Thought of the week

The wheel of change always turns in the direction of what I put into my mind.

Thought of the week

"Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt." William Shakespeare (1564-1616) in “Measure For Measure”

Out of the blues...

The social, political and personal events of my past year leave me searching for answers to so many things. I wish I had blogged more and kept a record of my thoughts and ideas at the moment...With that said, I think I am back, back to the world of reflection...writing purposely and maybe stepping on some people's toes. Cheers to my new year of blogging!!!

Thought of the week

"Aim for success, not perfection.
Never give up your right to be wrong,
because then you will lose the ability
to learn new things and move forward with your life"~ Dr David M Burns

A Twist in African Aid

Today I woke up to news that the UK has cut its aid program to Malawi on account of mismanagement and declining issues of governance. Like most Malawians, I was worried of the impending predicament of my people. It is inevitable that the poorest in society will suffer more, not because the aid money meant for developing their communities is no longer available but rather the lack of such money to finance the activities of the political elite.

Before I proceed, let me make it clear that I for one am not a proponent of aid (in this case, aid refers to the bilateral and multilateral development assistance excluding humanitarian/emergency aid). For a long time, the idea of aid as a solution to development has been over rated. While it might have worked in the reconstruction of Europe, developmental theorists fail to learn from the experiences of the Marshall Plan.

For African countries, aid has done more harm than good. It has successfully reduced the accountability of governments and has undermined self-initiative. Governments are less keen in fostering entrepreneurship but more adept at financing their own interests. In most functioning economies, the people pay taxes in return for accountability. Aid on the other hand circumvents this route making government depend less on its people and owe them nothing.

While cutting aid will definitely affect the poorest in society, the worry does not emanate from the fact that money for the construction of schools and drugs will no longer be available. Rather the poor with their meagre resources will now have to finance the activities of the political elite through paying of higher taxes and social services. Since the “free” money used for maintaining the political base mostly “ethnic groups” is no longer accessible the political career of those in power is at threat. The most vulnerable groups in society will bear this costly burden.

Although some aid has been used for construction of school blocks and maternity wards, a large proportion of it has found its way in European banks. Doing what? I equally wonder. Maybe aid wouldn’t be so bad if the African leaders reinvested the stolen money domestically like their Asian counterparts.

Thus even though aid is not an ideal method for the development of Malawi, the cry of the civil society and citizens to this predicament can only make sense through the understanding of the political system and its activities. Therefore I will join in the plea for aid from the UK government to feed the political egos and let the ordinary citizen enjoy their life free of exorbitant taxes!

Malawi at 47: A Journey from Colonialism to Autocracy

I do not consider myself a politician. However, some things must be said for "there are times when silence becomes an accomplice to injustice"~Ayan Hirsi Ali

Today marks 47 years since Malawi attained its independence from the British Colonial rulers. For many, it’s a liberation that has turned sour. A struggle that has left us in the same place we were during colonisation. It is without doubt that the demand for liberation from the white rule was democratic although in practice it has subsequently led to more authoritarian rule.

It is legitimately hard to characterise the situation in Malawi. It is not a one party state because political parties are allowed although most elections are far from fair and they do not necessarily prohibit elections. Power transitions have occurred although not frequently and have most of the time been in favour of the ruling government. Similarly while the press is not free, its more liberal than it was before 1989 and new innovations such as private ownership of radio stations and broadcasting stations provide a more dynamic environment as opposed to that by the state or party run stations. This creation of these modern identities within a power structure that favours party loyalty is partly the reason autocratic regimes persist.

After 47 years defining democracy remains a mystery to many. For starters, democracy is often viewed as a system that allows people to participate in vital decisions affecting their lives. But when powerful persons impose their values on the society on the presumption that it is a suitable model, then democracy loses part of its meaning and becomes an imposed form of rule. So has been the case with the current leadership in Malawi. From unpopular amendments to the constitution to the change of national symbols such as the flag, the current government has defied the core values of democracy. This takes us back to our colonial years when our grandparents had little control over their land, resources and freedom. Freedom of association, freedom of worship...

In other words, Malawi under the DPP has an autocratic system disguised in a people’s government. Democracy has been confounded with “democratism” which is “primarily concerned with forms rather than the content or implementation of democratic ideals. Apparently the presidents’ opinions have become law. His supremacy extends from his party’s sovereignty thereby amassing all power in the judiciary, legislative and executive arms of the government. This concentration of power has weakened the autonomy of the assembly and the proliferation of kangaroo courts where terror is institutionalised through the creation of secret police.

However, the issue of autocracy has no simple explanation. While the president may be the top of the pyramid we citizens constitute a large base with immense power to change the direction of our ship. Although the officials in their own right are the main agents we provide the fuel for the system to endure. But in such times when fuel has become an uncommon sight one wonders what is running the system.

This is indeed Malawi. We might be facing the worst economic turmoil with consistent fuel and forex shortages. We might be coming home to another blackout every other day for the next six months but we are still proud. Proud of our Malawi Queens making it to the quarter-finals of the Word Netball Championship...maybe

As we celebrate 47 years of self rule, let us all reflect on our role in the system and the legacy we are building for generations to come. Happy Independence Day my countrymen!!!

Memoirs from abroad

Facts and figures were not the reason I went abroad. Ithaca winter may have been part of it. I flew thousands of miles to learn about myself, the person you would think I could learn about any day. Rather, it took the experience of leaving my new found home, carrying two slightly overweight suitcases and a tote bag full of stuff. I arrived four weeks after my due date, thanks to the rather cumbersome visa process. Throughout this waiting time I realised the value of time and how often I had taken it for granted. I came across the following passage highlighting the value of time

To realize the value of one year, ask a student who has failed his final exam
To realize the value of one month, ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby
To realize the value of one week, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper
To realize the value of one hour, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet
To realize the value of one minute, ask a person who has missed the train, the bus or the plane
To realize the value of one second, ask the person who has survived an accident
To realize the value of one millisecond, ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics

Landing in Brisbane was a dream come true. From my kindergarten years, I have always admired the kangaroo. Not surprising K is the first letter I ever learnt! My airport experience was a great insight into the friendly nature of Australians. Customs was actually easy, fast and very friendly. And so was the lady who picked me up. When I got accepted to study abroad in Australia, I created a list. A list of things I wanted to do and things I hoped to see. Running through my list I feel accomplished as I check my adventures in the unknown land. Seeing the Kangaroo, cuddling the Koala, rugby and netball matches, attending the Dalai Lama lecture and the night of Worship by Hillsong are all memories I will cherish.

Being at a university for four months one is bound to learn a lot. From learning about food porn to debating about the uprisings in North Africa, my intellectual base has been challenged in fun ways I never imagined before. I learned just how little I could live with, how outgoing I am and how confident I can truly be. I have learnt to value my friendships for some are there for a season. Saying goodbye will be harder but I am coming to terms with accepting change. While letting go of valuable things is painful, I am reminded of the journey I am trekking. To embrace my destiny and rise higher, I often have to make difficult changes and leave my comfort zone. Just like a caterpillar during metamorphosis, I am evolving to develop wings and fly into the skies.

While I might have developed a new sense of identity and reminded of some valuable things, some things have not changed. For one thing I can’t wait to travel more. Europe? Maybe. Even though I was unable to buy my favourite Vaseline brand, and had to pay twice as much for a Subway sandwich my time abroad was amazing!!! I truly enjoyed Australia and part of my heart belongs to the amazing people who touched my heart in countless ways 

Is Multiculturalism the answer to Ethnic Conflict?

Conflicts between individuals, communities and states are an inevitable part of the human nature. The variation in the relations between ethnic groups determines the depth of the divisions and violence in states. Although inevitable, these conflicts can be suppressed and need to be managed to avoid dominance by few members of the society or otherwise extreme measures such as violence or ethnic cleansing are bound to occur. Multiculturalism often provides a viable option however; the extent of the success of the multicultural process in creating a plural society is dependent on several factors such as the number of ethnic communities, their relative size and the depth of their differences and similarities.

In the contemporary world, societies can easily be classified as bipolar or multi-polar with very few states such as Botswana and Lesotho falling in the homogeneous group of states. Given this reality, all states need to deal with the differences of each group inherent to the country and those being created by migration. For bipolar states, multiculturalism can be more easily achieved than multi-polar states. While the former might require the creation of a dual identity with both cultural values incorporated in the school system, the latter is a nightmare to comprehend. Multi-polar ethnic groups are a challenge in implementing multiculturalism especially when some ethnic groups have their own autonomous institutions although they may depend on other ethnic groups in running their economy. At the same time some ethnic groups may be more populous and well able to influence the political scene. Such manifestations of diversity and complexity need to be unfolded to avoid generalisations in the creation of a plausible multicultural society.

Often times, ethnic conflict is generated from the differences in need and interpretation structures by groups. To this extent, multiculturalism provides a better incentive for solving conflict due to the core value of embracing the differences and fostering a community of equality and freedom of participation. By embracing the core values that are tied to the group’s identity, issues of insecurity are erased thereby approving of the differences as important for the creation of a diverse community. This is unlike assimilation which calls for cultural uniformity and creation of new unfamiliar identities which may likely perpetuate the violence in states.

Sometimes, ethnic conflicts are over layers of other sources of conflict. In such instances multiculturalism can do little to provide a long term solution. Thus understanding the real cause and evolution of the conflict is an importance issues before devising methods of suppressing and managing the conflict.

Here We Are

The summer is over, whether we got the internship we wanted or that highly paid research position it’s all behind our minds as we take more time to focus on the upcoming school year. As I try to unwind my summer and grasp the realities I was faced with I am constantly amazed at what I learnt and yearn for the next time I will visit Tanzania. To say the least it was probably my life defining summer in all aspects of my life (some I will not explore in public).

One astounding lesson that keeps recurring in my journal reflections is the change in perspective. Throughout my stay I had to learn from my mistakes whether it was the language, the daladala stop to my professors’ house, ordering food and many other things. As much as I would have loved to be completely competent the first time it just didn’t seem to work that way. In our ideal worlds, things always work out. We get that perfect grade on an exam, that job or that relationship everyone admires. But can we still pretend this is the reality? We surely don’t always get things right the first time and neither do we see a lesson in an experience immediately. A second glance might be necessary in changing our perspective. A change in perspective helps in recognizing things for what they are and not what you want them to be. This decision to focus brings not only a change in view but also a change in you.

An altered perspective may be all you need to rise above your current circumstances. A changed perspective and an altered attitude are a delightful combination for the life journey. Loving and accepting others begins with you loving and accepting who you are and transforming how you see the same old things. So stop wishing for the life of that other person because all you really need lies within you. Make a choice this moment to make a new beginning!!

Everyone is connected by the same strands of DNA

It has been about a week since I landed and can proudly say am enjoying my stay. The unfolding events of each day are a constant reminder of the similarity of the human race that stems from the encoding material in our genes. Although people have different cultures, values and language, I have been truly convinced throughout my trip that even with language barriers there is some form of inner connection amongst human beings. My theory to this hypothesis is DNA.

During my long layover in Amsterdam, I encountered (never thought I would somehow meet or talk to them again) several people with interesting ideas on the global health crisis in the world and in Africa. Surprisingly our conversations continued throughout the 9hr full flight to Kili although we sat in different sections. How, will probably be the subject of my next entry or else I will reserve that for my personal journal.

Although I have had long days swamped in policy making issues and designing a case study, I have been equally engaged in the community building my Swahili skills and absorbing as much as I can of the culture. I have been amazed at the various forms of giving an applause which I hope to carry over to the classes in Cornell (especially Psych 101 or Chem 251 lectures). Pasha Pasha still remains my favourite. The food though spicy has been great. I have had a chance of eating ugali, ndizi, chapatti and Fresh Coach. Moshi offers me some consolation after being away from home for about 9 months. I have been happily drinking fanta-pineapple, passion, orange (even though my group developed a policy against added sugar) everyday. My Zain line reminds me of how close I am to home. And meeting my fellow Malawians studying at KCMC just makes my stay worthwhile and truly enjoyable.

With so many possible learning opportunities, as I enter my second week, I hope to maintain focus on absorbing as much as I can and make all the possible connections. Through these experiences I hope to always remember that if I am going to engage then there’s only so much I can understand and its best not to stop in one place too long as I might just miss the next possible connections.

From the bottom of Mount Kilimanjaro

Yet another summer and just one more (really busy one)before graduation,YAY am already planning what to do during Senior Week!! Well,with 2 years of college education under me, I find myself in a similar situation I was in last year. I am still undecided on how to make the best use of my remaining 2 years of the liberal arts education,and surely the summer seems to be the best time for such decisions with no deadlines (arguably).However all I see for this summer is learning. Learning about life skills,the language, the culture, the traditions, the food and all life has to offer in Moshi.

As I write this, I have about 48 hours before my summer adventure begins.I am filled with excitement coupled with the fear of the unknown. Its been a long journey of vaccines,flights, soul searching and the like but as I set foot on the grounds of Moshi,in Mama Africa I shall boldly step out to the promise-land just as a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. I look forward to sharing my experiences with you as I learn and reflect at the bottom of one of Africa's greatest treasures;Mount Kilimanjaro. Thus I say KARIBU MOSHI

My Unsung Heroes

It is good to have historical figures we can admire and emulate. But why always hold up as models the men who drafted the Constitution as a way of establishing a government that would protect their interests or those who have attained world recognition through Nobel Prizes, scientific discoveries or economic initiatives.

Lost in all of that talk sometimes, however, are the real role-players – people who almost always become increasingly important in life. While blogs and more specialist sites can and do devote time to the superstars, the efforts of the main players can often go unheralded. And yet when everyone else's superstars are finding that next level to the game, often it's these lesser-known players who become the difference-makers over the course of a series. This life series has been no exception, with a couple of women standing out as the all important unsung heroes.

One of them has definitely been Mrs Jafu, who may not stand out as a public figure thus far but who has contributed in other ways - most notably as my first teacher in nursery school. Talented and gracious yet humble and loving. She wasn’t flashy and yes, her actions didn’t always result in achievements, but for a school that based its system on education ownership, the most important part was often…well, possessing the education, starting with the core human values of respect, dignity and tolerance. It helps to know that she went an extra mile in expanding the school capacity. She has excelled above and beyond expected.

Although we parted in the most painful circumstances, I vividly remember her making a plea to my parents to remain in that city. But as the youngest child in my house, my parents could not let their 4year old stay away from home for five days of the week. I still owe her a visit for her kindness which can never be repaid, a thank you note as a sign of gratitude and most of all to update her on my accomplishments- an honour to her. She surely planted the best and finest seeds!

At the other end of my secondary school education, the standout has been Sr Rosetti Lau, MIC Sisters. Another brave soul from China drawn to Malawi as her new mission assignment. She was smart and articulate but we had no idea on the first day of the new term. Having attained the Junior Certificate of Education, we expected no less than a well trained and experienced teacher for the Senior Secondary Biology class. I was not surprised when she faced resentment on her first day of school from the very students she was going to teach. I still wonder what went through her mind at that moment. Over the course of study we grew to love her. She was exceptional in her work. My research project was on cancer and little did I know she was shining a light in a path I was to follow. With cancer and other non communicable disease becoming the current threat in dealing with global health, she set me on the road to an interest in Health. I am a product of her zeal and commitment.

These people are ever shining stars in my life, the gold that never fades and the hope for a better future. These unsung heroes of the world are my HEROES!!!

~Dynamics of Life

Life is a journey, take it.
Life is a ladder, climb it.
Life is a challenge, experience it.
Life is an exam, pass it.
Life is a trap, disentangle it.
Life is a mystery, solve it.

A Feminist Perspective

Woman. The word alone has connotations that have been carried through the ages. It is easily equated to wife, mother or caregiver. Worse still is the term African woman. Weak, poor, powerless, arranged marriage, genital mutilation, market women and not least child bearer. To some extent each of these descriptions fit some African woman on the continent. One forgotten aspect is the power a woman has over life and death of the unborn child. Women may decide to keep their children or worse still terminate all their pregnancies without the consent of their partners. However it comes as a surprise to discover how women have become the victims of their biological makeup. Their very source of power has been exploited and all we hear are women crying for their reproductive health rights.

But all hope is not lost. There are a number or numerous ways women can reclaim their lost glory. One important aspect worth noting is women empowerment through education. Mahatma Gandhi once said educate a man and you educate one person educate a woman you educate a whole nation. And yes it was said by a man and a humanist or maybe he was a militant feminist Of course many think it’s one of those just feel-good quotes with no real backing yet I choose to differ. Empowerment as a process involves a specific approach, strategies and interventions. Through empowerment, there is an expansion of freedom of choice and action. It means increasing ones authority and control over the resources and decisions that affect one’s life. As women exercise real choice they gain increased access. Education is a means of ensuring women attain the power.

Children suffer if mothers are not educated. There needs to be a paradigm shift in our education system where young children currently rely on private tutors to help them with homework and exam preparation resort to their mothers with whom they spend the most time. As education starts from the home, then it is imperative that mothers are educated to a level where they can be directly involved in their children's education without the need for private tutors at an early age. Fail to educate a woman, and you fail to educate an entire nation, and the nation suffers.

Once a woman has been forced to give up her education, the next level of violation of women's rights is in marriage. There are countless stories of women being forced into marriages against their will. Because of their limited experiences and lack of education these women have little or no power to stand against the norms of society. Massive violations of women’s rights are bound to occur among uneducated women. From birth a woman’s right is violated. 'Why is it a girl? Why couldn't you produce a boy'? Some husbands would ask their wives as if the wives are to blame for the birth of baby girls. Many people fail to realise that the chromosomes that decide the gender of the child comes from the father, not the mother. What is more sinister is the case of a doctor who threatened to divorce his wife because she could not produce a baby boy.

In a society where there are large discrepancies in gender equity, the development of the world depends on the empowerment of women. Since women are the caregivers it automatically makes them spend considerable time with their children, it is important to invest in their education. Of course this is no assumption that men teach nothing to their children or downplaying them but rather recognizing the important and active role can play if empowered and given the opportunity.

Some of our Hips are too Big

African women. African woman. Underdog, sufferer, opportunity-less woman.
African women. African woman. Ignorant, indifferent, agent-less woman.
African women. African woman. Weak, poor, emotion-less woman.

Are you her? Is she me? Are we them?

Stop trying to talk about us and understand us. We know who we are – each ONE of us.
Even if still searching, we know who we want to be.
No, not your American models, movie stars and diva….
We like the things you do and the way you do …. But we have our way too… give us the chance to show you.
We know what we are capable of achieving. We do what we can with what we have.
We don’t want to be under your obsessive gaze. Please just let us be.

Thank you for opening doors for us. But please, don’t force us to walk through.
Thank you for being a voice for us. But please, don’t make us conform to your views.
And thank you for trying to understand us. But please remember, we won’t all fit in that box – some of our hips are too big.

Adapted from Neema Ndunguru

Some Basic Strands of My Life Story

Until recently, I have lived most of my life (19 years) in Malawi. As much as it offered the comfort of being within familiar settings and culture, it offered me a single story about life. A story that had similar beliefs, religion, values and culture. It lacked the possibility of challenging my acquired beliefs. It was a single story of women who had accepted less than they deserved, those who refused to take the challenge to become leaders. A story that sidelined women to conventional careers.

My acceptance into the United States Achievers Program (USAP Malawi) in 2008 was the beginning of a journey that would redefine the single story I had been made to believe. I realized that I had the power to either be the victim of my circumstances or be the master of them. I was empowered to believe that a better tomorrow begins with me today.

Well,now that am part of the global community in a small town in Ithaca,NY,my life story has taken a leap into new definitions. I have quite a different view on everything,whether for or against. I wish I studied everything from Law to International Relations to Gender Studies to Economics. My undergraduate career at Cornell University and thereafter will be spent understanding the Interdisciplinary nature of Health; The One Health Approach.