January 2010

African Cup of Nations
Where has January gone to????? Well, there was the African Cup of Nations – great tournament. Started a bit shaky with Togos’ bus getting gunned down by rebels- 3 men died. But good news for Ghana as they were in their group so 1 down already! They played a lot of their under 20’s (who recently won the under 20’s world cup), who looked a bit young & inexperienced compared to the Ivory Coast who beat them badly in heir first game. We thought it was all over for Ghana, but lo & behold they held their own and beat Burkina, Nigeria & Angola to make it to the finals against Egypt! God is/was truly great! The final was very atmospheric in a hot small room, full of men naturally, with 2 TVs going side by side showing the final & Arsenal v Man U simultaneously. Was a bit confusing but eventful! Egypt beat us in the last minute – was a hard blow but everyone reckons the boys did well & everyone’s well proud of them. (picture of 2 young men sporting the Ghana colours)

Out with the old......

My great big Ugandan house mate, Richard moved out to his own house. Was sorry to see him go after 2 months of sharing skills and changing lives. I am glad to say he left knowing what a mop is & I finally learned what offside means. Michelle arrived in his place, a head (the ball) teacher from England, who will be staying for 3 months – also placed in the same office as me in Tongo. I reckon she’s going to shape things up a bit up there!

A missing cow & a dead donkey
January saw the annual Talensi Nabdam Teachers Day of appreciation. We are only district who does this, bringing all the teachers together (700) for speeches, music, minerals & food. So, very kindly the local chiefs donated crates of cokes, malts & beers, goats & 1 very generous chief handed over a cow. Much appreciated. However, 2 days before the big event, the lucky cow escaped! Bovine intervention apparently! So, we were all very worried what will the teachers eat? Can teacher’s day possibly go ahead? Well, the cows luck ran out & just in time he was returned & enjoyed by me and 700 teachers in our jallof rice. A great day was had by all (except the cow of course).

Myself & my neighbour Laura, a VSOs wife & Vet sat with a dying donkey just outside my house a coupe of weeks ago. Was pretty sad. She had been knocked over by a lorry & was just lying on the side of the road. Her baby was hanging around eating grass. So I called Laura for her advice, who came down. The only option was to find the owner & cut her throat to put her out of pain. Not a very nice option but better than her suffering for possibly days. So, as the boys went off to find the owner, she started getting very agitated & went into a bit of a fit & died. At which stage the baby came over & started neighing & was all very sad. I was sort of relieved it was all over at that stage, so I could go home & watch the footie.

An Imam & a monkey
The same neighbours, Anthony & Laura are after adopting a little ugly, frisky monkey. So, we were sitting up one their roof, enjoying a little sangria, when the little monkey jumped on my leg & started humping away! Managed to shake him off & was a bit grossed out. But I guess he’s probably a bit lonely & frustrated. No such excuses for the local imam though. He called round to my house later that evening & hugged me (firstly, they shouldn’t even shake women’s hands never mind hugs) rather inappropriately!!!! The man has 4 wives & is easily 70. Tempting!!!!!
Oh yeah, work.......
January has been a pleasant month up in Tongo. Work is still small small but getting more familiar with people & places, protocols & acronyms, budgets & the rest. It’s all very interesting. Also, while things are still a bit slow, I’m helping the statistician, Saani, teach some high school children maths – really lovely girls, which is nice & keeps me busy. So I’ve actually been working 9 – 5 & doing some marking in the evening also. All good! (picture of little visitor to the classroom)