Leave for Change Blogs

Getting excited about my assignment. 3 more sleeps and I am off. Peru, here I come!

Our University of Guelph group of volunteers are now trained and ready for our adventures. Malawi, Nepal, Bolivia, Peru, and me… Vietnam!

Our University of Guelph group of volunteers are now trained and ready for our adventures. Malawi, Nepal, Bolivia, Peru, and me… Vietnam!

Thought  I would share a few facts  about wrapping up my mandate in Tanzania.

In my personal and humble opinion, I feel I have successfully accomplished most of the roles and responsibilities for my assignment at the National College of Tourism (NCT).  

I supported and motivated the students in both theory and practical aspect of their program.   Examples include, introducing students to new ideas and recipes for marketing to the consumers, as well as for the College's interest.  Most of the recipes were approved and tested by:  students, chefs, instructors and the principle.  The chef had shared with me, that  in the coming days, they will be doing a test pilot and are planning on  launch some of the recipes to the public.

On theory aspect,  some of the topics that were discussed with the students included: customer service, personal hygiene, allergies, and handling of food.   Since the students had come to know me, they were very comfortable with my presence.  Therefore,  I strongly sensed, students were very much engaged with these sessions.  Not only were they interested in learning more, but  the students always had questions for me and more importantly, there was continuous dialog happening between us.  Most of all, it was wonderful to hear the students perspective on the different topics we discussed about. Although it takes time and perseverance to develop any skills, nevertheless, I feel that I have helped the students to be more confident and self assertive in their daily activities and environment.  It was wonderful to hear the students saying, moving forward, they will remember and "promised" to be more engaged in their school lessons/homework, in addition to speaking English with their peers.

My last day at the College was very touching and emotional.  Words cannot  describe or express, the departure reception  I received from everyone: staff, teachers and students.   Therefore, I will let the photos say it all.

During a conversation with the students, we talked about what they do over the weekends if they go out with their friends, to the movies etc.  I learned, due to financial reasons, most of the students have never had the chance to go to a cinema; and when the occasion rises, they rent DVDs and watch the movies at home.  Upon hearing this, I thought these students have to experience going to the cinema moments. So, I made arrangements with the Jovita and we planned a Friday afternoon movie day for them. The students were absolutely thrilled, not only they were going to see the movie in a cinema, but also got to visit the town “life” activity around Njiro, (where I was living).  Later on I surprised them with an ice cream treat at an ice parlor place.  The look on their faces was priceless, when they saw where they were and the treat they were going to have. The students very much appreciated this wonderful experience; they could not express their gratitude enough.  I truly felt very blessed and gratefully, for having the opportunity to do something unique for these amazing students. However, I could not say much about the movie, I fell asleep watching it.  But the students enjoyed it and that’s all that really mattered!

Movie Day

For those of you, who know me very well, are aware of my clumsiness, and of course, I must maintain my reputation while here in Arusha as well.

While out for dinner one evening with the Uniterra staff members, including Leanne (volunteer), I was enjoying my french fries which were loaded with ketchup.  When all of sudden my fork jumped out of my hand (at least that’s what I think), and flew into the air, in turn, the fries landed and stuck on the front of my white shirt! In addition, the surplus ketchup made its mark and splattered everywhere on my shirt, and of course there was complete silence for a few seconds, everyone was astonished by this action. Of course, if that wasn’t enough of an embarrassing moment for one evening, next, when I was asked a question, I was expressing myself, with my hands, and then I decided to knock over a glass of red wine!   The rest of the story, I will leave to your imagination, other than my shirt had multiple colours that night.
 

Although excited, I was feeling a bit apprehensive in demonstrating my skills on Indian cooking, to both Madam Chef Wilgatha and the students.   The recipe I had decided to make is called “mati”; basically it’s almost like a flaky pastry in texture, with a savory taste to it.   Since the College is looking for ideas on marketing, sellable food items to stores/consumers, thus the reason, I choose to make the mati.  From my experience, this item is very popular and sold in many shops/restaurants, in other parts of the world, (UK, India and Canada), and if I may say so myself, quite a tasty snack, for any time of the day.  Therefore, thinking of the College’s best interest, I decided to share this recipe with them.

I proceed to demonstrate my mati making with the, eager students, who wanted to learn and assist what this recipe entailed..  Once the matis were completed, they were shared with the senior management and faculty, as well as the students, to taste and for their feedback. Much to my delight, the matis were a great hit and loved by everyone, as a result, management is going to make plans on marketing to them to the public, in the very near future!

After work, I had gone to the grocery store to pick a few items, and I could not believe when I was a customer, buying the matis at this grocery store!

Making Matis

My mandate has been different everyday; not what I expected, but, its always pleasantly surprising for sure.
I was looking forward to today, thinking that things were back to normal at the College; and I would commence my work duties, as initial discussed the first week.  When I got to the College, I was surprised to see, everyone seemed to be on a mission.  Students, staff and instructors were seriously focused on their tasks.   I went to the kitchen, and saw it was similar; students were busy scrubbing the kitchen floors, counters etc.  I found out that, the Deputy Minster was paying a visit later on that morning, to the College!  Hence everyone was on pins and needles, to ensure the College was in immaculate conditions for his arrival.
Due to the unexpected activities going on around the College, it was decided, it was a good day for me to check out the market, for some spices I needed for my cooking. While waiting for the driver to pick me up, I was approached by the Jovita (Head Admin), to see if I could give the Front Desk students a short lesson on the pros and cons of a Front Desk's responsibilities/duties. Of course I happily obliged, (I was getting use to recovering very fast from the unplanned requests).  I am happy to say, this turned out be a very positive experience for both the students and myself.

Students cleaning the kitchen

I finally had the opportunity to participate, in the class sessions with the Front Desk”  students.  Of note, these students have chosen to complete their program, by specializing in either the receptionist or the chef fields.

Enthusiastically, I had prepared myself, with my research, notes on how to be an effective receptionist. In turn, I was feeling very pleased and confident with my preparations that I was going to share with the students.  At first the students were shy and a bit apprehensive, and reluctant to participate, in any channel of conversation.  Mind you, I was feeling nervous, myself.  But I managed to coax and encourage them; eventually the students started to open up to me.  Hence, they became very interested, engaged and the dialogue between us commenced, thus session turned out to be very constructive and positive.

On a related interest, in my view, when one is dealing with the public on many complex levels, I think it is essential for the individual to maintain his/her well being, in a optimistic manner. Therefore, during this session, I wanted to share my thoughts and views, on yoga and meditation, and the benefits of it.  However since yoga and meditation, is not well known in Tanzania, (from my observations), therefore, the students did not have any knowledge about it, and not receptive to learn about it - apart from one student.  This young student’s name was Valentine, out of the 7 students; he was the only male who was interesting in learning more about yoga and meditation!

I was happy to fulfill his request, and interestingly enough the girls appeared keen on participating as well.  If I may say so humbly, this session turned out to be a huge success, not only did the students enjoyed participating, they had fun, laughed, and eagerly trying doing the yoga poses, they appeared to be at ease and comfortable, in their environment.  In conclusion, I convinced the students to partake in meditation only if for 60 seconds, but since they all appeared to look so serene, while meditating, they were pleasantly surprised, to hear that their meditation lasted for 4 minute!  Afterwards, the students shared, that the anxiety/stress, they were experiencing earlier that morning had disappeared (they were having an exam this day). But now, they felt very much at peace, more energy and a happy state of mind.  Experiencing the results first hand, the students are interested and looking forward in learning more about yoga/meditation.  Of note, a couple of teachers also invited me to show them some of the yoga poses.

My work assignment at the National College of Hospitality & Tourism has been quite intriguing and full of surprises, thus far.  Originally, when I had a meeting with both chefs and the Administrator of the College, the duties and the work plans were confirmed and put in place as per the students’ timetable schedule.  Understandably,  I planned my prep work according to these commitments, and was prepared and ready for my first day at work, as well as the rest of the week (or I least thought so).  Unbeknown to me, these plans were put on the back burner; in turn, I ended up, participating and assisting the students in an entirely different capacity.

Reason being, the College got an impromptu order from a client to make lunches, for the week.  So to fulfill these requests, the students’ course schedule got re-jiggled, to accommodate these orders.  Which meant, instead of being in class for theory, the students got the opportunity to work on these menus first hand.

I too, was fortunate and got to work alongside, with the chefs and the students, I got the firsthand understanding, how a kitchen production operated, in a Tanzania College. Thinking back, this turned out to be a great opportunity for me.  In turn, I got to mingle with the students, in their “comfort territory”, appose to a formal classroom setting.   As a result, the students, started opening up to me and as such, we shared our stories back and forth of the cooking world.  We had many diversifying conversations, which often times ended up being somewhat complex.  To my amusement, the students enjoyed telling me (I think) what they are doing and in turn, telling me what to do and how to do it.  For example, a student who I would be working along with cutting veggies, would say, the size is good; but then another would come along, and say no, either they were too big, or too small!  I must admit it was quite the challenge cutting veggies, and keeping them a particular size, especial those hard ones.

Another piece of news I would like to share is, when a student found out I was from Canada, she immediately, made this strong statement, "white people are scared of their black skin" and she would be scared to come to Canada, because, "I will end up being a slave"… and I was so taken aback and stunned, when I heard those words.

On a general note, during the first full week of my mandate at the College was, I left my place around 6:15am, thus, in time to start work around 7:00am.  This was followed with tea 11:00 and lunch breaks, 1:00-2:00pm, the day concluded 4:00.  So before heading back home, I went to the Uniterra Office, to prepare for the next day sessions, (no internet at the College).  Such as, research, taking notes, printing or copying.  Of note, the copier in the Office only has the function to copy one page at a time.  So you can just imagine how long it would take to copy handouts for a class of 10 students!  Sometimes it was around 6pm before I got back to my place, and then I needed to ensure, I have had everything in place for the next day.

On a fashion note, not knowing how the laundry system worked in Arusha, I had brought enough clothes with me to last the duration. But then I found out, the College wanted me to wear only white tops, the pant colour did not matter. This was to maintain the white uniform structure, in the labs, amongst students and chefs.  Thanks goodness, I had brought 7 white tops with me, which last me for the week.  So now I have to wash these tops, at the weekend, for the start of a new week!

On a final note, everyone at the College is amazing, so, so friendly, especially the students, I feel so blessed to be working with a great bunch of wonderful students

If anyone is interested…, the weather here is pretty awesome! It reminds me of the Canadian summer evenings, with the crickets making their music, but happy to say minus the humidity.

The mornings and evenings in Arusha, are very pleasant with cool gentle breeze, passing in and out, just a wonderful, pleasant feeling all around.  And even more so, waking up to the beautiful tropical plants and flowers, the blooms are so vibrant and full of amazing colours.  Although the afternoons, (between12- 5ish) are hot, but since there no humidity, it’s perfect.  During the afternoon when it gets hot, being inside with the very cool, light wind blowing, creates a charming atmosphere.  Oops did I emphasize on the weather a bit too much, since we are now in November!!

However, mind you, sleeping during the night is quite the unique experience.   It starts off in the evenings, when the guest house dogs can be heard, making their presence known, that they live at Aida’s Place as well.  They are usually let out around 9ish and of course, bursting with energy and excitement they have to release, start barking while, running around the lawn. Then it appears, as the village dogs congregate and start having their meetings, a bit later.  Which is howling, wailing, whining and barking, (one dog in particular, might be crying?).  Oh, cant forget the crickets, they are busy and very, very loud with their chit, chatter, practically most of the night.  Next are hens, constantly making their statements, with their cuckooing in the very, early morning hours (4:00am), and they go on and on. Shortly thereafter, the prayers come on for the Muslim community.  I suspect, to ensure that they are heard throughout the village, the speakers are on high volume, thus very loud and clear.  And of course, around 5:15 am ish, it is time for me to get up and start begin my preps, to leavefor work around 6:15 or so.

As to the insects, I was concerned about the mosquitoes, and the flies, but surprising I have not seen much, either of these pesky bugs. Except, for one freakin mosquito that tends to visit me, from time to time, and no matter how hard I try, my efforts are in vain trying to capture it. Oh well thank goodness, for the mosquito net.

I find all night activities very fascinating and interesting, so different from what I am used to back home, in Ontario!

On my first day at the National College, I was asked to make one Indian dish, for the students.  I was delighted to be given the opportunity, to show my cooking skills.  However, since I had no idea, that I would be expected to do any cooking on my first day, I had not prepared myself, in regards to what type of food making I would share with the community.  Recovering fast from the impromptu request, I decided to make pakoras.

Some students watched in awe, when I was preparing my “stuff”, while the eager ones, volunteered to assist me with the preparations. After the first batches of pakoras were cooked, students enjoyed "testing" them and talking amongst themselves, in their own language. I had no idea, what they were discussing, but they appeared to be enjoying the food. Of note, it was very interesting to see, some of the keen students were very observant, when they saw the batter getting low; they took the initiative to prepare more veggies for the it. Thus a good sign, everyone was having a great time during this session.  I am happy to say, the assignment was a great success, the students could not stop talking the pakoras. (And yes- the instructors enjoyed this treat as well).

On my first day at the National College, I was asked to make one Indian dish, for the students.  I was delighted to be given the opportunity, to show my cooking skills.  However, since I had no idea, that I would be expected to do any cooking on my first day, I had not prepared myself, in regards to what type of food making I would share with the community.  Recovering fast from the impromptu request, I decided to make pakoras.

Some students watched in awe, when I was preparing my “stuff”, while the eager ones, volunteered to assist me with the preparations. After the first batches of pakoras were cooked, students enjoyed "testing" themt and talking amongst themselves, in their own language. I had no idea, what they were discussing, but they appeared to be enjoying the food. Of note, i was very interesting to see, some of the keen students were very observant, when they saw the batter getting low; they took the initiative to prepare more veggies for the it. Thus a good sign, everyone was having a great time during this session.  I am happy to say, the assignment was a great success, the students could not stop talking the pakoras. (And yes- the instructors enjoyed this treat as well).

Finally, I got myself settled and patiently waited at the designated gate area, until it was time for the announcements to board the plane.  But around 6:15am, I was getting a bit concerned..., then the announcement came on, gate has been change for flight, so and so! I rushed to the new gate, which took good 5 minutes of fast walking.  Apparently, the wrong gate # got printed on some boarding passes.

Sunday, October 23

At Philadelphia, waited patiently for the next transfer at the correct gate, but this time the flight was delayed by two hours. All the passengers were reassured that, arrangements were made at the other end, thus no one will miss their connections at Qatar’s airport.  I was very fortunate-again; I just made it in time for boarding my next connection. Finally reached Tanzania airport safe and sound, where I ended up ”bumping” into another L4C colleague, while filling out some paperwork.

On a final note:  my “Journey to Tanzania”, later on in the evening, I found out, that I was the “lucky chosen one-”; the airline had randomly opened and checked one of my suitcases, (security purposes). But broke the lock and zippers, to get into it!  Gee, here I was thinking, the suitcase got damaged and some kind person took the time to saran wrap it.

Just wondering why, they couldn’t have chosen the suitcase that did not have a lock on it!  Now I have to take the time to shop for a new suitcase, not too thrilled about this cost, I have incurred!

My flight was for 6:45am Saturday morning, flying out to Philadelphia, arrangements were made for the taxi to pick me up from home around 2:15am that morning.

Trying to sleep, between, Friday evening and just before my time to leave for the airport, I felt was not going to be productive. So Ramann (my daughter) who took the time to come from Milton, helped me with last minute packing and kept me company until 2:15am!

Saturday, October 22,

Getting to Toronto Pearson airport was kinda monotonous, at 3:15am.  However, going thru the check in process was different.  Upon checking my luggage, I was informed the suitcases were overweight by 1-2 LBS.  Must remove the extra items; otherwise, I will get nailed with a penalty fee of approx. $125.00 per suitcase, (A. Airline strict new policy), upon reaching Philadelphia, (such an inconvenience to shuffle things from the suitcase).

Moving on to the US customs, I had to fill out an online customs declaration form, on one of the computer stands.  I saw some icons that had the different countries signs on the screen, and seeing, one that had red and white, (Canada), I selected it. When I saw the writing in Chinese, guess what-wrong button, (didn’t bother to put my glasses on).  Of course, they did not have an icon for Canada, but rather separate instructions for Canadians users.  (LOL)