraising webpage, which volunteers can connect to their blog page or professional associations pages. I, for one, created this new Google blog strictly for the purpose of communicating to my donors my progress in fundraising, but also update them (and other curious ones) on the work I will be doing in the Sinazongwe District. As such, I will continue to communicate from the field. The other positive note to fundraising is that I have, at the least, six months to meet my goals.
I suppose the first step is to establish some fundraising goals. I propose to meet the base amount of $2,000 and then push for the ideal amount of $4,000. If I break this down to a per person pledge, I would need to speak to at a minimum 200 people and get them to contribute at least $10, which I can certainly do.
The next step is to move forward with the fundraising page and then start uploading very relevant and interesting country information about my new home starting in February 2011 and especially about the Sinazongwe District.
So, STAY TUNED IN to my upcoming blogs in the very near future!!!
CUSO-VSO is a non-profit organization, which relies on agency partners and individuals to carry out their poverty work. Hence, they work with their volunteers to expand their reach in the community and have thought up different creative ways in which to best assist volunteeers with fundraising. One of these ways is the fundraising webpage, which volunteers can connect to their blog page or professional associations pages. I, for one, created this new Google blog strictly for the purpose of communicating to my donors my progress in fundraising, but also update them (and other curious ones) on the work I will be doing in the Sinazongwe District. As such, I will continue to communicate from the field. The other positive note to fundraising is that I have, at the least, six months to meet my goals.
I suppose the first step is to establish some fundraising goals. I propose to meet the base amount of $2,000 and then push for the ideal amount of $4,000. If I break this down to a per person pledge, I would need to speak to at a minimum 200 people and get them to contribute at least $10, which I can certainly do.
The next step is to move forward with the fundraising page and then start uploading very relevant and interesting country information about my new home starting in February 2011 and especially about the Sinazongwe District.
So, STAY TUNED IN to my upcoming blogs in the very near future!!!
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