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.