Thursday, May 31, 2007
Headline News
Not much new in my life lately, but there is some news in Malawi. The first lady, Madame Ethel Mutharika, died on Monday. As a result of this sad news, Coca-Cola Trophy games have been postponed, and so we will not have a game this weekend, to the great disappointment of all the students. We’re not sure when the Coca-Cola trophy will resume.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
musings
Some random thoughts of everyday things here in Malawi
When I was in the hospital a couple weeks ago, (not for me, with a student, and he’s fine) a rat ran across the room. Everyone saw it, but no one even commented or thought it was a big deal.
Several kids were out of the classroom for form 2 yesterday, and the class was just remarkably behaved (not that there really bad here, but they’re still kids) and easy to teach. I was thinking, wow, it’s so nice to teach when the class is so small. When I counted there were still 39 kids in the room, (that’s still almost twice the amount found in several suburban classrooms).
When a well educated woman saw me take my contact out on a bus in Blantyre she had no idea what I was doing. It occurred to me that all my kids would be amazed if I showed them my contacts.
The electricity goes out in Mangochi for a couple hours (sometimes more) about 5 out of 7 nights a week. We lose our running water almost as often.
I often get to see and hear my dinner moving around and making noise the morning before we eat it (I got to watch people slice open a goat yesterday).
I have a 21 year old in my form 2 class, and two 11 year olds in my form 1 class.
Okay, that’s all the random facts/thoughts for today, more later.
When I was in the hospital a couple weeks ago, (not for me, with a student, and he’s fine) a rat ran across the room. Everyone saw it, but no one even commented or thought it was a big deal.
Several kids were out of the classroom for form 2 yesterday, and the class was just remarkably behaved (not that there really bad here, but they’re still kids) and easy to teach. I was thinking, wow, it’s so nice to teach when the class is so small. When I counted there were still 39 kids in the room, (that’s still almost twice the amount found in several suburban classrooms).
When a well educated woman saw me take my contact out on a bus in Blantyre she had no idea what I was doing. It occurred to me that all my kids would be amazed if I showed them my contacts.
The electricity goes out in Mangochi for a couple hours (sometimes more) about 5 out of 7 nights a week. We lose our running water almost as often.
I often get to see and hear my dinner moving around and making noise the morning before we eat it (I got to watch people slice open a goat yesterday).
I have a 21 year old in my form 2 class, and two 11 year olds in my form 1 class.
Okay, that’s all the random facts/thoughts for today, more later.
Walking to school
I believe I recall yesterday’s blog entries involving both a story from the US, and an attempt to get readers to vote on my beard. Clearly some genuine African material has been lacking, and thus today's entries are meant to fill the void.
John Laston is a form 1 student (and our outstanding goal keeper) who I decided deserved an entry because of his commute to school. He walks over 2 hours (each way) to school everyday. When I asked him what time he left yesterday morning, he told me quarter past 4.
Another student, Chama, who is in form 2 walks from an equally impressive distance from the opposite direction of MCV. He has the benefit of being on the way from Mangochi however, and so we often pick him up on the way, and he usually gets a ride home.
John Laston is a form 1 student (and our outstanding goal keeper) who I decided deserved an entry because of his commute to school. He walks over 2 hours (each way) to school everyday. When I asked him what time he left yesterday morning, he told me quarter past 4.
Another student, Chama, who is in form 2 walks from an equally impressive distance from the opposite direction of MCV. He has the benefit of being on the way from Mangochi however, and so we often pick him up on the way, and he usually gets a ride home.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Beard or no beard
, 
I haven't posted to the blog in a little while (ignoring the posting I made 5 seconds ago, in which I actually resorted to reporting State side events) and thought that my readers might be getting a little antsy; asking questions like, What's going on over there in Malawi? What do you even look like right now? The answer is that I am currently still with short hair and I no longer have a beard but am considering growing it back. People here weren't too keen on the beard before, but blog readers seemed to like it. Anyways, I decided that you the viewers should decide. You simply vote on the comments. Beard or no beard.
I of course realize that I am risking turning my blog into bad reality television, but hey, I'm keeping you all entertained in America, and frankly I need some entertainment here as well.
Malawi is in Africa
I was sick the last few days, but am on the mend now. Not Malaria or anything serious; I’ll spare you any details. Anyways, since there’s not a whole lot new to report here, I thought I’d share a Malawi related story that I got in the mail from my mom:
“I can’t remember if I have told you what an adventure it is taking mail for you to the post office. With every new clerk, they tell me I need to put the country on the envelop/package. I respond, “Malawi is in Africa.” “Well, you need to put ‘Africa’.” I remind them that it is a continent. Twice they have tried to put Africa in as the country and keep getting defaulted to Afghanistan resulting in much distress for them. When the clerk finally “gets” that Malawi is indeed a country, he or she gets VERY embarrassed. I, of course, now can point to another clerk & say, “oh he did the same thing.””
My fellow staff members at MCV found the story quite hilarious. (I know, I know, I’m giving Americans a bad reputation.)
I thought Madonna had finally put us on the map!
“I can’t remember if I have told you what an adventure it is taking mail for you to the post office. With every new clerk, they tell me I need to put the country on the envelop/package. I respond, “Malawi is in Africa.” “Well, you need to put ‘Africa’.” I remind them that it is a continent. Twice they have tried to put Africa in as the country and keep getting defaulted to Afghanistan resulting in much distress for them. When the clerk finally “gets” that Malawi is indeed a country, he or she gets VERY embarrassed. I, of course, now can point to another clerk & say, “oh he did the same thing.””
My fellow staff members at MCV found the story quite hilarious. (I know, I know, I’m giving Americans a bad reputation.)
I thought Madonna had finally put us on the map!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
picasa
I put up an album of extra photos on my picasa site for your viewing pleasure.
http://picasaweb.google.com/bradyco/MoreMalawiPics
I also found out that Google automatically made an album of all the photos that I've put up on my blog in the past...(Patrick, nice work.)
http://picasaweb.google.com/bradyco/ConorInMalawi
We had another football match last weekend with Orama. Nothing really new and unique to report. The match started 2 hours late as usual (we couldn't find the keys for the truck, then had to put gas in, and of course when we got there, we had to wait for the other team anyways.) Girls lost by a bunch in netball, and boys tied 0-0.
The next big exciting thing here is that we are in the Coca-Cola Trophy tournament, and will play our first game versus Mangochi Pvt on Saturday June 2nd.
I couldn't get my form 2s to understand 3-D drawings today despite numerous efforts. I was definitely wishing I had little building block manipulatives handy, like I do in the States.
http://picasaweb.google.com/bradyco/MoreMalawiPics
I also found out that Google automatically made an album of all the photos that I've put up on my blog in the past...(Patrick, nice work.)
http://picasaweb.google.com/bradyco/ConorInMalawi
We had another football match last weekend with Orama. Nothing really new and unique to report. The match started 2 hours late as usual (we couldn't find the keys for the truck, then had to put gas in, and of course when we got there, we had to wait for the other team anyways.) Girls lost by a bunch in netball, and boys tied 0-0.
The next big exciting thing here is that we are in the Coca-Cola Trophy tournament, and will play our first game versus Mangochi Pvt on Saturday June 2nd.
I couldn't get my form 2s to understand 3-D drawings today despite numerous efforts. I was definitely wishing I had little building block manipulatives handy, like I do in the States.
Friday, May 18, 2007
more pictures
The first picture is what a truck generally looks like as we leave MCV at the end of the day. The people in the back are various kids and MCV staff members hitching a ride with us as we head back to Mangochi. I generally get a seat in front. I’m pretty sure my azunguness has something to do with it. This is basically what a matola looks like, but they normally have about 10 more people in the back. Trust me they find a way.
The second picture is just a couple kiddos I caught at lunchtime when I walked through the nursery the other day. There are generally about 15 infants being cared for at the nutritional rehabilitation center. These are infants whose parents died of AIDS or are very sick etc. I’m sure I’ve told you all about it before, so I’ll stop now.
The second picture is just a couple kiddos I caught at lunchtime when I walked through the nursery the other day. There are generally about 15 infants being cared for at the nutritional rehabilitation center. These are infants whose parents died of AIDS or are very sick etc. I’m sure I’ve told you all about it before, so I’ll stop now.
Save the Children
The following is a classic example of the large NGOs that throw money at Africa without really creating much meaningful change.
The first picture shows a Save the Children exercise book. These books are donated to schools, and thus not for sale. The next picture is Chiso and Temwa with a couple of these books. The Sibales bought 10 yesterday. Apparently you used to be able to buy them in stores, but the police confiscated too many (since of course selling them is illegal). You can still buy them all over the place, but now you have to either buy them from headmasters directly, or find someone else who is selling them.
Don’t worry; we don’t sell any of your donated goods for profit here at MCV.
The first picture shows a Save the Children exercise book. These books are donated to schools, and thus not for sale. The next picture is Chiso and Temwa with a couple of these books. The Sibales bought 10 yesterday. Apparently you used to be able to buy them in stores, but the police confiscated too many (since of course selling them is illegal). You can still buy them all over the place, but now you have to either buy them from headmasters directly, or find someone else who is selling them.
Don’t worry; we don’t sell any of your donated goods for profit here at MCV.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Another Funeral
As is always the case with things here in Malawi, there is joy mixed with sorrow. Despite all the fun things that I have reported on my blog lately, there have been many funerals as well. Last week one of the truck drivers for MCV died of AIDS. Jairos was only 26 years old, and leaves behind a wife and children. I did not know him well and so I did not attend the funeral which was in his home village. I had spent a little time with him at MCV though. He was always pleasant to be around. I remember him playing with my I-Pod when we shared a car to Blantyre. He was definitely well liked, and everyone at MCV is very saddened by the loss
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
A very African Saturday
We had another football game last Saturday against Koche Hill. It was definitely a typical African experience. After Saturday classes (8:00-12:00) I ate some nsima and chicken for lunch and got ready to leave for the match at 1:30 (the scheduled time). We were going to take the big truck (you’ve seen a picture of it), but of course, had to wait for it to get fixed. At 3:15, the truck was working, but had to go unload sand in the opposite direction of the match. While most of us waited, some students hopped in the back of the truck and went to help unload sand. About ½ an hour later, we got word that the truck had broken down. We decided to walk to the match which was only about half an hour away. (If you’re like me, you’re now wondering why we didn’t just walk in the first place.) We walked to the match, worrying about how late we were (even for African standards) and the fact that we now had some members of our team with the broken down truck (more than an hour’s walk away). We showed up at about 4:15 ready to play the match (minus a few players and fans) but, of course, the other team had grown sick of waiting and left to go watch another match at the other end of the village.
As usually happens in these situations, just when the the mzungu (me) is beginning to lose it, everything works out.
Someone returned with the Koche Hill team and Sibale pulled up in his truck with the kids from the break down dancing and singing in the back. Rumor has it Koche Hill had to get some random villagers to join their team.
The netball game was cancelled b/c of the late start (and I didn’t see enough of our girls around anyways), and the football game was shortened to 30 minute halves. We were down 1-0 most of the second half, but a late substitute scored in the closing minutes to tie it up. It was very exciting; all the fans danced on the field with the team for quite awhile before the game started again. We drew 1-1, in one of those weird contests where we left feeling like we won because we tied it so late.
Also of note in the game: The referee sat down (in the middle of the field, while reffing) for a good chunk of time in the second half. Jabulanie’s brother Mabvuto was on the Koche Hill team, leading to the following conversation.
-Mabvuto! (most of us still call him Mabvuto)
-yes sir.
-your brother was on the other team?
-ah, yes sir.
-So that’s Mabvuto!
-haha, yes sir.
Things to note in the picture: 1. The kids on the right are students parading around, (partially on) the field singing and dancing. 2. We’re still in our Canisius gear. 3. None of the players are wearing any shoes.
As usually happens in these situations, just when the the mzungu (me) is beginning to lose it, everything works out.
Someone returned with the Koche Hill team and Sibale pulled up in his truck with the kids from the break down dancing and singing in the back. Rumor has it Koche Hill had to get some random villagers to join their team.
The netball game was cancelled b/c of the late start (and I didn’t see enough of our girls around anyways), and the football game was shortened to 30 minute halves. We were down 1-0 most of the second half, but a late substitute scored in the closing minutes to tie it up. It was very exciting; all the fans danced on the field with the team for quite awhile before the game started again. We drew 1-1, in one of those weird contests where we left feeling like we won because we tied it so late.
Also of note in the game: The referee sat down (in the middle of the field, while reffing) for a good chunk of time in the second half. Jabulanie’s brother Mabvuto was on the Koche Hill team, leading to the following conversation.
-Mabvuto! (most of us still call him Mabvuto)
-yes sir.
-your brother was on the other team?
-ah, yes sir.
-So that’s Mabvuto!
-haha, yes sir.
Things to note in the picture: 1. The kids on the right are students parading around, (partially on) the field singing and dancing. 2. We’re still in our Canisius gear. 3. None of the players are wearing any shoes.
Trouble
As some of you may recall from earlier blog entries, Malawian kids can cause some confusion by deciding to change their names from time to time. People don’t have birth certificates over here, and we certainly don’t have anything like student IDs, or a computer regulated attendance system. Students are thus free to choose their own name. Of course, in general, people give and use the name that they were given by their parents, but on occasion people will choose to change their name. For instance my student Stephano Frank, now uses the name Stephan Mandela. The lack of official records, etc. makes things confusing as to who actually changed their name, and who had their name recorded incorrectly by a teacher/administrator. The following is my favorite story of name confusion:
Mr. Kambalame came into the staff room after attendance for the Form 2s.
- “Did you know, Mabvuto’s name is not really Mabvuto?”
- “I was wondering about that, he just wrote Jabulanie on his test the other day.”
- “I just found out that his name is Jabulanie; his younger brother’s name is Mabvuto. But he was getting into so much trouble last term that he decided to change back to Jabulanie.”
At this point you’d be laughing if you spoke Chichewa; Mabvuto means trouble.
Amazingly enough, he has been behaving better this term with the new (or I guess old) name.
Mr. Kambalame came into the staff room after attendance for the Form 2s.
- “Did you know, Mabvuto’s name is not really Mabvuto?”
- “I was wondering about that, he just wrote Jabulanie on his test the other day.”
- “I just found out that his name is Jabulanie; his younger brother’s name is Mabvuto. But he was getting into so much trouble last term that he decided to change back to Jabulanie.”
At this point you’d be laughing if you spoke Chichewa; Mabvuto means trouble.
Amazingly enough, he has been behaving better this term with the new (or I guess old) name.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Canisius v Canisius
We had a friendly game vs. the MCV Technical School yesterday. Buffalo folk should recognize the jerseys the teams used. Thanks to Evan Brady (my cousin) and Canisius high school for donating a bunch of old soccer jerseys and shorts. Sadly, the colour (that’s right, we use British English here) coordination didn’t help our soccer skills.
We lost 2 to 1. But as far as I’m concerned I’m still undefeated as sports master, since games against other MCV teams don’t count.
We lost 2 to 1. But as far as I’m concerned I’m still undefeated as sports master, since games against other MCV teams don’t count.
Also, since this is a Buffalo related entry already, Go Sabres!! (I hope the greater Brady fam appreciates that when they win the Stanley Cup this year, it will be b/c I'm out of the country.)
Monday, May 07, 2007
So long Mr. Booster
So this entry is a little over due, since Nick actually left a couple weeks ago, but I thought he needed a send off since he has appeared in many past blog entries. Nick’s been spending a year in Africa in between highschool and college, the “gap year” that’s so popular for Brits and Australians. He volunteered at MCV for a few months, and then we met up again to travel around Malawi. We got a long great, he’s definitely the little brother I never wanted. He randomly volunteered with my sister Megan in Kenya before I met up with him. Nick is now petitioning to be an honorary Brady. Pat, Caryn, what do you think?
I thought I’d send him off with a picture I’m sure he’s going to be showing all the ladies at Pitzer (a college near LA) in the fall. If you’re finding yourself wondering where you can get such a stylish coat, I believe he got it second hand in Tanzania.
And then the azungu were one.
I thought I’d send him off with a picture I’m sure he’s going to be showing all the ladies at Pitzer (a college near LA) in the fall. If you’re finding yourself wondering where you can get such a stylish coat, I believe he got it second hand in Tanzania.
And then the azungu were one.
food essence
Not all African food products have ingredients listed on them, but the ones that do can usually provide some entertainment. Here are some of my favorite ingredients:
food flavor, food colour, food essence, stabilizer.
If you eat some really good biscuits, you can normally guess before you look; they’ve got some food flavor in them.
I think I’ll be a little less obsessed with nutritional labels and food ingredients when I get back to the states.
food flavor, food colour, food essence, stabilizer.
If you eat some really good biscuits, you can normally guess before you look; they’ve got some food flavor in them.
I think I’ll be a little less obsessed with nutritional labels and food ingredients when I get back to the states.
Bacc 2 School
Not a whole lot new to report from Mangochi. The new term started last Monday, and I’m back to teaching. (MCV actually provided classes during the summer term as well, but I was busy being selfish and traveling.) We’ve gotten a few new students, but mainly it’s the same kids. It’s nice having their names down already. Now my main struggle is to try and finish the curriculum before the Form 2 students take their Junior Certificate Examination. Although the government syllabus contains 3 terms, you only have 2 to teach it, since the test will be at the beginning of the third term. Of course, this being Africa, we still don’t know when the test will be exactly. Last year it was early September, so that’s what we’re planning for.
When I’m not working at MCV, I sit around and read. There’s not really anything to do here, so I read a lot. The rainy season is over (supposedly, but it still rained again today), and we are entering the coolest months of the year, (May and June). It really has started to get pleasantly cool; I even put on jeans and a sweatshirt at night! I suppose that the weather is actually fairly similar with what you east coasters should be getting this time of year, (hopefully, not sure if spring really arrived there yet).
I’ve started to run again. I had tried before, but was scared away by all the yelling. My new strategy is to get up at 5:00 and go running then. There are fewer people out, and the ones that are don’t seem up to yelling in the early hours. Mind you, people still seem completely baffled by my voluntary exercise. Their looks seem to say, “Why don’t you just walk 5 miles with 10 gallons of water on your head? It works for me.” I also started listening to my ipod, so that I can imagine the shouts I do hear are simply people cheering me on.
When I’m not working at MCV, I sit around and read. There’s not really anything to do here, so I read a lot. The rainy season is over (supposedly, but it still rained again today), and we are entering the coolest months of the year, (May and June). It really has started to get pleasantly cool; I even put on jeans and a sweatshirt at night! I suppose that the weather is actually fairly similar with what you east coasters should be getting this time of year, (hopefully, not sure if spring really arrived there yet).
I’ve started to run again. I had tried before, but was scared away by all the yelling. My new strategy is to get up at 5:00 and go running then. There are fewer people out, and the ones that are don’t seem up to yelling in the early hours. Mind you, people still seem completely baffled by my voluntary exercise. Their looks seem to say, “Why don’t you just walk 5 miles with 10 gallons of water on your head? It works for me.” I also started listening to my ipod, so that I can imagine the shouts I do hear are simply people cheering me on.
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