Global Poverty Monitor

After the introductions at the Chiembekezo food security project, we got back into the cars and drove about 15 minutes to look at some of the crops that are being grown. I was very impressed by the way it is run – apparently 10-15 people are selected to be trained by people employed by World Vision in how to grow successful crops. After the training program, these people then train other people in the community. Men and women work together equally in the field as well.

Back at the community center, a group of women called the Sweet Potato Group showed us how they use art forms like singing, dancing and drama to educate other people in the community. Under Alex’s translation, we found that they sang some songs encouraging women to breastfeed their babies for at least 2 years, to feed their families on good food, and even about the various forms of contraception available, including condoms, pills and injections – all of which they had with them.

There was also a drama play about parents who do not feed their child properly, and who dies as a result. I was very impressed by this method of teaching, and I did not think that this ADP was this evolved at this time. The audience really seemed to enjoy the performances, and as such I imagine that they would take in the messages a lot more willingly. Some of the religious leaders that we have heard from have said that the Church is the best way to educate people in large groups, but I wonder if this might be more effective, or at least equally effective but in a different way. Lunch was then served, and I managed to make it look like I took and ate a lot without really eating anything. The food preparation that I have seen is very basic, as of course would be expected, but I doubt our stomachs can handle the food, especially in large quantities. Gracia was angry with me for not taking any cooked meat either today or at Kristy’s sponsored child’s house yesterday, saying that it had been prepared with love for me, but she’s not the one with a Western stomach who has to worry about being sick for the rest of the trip! Anyway, both times I made a show of taking some food along with everyone else, and so the people who prepared it would not have known. I have been so careful and semi-obsessive about water – rinsing my mouth only with bottled water (even in Maputo at the Holiday Inn, which was probably quite safe), never having ice in a drink, and drinking from a bottle rather than a glass whenever I can.

After lunch I walked around and talked (using smiles and gestures) to some mothers, and played the game that no one seems to be able to get enough of – where you take someone’s photo on a digital camera and then show them the preview on the screen. I love playing that game because it makes people laugh, even solemn looking adults and teenagers. I wish there was some way I could take a picture of the look on their faces after they see themselves on the screen – its priceless. We gave the community leaders some gifts, including sticker books, frisbees, a globe, soccer balls and skipping ropes.

When we were picked up, we drove for about an hour to the Chiembekezo food security project. We met with the community group first, and as usual we were greeted with song and dance when we got there. We were then lead to a table where we were invited to sit, and the district managers introduced themselves and welcomed us. We were asked to speak individually, and so we all said our name and age. Once again there was laughter when I said my age (or rather after Alex translated it for me). I have really grown to like Alex – in the car on the way to the food security project he was telling Will and I about natural medicines. He explained natural remedies for ulcers, headaches, and other ailments, using things like citric acid for lemons and the ashes produced when coconut shells are burnt. It is so enlightening to speak to an authentic Mozambican who can tell me the things I have wondered about. Tonight at dinner I even asked him about his hair, since I feel comfortable enough with him now and I was sure that her would be fine with me asking. He said that he was happy I had asked, and he seemed to find it funny that I am a law student, and seemed to find a connection between my asking the question and my law degree.

Alex has been so open with us about all parts of his life – that his father had many wives and he has over 20 half brothers and sisters, about the facts that he has no wife or children, and the home that he lives in. So I asked him about his hair: the typical short, black hair that grows in little patches all over the head. I asked if he cuts it or if it grows that way, and he said that he has it cut, but the last time was 2 months previously, and that it would not grow very long anyway, and would be very tight curls.

We then went back to the group of orphans, and Joseph got to meet his sponsored child, Robate Paulino and then [we] drove the short distance to Robert’s house. Robert’s house was very shabby, with a lot of other huts very nearby. Inside the rooms was very messy and cluttered, and also pitch black, even though it was very sunny outside. There was a drunk man outside, and when Joseph gave Robert’s family some money, the grandmother promised not to use it ‘for drink’. On the other hand, Robert is 11 and is already in grade 5, so is quite ahead with his schooling.

After meeting the community we drove to Dawn’s sponsored child’s house. Her name was Ganizai Regido, and she was a very sweet, shy little girl, wearing a beautiful brand new dress that World Vision supplies all sponsored children when they are about to meet their sponsors. It was awkward for Dawn to being with, because its like she’s supposed to have a bond with a child that she really doesn’t know. All three of the sponsored children from today are very newly sponsored – only from when we started organizing the trip, and there have been no letters exchanged between the sponsors and the children as yet. Ganizai Regido really warmed to Dawn after a while, and liked to stay close to her. Dawn gave her some great gifts too, like a soccer ball, a skipping rope and a little koala. They played together for a while, teaching the child how to use her new toys, and then the family served lunch, with was a rice dish and some cooked meat.

Next we visited a group of orphans. In Mozambique, orphans are defined to be any child who has lost one or both of their parents. So the definition is not as harsh here as it is in Australia. This was only a quick stop because it was on the way, so we stayed for only a few minutes. Our next destination was the home of Liena Tembo, Kristy’s sponsored child.

Liena was a confident little 9 year old girl, who marched straight up to Kristy and shook her hand. She too was wearing a very pretty brand new dress. Her father was very happy and extremely proud. He was eager to show us his garden, which we were happy to see. His garden was very impressive, it was lush and green and had about 10 different types of fruits and grains. We had another lunch at the house, more of the cooked meat and some vegetable dishes, as well as the rice-like food from before, called Cassava.