Interviews

Mitsikari! Boa tarde! Good Afternoon!

Bruno's House and Food Store

Yesterday we finished the interviews for the leader position. We have chosen 5 leaders per selected community (we selected 6 communities with the collaboration of the district key stakeholders back in June). Each community will have 2-3 teachers and 2-3 community members (health activists, water committee members, church leaders etc).

So why did I want to write about these interviews?

Well, simply put, our "normal" interview process was completely foreign and difficult for the average person. On our first day of interviews, it became abundantly clear that we needed to reiterate the necessity for Portuguese proficiency. Although it's the "official" language it's not always spoken in the communities, creating yet another vicious circle of educated people speak Portuguese, they get the jobs and further education leaving those who do not with the lower paying jobs and lack of opportunities. But, then again, they speak numerous languages (about 43) across the country with only ~40% of the nation's population speaking Portuguese- though all government personnel do and most urban populations.
Interestingly, I've been learning Chopi but that is only really spoken in this area so I have to remember not to use it while outside the district...

Waiting to start the interviews in an empty classroom

We're always taught to "sell" ourselves in interviews. List our best qualities on our CV/Resumes. We're taught to make eye contact, sit straight, dress well, speak loud and clear etc.

Most of the candidates seemed highly uncomfortable, or at least unfamiliar, with the style of questions and interview format. We asked questions such as: Why are you interested in this program? What do you hope to gain? Why do you think sport is a good instrument to teach kids? What are qualities of a good leader? What are your leadership qualities? Can you share an example of when you learned something and changed your behaviour/attitude/values?

Shortcut to work

Nearly all of them laughed shyly when asked what their leadership qualities were. Some refused to answer, replying it wasn't for them to say. Sometimes it was difficult to hear the replies at all because they spoke so quietly. Other times, they wouldn't look at me at all.

I have no doubt that some of them would be, or already are excellent leaders, but these questions and way of thinking about themselves was new and frightening. I am sure it didn't help that they had a soulless ginger interviewing them...

A few of them said, when asked if they had any comments or questions for us, that just the interview process has opened their minds and helped them learn.

Perhaps it would be more effective to have a different style of interviews or different questions but I think 1. it made it easier to find the people that would be successful in our program and 2. it challenged them to think about themselves and about what they think and do. Makes me believe even more in our program and how it can positively affect these communities.

Rest of the week is working on the manuals (which have so many mistakes!) and preparing for the workshop next week!! I can't wait to play games with these awesome leaders!! And, to get out of the office :)

Photos for your viewing pleasure:

Effective Mosquito Protection... And champagne

Piri Piri fresh off the tree

Sunday morning lawn care

Amazing stuffed crab

Praia do Tofinho

I just love this photo

Snack time?

Happy Monday Photos

Happy Monday.

Today I thought I would just post some pictures.  We are still in the interview process but once that's done I'll be sharing some of my perspective and thoughts on the matter.

Enjoy.

Foot update! 

Coming along nicely. Thanks for all the well wishes.

Things that can happen at night in Africa

Bahahahahahahahaha.

Hahaha Haha.

I'm pretty sure this would only happen to me.

I decided, hey it's Sunday. I'm going to go to the town for dinner. After a lovely piri piri chicken dinner at my favourite place and a little light reading (Harry Potter #5), I went for a walk and watched the sunset, bought some juice for matabicho (breakfast) and headed home. Stop to chat with a friend briefly and then continued on my way jamming to Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros.

Sunset.

Evening stroll.

I start thinking about writing my next blog as it's been a while and I was thinking about the interviews I've been doing and some deep thoughts were occurring (I swear), when I moved to the shoulder of the road 'cause there was a truck in the middle of the road. Just then another car started coming towards me; I moved further to the left-- more than usual.

Just as I have a particularly good idea I--

Fall. Straight down. I'm still standing and it takes me quite literally a good 5 seconds to understand what has happened.

I'm standing in a large, deep, circular hole. I can see out of the hole but barely, it's at least to my shoulders. The bag I am holding in my hand no longer has the juice in it. I swing the bag around as I look around trying to get my eyes to focus. I can't see my feet, but there's a stick leaning on the side. I step on the stick and try to push myself up. I can't get any traction and the sand around the hole doesn't give me anything to grab onto. Luckily, the car that blinded my path stops beside me and the driver gets out to help me.

The two guys of the car wanted to drive me home but I figured that was a bit unwise. So, I set off walking home again after thanking them a few times.

As I walked by a few bystanders, I made sure to warn them about that hole. In case they hadn't noticed.

Escaped with only a slight sore hip and a minor scratch on my leg. Now I just need to shower the sand out of my hair.

Night.

Amendment:

Photos of the whole the day after said event:

Coming up to the hole

Oh look! A giant hole! 

Inside the giant hole.

Turns out the hole is a garbage can. Ya, now the story is even worse. I fell into a garbage.