sites there is always that point where things just slow
down. I have mentioned this several times in other
postings within this blog. That's just the normal reality
that makes it the roller coaster experience, it is.
That is my location at this time, not only 70 km from
anywhere, but that, and, in a slow period. Through my
experience, this time of the year is the same almost
everywhere. It is holiday time throughout the Christian
world. Schools go on break, officials go on break, and
here, it is also a time for the rains and working in the
fields.
So, where does that leave a volunteer? Kind of in the
lurch for meaningful things to do. This is where I've
found that imagination is a must. There is always something
to do, may not be so incredibly valuable or meaningful, but
it is all part of the puzzle of a plan for development/change.
In the picture you see just one of those little projects that
can fill in and occupy one's time. It is common knowledge
that in sub-Saharan Africa there is a high rate of HIV/AIDS.
In Namibia they were in the vicinity of 19 and a half percent
but with the last census have reduced it to somewhere in the
mid 17 percent range.
So, despite the fact that the trend is going in a positive direction,
the work isn't finished by any means, as there are still people
becoming infected.
So the little project in the photo is to make plaques that can be
hung on the wall as the reminder to stay vigilant. It is just
a part of that puzzle that we hope comes together and has all the
pieces in the end.
The main issue that we are addressing here concerning HIV/AIDS
is that of behavioral change. The people have received the
information in regards to prevention and so on. But, in the end,
all the information means nothing if not coupled with some
action. In this case, action in the form of behavioral change.
It is a challenge and we've tried sports, theater and anything
in between but the biggest obstacle in this town/village to
behavioral change is again, alcohol. It is difficult to make
alcoholics see the 'light'. But somehow it has to be accomplished.
The situation is also magnified by the fact that the San people are
in a major flux of culture change. It is interesting that intellectually
we can somewhat understand the ramifications of such a drastic
change, but, being in the middle of it and seeing all the problems
that arise from it, is something else.
The idea of behavioral change thrown in with a search for a
new culture, makes it again, a challenge.
Once a certain new culture or way of life is defined then, a
behavior will emerge and then action towards making it a
responsible one, can be chosen. But in the case here, there
is no set behavior. The old ways don't hold in the younger
generation and vice a versa. So there isn't an apparent
cultural argument that one can use to convince someone to
adhere to a proper behavior. It is having to create one that
fits in between the old ways and new ways. Which requires
trial and error.
Where does this all lead, in unchartered waters of development
work. It leads to any little project or idea that may be placed
in the puzzle. If a puzzle is missing that one little piece, then the
accomplishment of putting it together, loses it's luster. So, every
little piece in the end, is important.
I am hoping that the little plaque is just one of those all important
pieces of the puzzle.
So, I guess in the end, there really isn't anything, no matter how
small or seemingly insignificant which doesn't have a value. It
really is a matter of some action, big or small. It is either one
big piece or a lot of little pieces, which make a finished puzzle.
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