I’m a Deputy Programme Manager for the Department for International Development (DFID). I’m currently on a short term posting to Zimbabwe, working on DFID`s health programmes here. I’m based in Harare but manage to get out to see projects across the country. This is my first overseas posting with DFID and I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to start with Zimbabwe, such a fascinating and beautiful country.
July 2013: my first week in Zimbabwe, in a taxi in Harare: “Boss, you can tell everything by the street-lights (‘boss’ being a friendly if slightly over-respectful Zimbabwean term when addressing customers)… “The street-lights….? I replied. “Sure Boss, the street-lights. …
Last week I met Nyasha, an inspirational woman who left me determined never to moan or complain again. About 70 years of age, Nyasha lives in a small community outside of the city of Bulawayo, the second largest city in …
There is a growing recognition of the extent and impacts of child, early and forced marriage (CEFM) in Zimbabwe. CEFM is widespread; 31% of young women in Zimbabwe are married by the age of 18. And research shows the deep …
It feels like a lifetime since I was sitting in my kitchen in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, reflecting on my week as an International Citizen Service (ICS) volunteer, and trying to sum it up in under a 1000 words for my …
My fellow volunteers mocked me when I first arrived in Burkina Faso, asking me why I had brought such a ridiculous garment to a 40 degree climate. However, back at Heathrow I very much appreciated my large puffer jacket, and …
One week left in Ouagadougou - a city that will remain close to my heart for years to come - and our workload appears to have tripled. Before I began my project with Tigoung Nonma, a co-operative dedicated to helping …
As I write under the light of the moon, my first thought is that the moon is not designed as a side light. It is there for those without pen and paper; those who can and cannot write; and even …
There are seven of us (if you don't count Lemon, Lime and Grape - our three 'pet' geckos that live behind the curtain) living in a simple yet spacious house in south-east Ouagadougou. We do not have hot water but, …
Our orientation week in Ouagadougou allowed us to acclimatise to our new surroundings: five days were dedicated to French and Moore (the local dialect) lessons; meeting members of other NGOs based here in Ouagadougou; and learning more about the history …
The last few days have been a blur of excitement, and I apologise now if this inhibits my ability to write coherently. After travelling for 12 hours with my new housemates for the next three months, I arrived in the …
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