Well for those environmentalists out there that have been warning the world about its current lifestyle trends and the reducing world resources; your word would be believed and taken heed from Lusaka dwellers. This week there has been a national fuel shortage, the roads are quiet (much to the delight of me and my fellow cyclists!) and petrol stations have queues of vehicles for miles in every direction as people search out the fuel depots which are (possibly) due deliveries. With the fuel scarcity it is having a considerable impact on productivity and businesses across Zambia. I am waiting for the day that people do not report to the office as they ‘could not travel’, it has not reached quite that stage yet though! For me on my two wheels, Zambike, the fuel shortage does not present a problem and boy do I feel smug as I whizz past the queues at the local petrol station on a morning. However at home our daily powercuts have started to extend to 3 and 4 hours of an evening, which is not only testing my patience but also limiting my culinary creativity somewhat! I have however become quite the accomplice at finding the matches and stray candles in the house once the power disappears.
This weeks blog titled ‘A Day For Everything’ was inspired by ‘World’ events of the week and also being reliably informed by the Zambian Post newspaper that the 24th October should be in everyone’s diary for more than one reason. Firstly, and to be honest most importantly, Saturday 24th October 2009 was the 45th Anniversary of Zambia’s Independence. A day rightly given a special importance in Zambia; however quite a bizarre day to find yourself as a UK citizen in Zambia as the whole country is celebrating their ‘freedom’ from the British Empire and rule of the throne. The day passed with much singing of the National Anthem, ceremonies were held in all major cities and lots of sporting activities marked the celebrations. The streets were filled with people wearing colourful chatengi’s (traditional fabric) and there were a considerable amount of men in shirts made of the Zambian flag. But the 24th of October, or so I am informed, is also ‘United Nations Day’ (to mark the day the UN was initiated 64 years ago) and believe it or not.......it is also World Egg Day! (celebrated by the Poultry Association of Zambia!)
It has been a quiet EduSport office over the past 5 days; Patrick, Sharon and Kelvin have all been in Johannesburg for Kicking AIDS Out workshops and meetings. This should have signalled a productive week for those of us in Lusaka; for a start there should have been easier access to computers (all 3 of them) in the office. However, like all good plans it did not quite happen as such. The power has been inconsistent and the internet connection could be likened to a teenager, ie. working when and if it chooses to! Two days without any internet in the office unsurprisingly increased my own productivity; Friend of EduSport now have new-look sponsorship profiles and the first draft of the IDEALS Zambia summary report and the first ever e-newsletter were compiled. Now it is case of waiting on feedback before the next jobs begin. As part of my role in the EduSport office over the next few months I will be reviewing the EduSport communication strategy; OK so a posh way to say updating the website and ensuring all partners feel informed and communicated with regularly!
On Wednesday I joined Annie and the rest of the CATS team at training, the temperature seems to automatically increased whenever it is time to lace up the boots it is quite incredible. I have been trying to recall when it last occurred but I am at a loss except possibly in Primary school when I last played a boys vs girls football match. I don’t mean mixed teams, as that would’ve been the Go Sisters World Series London Leg in May, but I mean full 11 a side boys versus girls teams (well except our coach joined us). This was the form of training that took place on Wednesday at the Burma ground, CATS took on the school team...... and yes we lost by a number of goals! Still team morale isn’t too low (considering); it was great to see older faces re-appear into the squad not only with Annie Namukanga donning her boots once again (well before cramp took hold!) but also some of the ‘original’ Go Sisters have rejoined and vowed to train as part of the team. It makes for a diverse team in skills, experience and age. The youngest player is 13 and the oldest is....well, it would be rude to but at 28 I must not be far off! Not forgetting the visible diversity with one muzungu on the field! I think this can be the only explanation why the crowd gathered to watch what wasn’t exactly ‘classic’ football on display. It was an ‘interesting’ experience, my UK-educated mind referred that this wouldn’t be plausible due to health and safety (never mind parental consent) considerations in the UK. However, how many youths miss out on these potential development opportunities after primary school age, it was fun to play boys vs girls and the game didn’t require the rulebook to be enforced to be played in a fair manner - although one red card was doled out for a tackle on our keeper.
It leads me to wonder if women’s sport in the UK is preventing and shying away opportunities, to challenge skills and physical attributes, under the guise of ‘appropriate‘ development. I saw the skills and capabilities of the girls in the CATS team shine under the circumstances to arise from the game, from defending in the air, key tackles to chasing the ball. I am not entirely sure when it was decided that men and women’s sport should be seen as such different entities but I reflect on sports which continue to train together, such as my own sport of canoe slalom, and the many social and practical benefits that arise from this simple practise. Indeed surely for all the programmes which claim to work on ‘women’s empowerment through sport‘ surely this is impossible to achieve when operating in isolation. I would suggest that the only way to fully empower women is to ensure they are seen as equals and able to compete alongside their male peers in as many areas as possible. I saw displays of female ‘capability‘ shine through on the sports field on Wednesday, despite the loss (by maybe 4 goals!) at the final whistle there was a sense of pride in the team at their collective ability to challenge their male counterparts to a good game.
Saturday saw me attend Kelvin’s church commission. Not really understanding religion, I took that this was his entry into the church as an adult and participating in his first Mass since we celebrated his 16th birthday a few weeks ago. The service was 3 hours long and I was left bemused as the entire service was in nyanja therefore I can’t really make comment on my first catholic mass experience! But it was big day for Kelvin and it was great to see his K-Town peers were also present to support him. A thank you to Lazerous who helped me negotiate the back streets of Kalingalinga to find the church on time and also offer some words by way of explanation throughout the service!
I had hoped that this weekend would mark my first exploratory cycle (beyond Burma Road) but alas I was struck with a mystery bug. Well in reality it is probably more a cold, but I opted to rest up. I am eager to get out on my bike and put some miles in but hopefully next week will be the week when that happens. Although Saturday is already booked out for the ‘big event’........ Mr Zambia Body Building! Since my other two fellow fans have disappeared on me (you are going to miss out, Mel and Kerry). I have, I think, talked David into accompanying me to this event which will surely be a ‘once in a lifetime‘ experience. I will prepare blog readers now that I fear next week’s blog may be focused towards this one topic!
Also this week, I have joined a gym! I am almost embarrassed to admit it but I succumbed to the lure of the Intercontinental Hotel air-conditioned luxury. But in my defence it is an easy cycle from home/office and is a real treat. Fear not I am not that inspired by Mr Zambia, I think the gym programme will focus on reducing not increasing mass!! Due to cycling, daylight and heat implications it means early morning gym sessions are the only feasible options during the week; anyone who witnessed me on my early shifts at Stirling University or Nottingham gym shifts will chuckle at this. Will keep you informed of my progress.
To conclude, I wish everyone happy Independence, World UN and Egg Days!!! (Once I work out how to embed pictures into my blog I hope the stories from the week will come more to life, but for now you will have to take only my words).
