Traded a Seattle Summer for a Malawian Winter

It’s getting really chilly here. I have been sleeping in multiple layers, and sometimes a jacket. It’s probably not said too often, but I’m slightly jealous of the weather in Seattle. Here is the summary of the last few days:

I had a meeting with the operations manager of the local branch of Malawi Savings Bank to inquire about opening 57 savings accounts for the women in the cooperative.  The nearest bank is located in a town is called Dowa, which is about a 10 minute drive from the refugee camp. Refugees often go there to shop but it takes about an hour and a half each way to walk.  We determined the process for all the women to open their own accounts and I am going to meet with all the women next week to let them know their options, explain the process, and help them fill out the paperwork.

I led a discussion group with a group of students enrolled in a psychology course for the diploma program. We went over independent and dependent variables and Milgram’s famous study on obedience.

I managed to make it to a tailor in the camp. I bought some fabric at the market so I am getting a few things made. I am excited to see how they turn out!

Fabric stand at the Tuesday market in the camp

On Thursday’s drive to the camp, we had a very exciting sighting of the president of Malawi, Joyce Banda. Every car had to pull over and the police cleared the road for several miles, from the airport to the city.  We got out and waited on the side of the road for the full motorcade to go by. It was quite impressive. And I got it on video.

I spent some time stalking the Red Cross at the food distribution station. It was really interesting to see how the process works, the role of the Red Cross, and the amount and type of food that the refugees get every month. 

 

 

I interviewed 6 more women. Each interview averages about an hour. I feel very fortunate and have loved the opportunity to sit in a confortable space with these women, explore some challenging issues, and learn more about their lives. My main hope is that something good can come of it.

I also got the chance to meet with a representative from UNHCR. She learned about the research I am doing in the camp and she was interested in learning more. She is writing a proposal that will be sent to international donors to try and get increased food rations in the camp (they were recently cut in half). She asked me if she could use information that I have gathered and quotes from my interviews to include in her proposal, so I am hoping to provide her with a summary report in the next few weeks. Although I won't be able to transcribe or analyze all the data until after I leave, it's great to know that the work that I have done may have some impact.