Last week, the major aid agencies launched a campaign in support of the appalling famine in parts of East Africa. The timing of the press coverage happened to coincide, for me, with a conference in Dar called ‘Commercial Farm Africa’. It felt slightly surreal to be, on the one hand, looking at horrific pictures coming… Continue reading We owe Africa more than ‘pity’
Tanzania – a couple of months in…
For those interested in keeping tabs on what I’m doing, I realize I’ve not been so great lately at the updates. A reflection, I think, of me adapting back into a full time job, which has come as a slight shock to the system (and yes, I know, I’ll get little sympathy on that front).… Continue reading Tanzania – a couple of months in…
First few days in Moshi
A quick note, just to explain why I’m in Moshi and how it’s going so far. I’m here for a few weeks to do a piece of work with an organisation called Equity for Tanzania (EFTA). EFTA is a social enterprise which makes loans to small businesses and farmers enabling them to buy equipment/machinery to support… Continue reading First few days in Moshi
NYU Abu Dhabi
In connection with work for the Ethiopian Education Foundation, I’ve just spent a weekend on the Abu Dhabi campus of New York University. NYUAD have, in recent years, offered comprehensive scholarships to students from EEF and this year generously invited us (along with a group of US-based school careers counsellors) to observe the candidate selection… Continue reading NYU Abu Dhabi
Thinking of a donation? Some personal recommendations.
Firstly, just to be clear, this isn’t a plea for money. I’m not asking for donations. It’s targeted, instead, at those of you who already intend making a contribution in the run-up to the holidays, but might still be thinking about who you want to support. Maybe you’re on the look-out for new ideas where… Continue reading Thinking of a donation? Some personal recommendations.
Lamu, dangerous? Too right…
Fever pitch media reports, government travel advisories, insurance company warnings: it’s hardly surprising so many have taken Kenya’s northern coast off the holiday long list in recent years. Well, based on my experience, I can tell you that yes, it’s a very dangerous place to visit. Dangerous, that is, in that you just might find… Continue reading Lamu, dangerous? Too right…
Remembering my ‘attitude of gratitude’
One day last week, as I made my usual bleary-eyed early morning journey into town (I’ve started daily 7am classes at the Alliance Francaise and the mornings are a struggle), the cab driver was being philosophical. Out of the blue, he started talking about how lucky we were to enjoy another day: ‘how many would… Continue reading Remembering my ‘attitude of gratitude’
