tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229878121183426722.post7809022745486588363..comments2023-10-08T12:27:04.050+03:00Comments on HIV in Kenya: Ups and Downs of Volunteering and DevelopmentSimonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13522180315970081603noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229878121183426722.post-80012656239550589482011-04-06T06:13:58.969+03:002011-04-06T06:13:58.969+03:00Yes I was there in Nov/Dec and it is a little too ...Yes I was there in Nov/Dec and it is a little too early to know when I will return. I had hoped to visit you there before I came back but wanted to visit another person in Tanzania as well. It turned out my blogging friend ended up going to South Africa to visit her family so I decided not to go to Tanzania this time around. It is a pity I may not get a chance to meet you before you leave the country. My other friend also lives in South Africa now. I still don't forget how you put me onto the plans for making rammed earth stoves. When I was in Kenya I visited to see this project I helped and it was so gratifying to meet the people who benefitted and hear how the stoves have helped them. We actually put stoves into several villages and now more women want them.Joyfulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09956413632864588646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229878121183426722.post-183290776350712962011-04-05T09:39:03.941+03:002011-04-05T09:39:03.941+03:00Hi Joyful, so you were there recently, it's pr...Hi Joyful, so you were there recently, it's probably too early to know when you'll be here again. How were things? Were they going well?<br /><br />I don't know how long I'll be here, hopefully for another six months, perhaps even till the end of the year, then I'm not sure what's next.<br />SimonSimonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13522180315970081603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229878121183426722.post-54859212163817209802011-04-05T07:05:27.872+03:002011-04-05T07:05:27.872+03:00Hi Simon, I understand too what you mean about pay...Hi Simon, I understand too what you mean about paying western style wages. The wages should really reflect the local economies if possible. I don't really believe in getting people to work for free though it really depends on the circumstances. If for example there was a community volunteer effort then "pay" doesn't always have to be made in dollars or shillings. I was last in Kenya in December so am not sure when I'll go again though hopefully it won't be such a terribly long wait. How long are you going to be living and working in Tanzania?Joyfulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09956413632864588646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229878121183426722.post-14747615355918914052011-04-01T17:46:16.589+03:002011-04-01T17:46:16.589+03:00Hi Joyful, I know you know all about it! Actually,...Hi Joyful, I know you know all about it! Actually, my discomfort was about paying people Western style fees for work that could be done by people who work for normal wages or for free, even. It just seems like a bad way to spend donor money. Especially if it's a common enough skill involved. You still thinking of being in East Africa any time soon?<br />SSimonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13522180315970081603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229878121183426722.post-5876805722526264792011-04-01T17:43:31.240+03:002011-04-01T17:43:31.240+03:00Thanks Shae, I guess those frustrations occur all ...Thanks Shae, I guess those frustrations occur all the time, wherever you are! Thanks for your encouragement, Pendo is doing very well, as you can see from the photos, still calling everyone and everything, including me, Mama. But she's so much more independent, it's a pleasure to watch her go off and play. Hope all's well there.<br />SSimonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13522180315970081603noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229878121183426722.post-77755064787636444352011-04-01T08:01:29.830+03:002011-04-01T08:01:29.830+03:00Great blog post, Simon. As you know, I do voluntee...Great blog post, Simon. As you know, I do volunteer work and get little to no support from anyone to do it. I get depressed about that from time to time but there is no real reason I should be since I don't live in the conditions I am trying to help. I guess I get frustrated thinking so much more can be done and I don't believe in NGOs being the best way to get the job done either. If I had more funds I would certainly hire a lot more of the locals. Whatever is done is greatly appreciated and I gain tremendous satisfaction if I've alleviated any hardships of life, especially where the little ones are concerned. Keep up the good fight ;-)Joyfulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09956413632864588646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8229878121183426722.post-55403369932714444982011-04-01T02:27:26.162+03:002011-04-01T02:27:26.162+03:00Simon, I understand your frustrations with money, ...Simon, I understand your frustrations with money, volunteers, and motivation. However, I am thrilled to read that you truly enjoy your time with the children. If for no other child, I am convinced that you are bringing Joy to little Pendo's life. Cradle is a better place when you are around!Shae Shae Fantasticahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09277689462119518081noreply@blogger.com