It was my first ‘borrower verification’, and things weren’t going exactly to plan. We were five hours into the journey with still a bit to go: darkness was falling fast and I was worried about the photos I needed for Kiva. By way of background, ‘borrower verifications’ are a core part of the role as… Continue reading My first trip ‘in the field’
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Early days in Zimbabwe – and an introduction to CAMFED
It’s now just over a week since I landed in Harare and today was Day 3 in my role at CAMFED (The Campaign for Female Education). I know that this year I seem to be Mr ‘here’s another amazing organisation you need to hear about’, what with EEF, The Book Bus, Kiva… But really –… Continue reading Early days in Zimbabwe – and an introduction to CAMFED
Some pics from San Francisco
I did fall in love with the city ! Perhaps the (unseasonably) warm, sunny weather helped, but each time I came across another neighbourhood, it drew me in: the hipster Mission, the trendy cafes and boutiques in Hayes Valley, the views from Nob Hill, the edginess of the Tenderloin. I always love a city that… Continue reading Some pics from San Francisco
The Kiva Fellows Programme
I’ve made it to Zimbabwe. I arrived Sunday: earlier than planned but my new tenant in London was keen to move in quickly. I figured the extra time here would be well spent getting settled in and finding accommodation. Work will start next Monday. The San Francisco training was invaluable in helping me better understand… Continue reading The Kiva Fellows Programme
Discovering Your ‘Passion’
There is no shortage of web content, column inches of newsprint, or bookshop shelf-space dedicated to ‘choosing the perfect career’, ‘finding your element’, ’discovering your passion’. And trust me, I’ve been drawn in often, in the hope some book somewhere will tell me my true vocation. But if there’s one thing I’ve become convinced of… Continue reading Discovering Your ‘Passion’
Zambia and ‘The Book Bus’
Each day here so far has brought such a completely new set of experiences – so far removed from places I’ve been before – that it’s hard to believe I’ve been here less than a week. I arrived first in Lusaka: a lengthy trip via Addis plus a (longer than planned) stop in Harare. Two… Continue reading Zambia and ‘The Book Bus’
Shift of Direction
I thought I’d start putting one or two updates on here again to share a few things I’m up to over the next couple of weeks. Again, just really a diary, primarily for my own benefit, and to keep some of you posted on what I’m doing; please don’t expect any literary merit… So firstly,… Continue reading Shift of Direction
Ethiopian Education Foundation – Getting Involved
EEF is heavily dependent on the generosity of student sponsors and supporters. I witnessed the life changing impact that the program offers (see my previous post – https://alanmathers.com/2014/05/13/if-you-only-read-one-of-my-posts/ ). And so now, as the 2015 recruitment process begins to kick off, I am making a brazen appeal for others to get involved. Of course, I’m… Continue reading Ethiopian Education Foundation – Getting Involved
Some final EEF student pics
Adding a few photos from my last day:
Traditional coffee ceremony
Traditional coffee ceremony
Being presented with a lovely Ethiopian scarf
Last post from Addis
I can’t believe my two months here are up: in ways, I feel I’m just beginning to properly settle in and it’s definitely going to be hard to leave. In the hostel, the past couple of weeks have been dominated by the national exams – Grade 10 (GCSEs) and Grade 12 (A-levels), plus the end… Continue reading Last post from Addis
Alan Rambling 