Memories of Mice on a Stick

I spent a day interviewing several people at the Malawi Red Cross Society national headquarters. I spoke with the communications manager and several program managers. I also had a chance to interview a few Red Cross staff in the camp to learn more specifics about the programs they provide for refugees. Although this was not related to my internship, it relates to the work I do at the Red Cross, and it was great for me to see how the same program is run in a totally different context.

Although this month has flown by, I feel like I have made the most of the experience. I had the chance to talk to so many different people and learn a lot.  One of my final days, I had the opportunity to meet and talk to the camp administrator. It was helpful to get different perspectives from the various key people/organizations that are instrumental in running the operations in the camp.

                                           A few photos from my last week in the camp:

The entrance to the market in the camp

I attended a graduation for 26 students that will be resettling to Canada soon to attend college and start a new life. The ceremony was full of dancing, skits, a poem reading from one of the students, and some great speeches. It was quite amazing thinking about the journey that the students had been through to get to that moment, and the journey they were about to embark on. The program does a great job setting them up with language and culture courses (shout out to Katie!) 

Dance performed by a group of students

On my last day in the camp, I had a meeting with all 57 women in the craft group. I gave an overview of the research that done the last month and my intentions for moving forward with all that rich data. The women expressed a strong interest in saving some money from the income they generate through the cooperative. I did research about various options and presented findings to the group. I had printed out savings account application forms ready to be filled out. A group of us sat with each woman and an interpreter to complete the forms.

Last meeting with the women's group

I took advantage of my last week in Lilongwe by getting to know the nightlife and meeting up with new friends for several dinners. I was really feeling comfortable with getting around on public transport or by foot. I even managed to take a few bike taxis and got a lot of strange looks from locals.

Afterwork gathering with some of the great people from JRS

A bridge built by locals to cross from one side of the market to the other (Lilongwe)

Another view of the market in Lilongwe to the right

Shoes anyone?

My busy week made my departure feel very abrupt. I don’t want to sound too cliché, but this month has been such an amazing experience. I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity….meeting great people, making lasting friendships and memories, and constantly learning. 

This pic is a bit blurry because we were driving by. They sell mice on a stick on the side of the road. They kill the mice, boil them in salt water, dry them in the sun, and the put them on a stick and eat them whole. Mmm!

Off to Kenya!