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News
February 15, 2004 posting, by Tim
It's been a while since our last post, due mostly because of the seemingly mountains of work to do here. Sorry for the inactivity, and with the recent arrival of more help we hope to post updates and/or stories more regularly, perhaps as often as once a week.
I arrived here in South Africa February 1, 2004 to volunteer. With an open mind I hope to contribute significantly to the work of Edzimkulu. I have significant business experience and a passion for the arts. I actually brought a portable music recording studio with me and we're exploring the possibility of producing a CD of African music by singers and musicians of the Ndawana village. We look very much forward to more volunteers coming soon.
Much has happened since our last update and we're excited to feel that our needs-assessment is concluding and the real work of Edzimkulu will begin soon. Budgets are almost complete and, with board approval, the first projects will begin in earnest.
Ever since Edzimkulu was just an idea, we've felt strongly that work could not begin without first listening to and learning from the people of Ndawana with open minds and respectful hearts. We're glad to have taken time for this because in doing so, not only have we gained understanding, but also many friendships and respect of the people. This is critical to the success of our work.
The week of February 2nd began with a meeting with the chief in Ndawana. In recent weeks it has become evident that a facility of some sort, ideally located within Ndawana, is needed in order to offer many of the services we feel are important. We began brainstorming about what would make the most sense and it soon became evident that a community centre in the village is essential. It will provide a functional space for teaching, a facility for craft manufacturing, a place for meetings and celebration, and the means to accommodate vital services such as healthcare and counseling. It will also symbolize the heart of Edzimkulu within the Ndawana village and help to nurture relationships both within and between our two communities. The chief was delighted to hear of the possibilities and said, through translation, that the community centre is a "brilliant" idea.
On February 3rd, 4th and 5th, Jim and Chris taught the first of 8 Entrepreneurial Skills courses to women at Reichenau. The course was successful and we're happy to know that many women from Ndawana will benefit from this training. While the course title may create images in your mind of business planning, market share, competitive analysis, and the surroundings of New York's Wall Street, our eager entrepreneurs here are more interested in learning how to use a calculator, how to price sewing supplies, and what it means to plan for a rainy day, It's all relative, and while our bright students won't run businesses listed on the Johannesburg stock exchange anytime soon, they will most definitely use this training to brighten their lives and bring some much deserved comfort to their families.
The final day of the course presented Jim with an opportunity to exercise his mediation skills when a conflict erupted among the women. While not directly related, the Entrepreneurial Skills course is being offered as the last of three courses under the Family Literacy program coordinated at Reichenau. Prior to our course, one representative of each group of women (from the various villages in the area) took a sewing course at Embocraft, a business of sewing and craft supplies located 150 km from Ndawana. Upon completion of the course, each representative was given a sewing machine and asked to pass on the skills learned to the other women in their group. Ownership of the sewing machines has since become a heated topic of discussion that, at times, involves the vigorous use of various limbs and body parts to express strong opinions about who should claim this ownership. Jim has since learned a few of the "good" Zulu words.
Back to the community centre. After a week of research, we agreed to meet once again with our co-planning committee at Ndawana, so Monday, February 9th found us back at the Ndawana bottle depot.
We shared new ideas and information about the community centre and how it might be built. Community involvement is important and so ways to involve the local villagers were discussed, including the possibility of employing resident skilled builders. We also discussed the functional aspects of the centre and our ideas were met with much excitement. Since there is no electricity in the village, solar power will most likely provide the necessary power for lights, sewing machines, computers, and a vaccine refrigerator.
Finding an appropriate site for the centre is critical because choosing wisely will help to bring the Ndawana community together. Geographically and culturally, the village is comprised of three peoples: Zulu, Xhosa and Basotho, and choosing a location that is accessible to all is very important. Following our planning meeting, it was suggested that we visit the chief to discuss possible sites. After a brief discussion, he gladly walked with us to the site he is recommending.
It's perfect! The site is located in good proximity to all three sub-cultures, it is accessible by vehicle, and the view is spectacular. There are many issues to address before construction can begin, but we feel very positive that the community centre will be well supported by the village people and the chief. In fact, during casual conversation with the chief, he asks "How many hectares of land will you need?" There will certainly be room for growth as the heart of Edzimkulu and the community spirit in Ndawana grow.
Speaking of growth, as Edzimkulu grows, so will our needs. With more volunteers coming, an additional vehicle will be vital to help meet our transportation needs. Now, with Chris' mother Margaret here, you have to be careful about expressing needs. Case in point: one day we casually mention the need for a new vehicle, and shortly thereafter we have an old, but reliable, Mercedes parked in back next to our truck.
And we should also mention the new trailer that is currently being built in Pietermaritzburg. Our sincere thanks to Marg for her warm generosity and support of Edzimkulu. She has a kind and gentle spirit and it is wonderful to have her here at the Edzimkulu residence.
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