HIFA
HIFA (Harare International Festival of the Arts) lived up to the hype. It’s pretty impressive: nearly a couple of hundred performances this year, around 2/3rds of them artists from Zimbabwe. There was a wonderful buzz in the city over the 6 days. For me personally, the performances I’ll remember best were from Hope Masike, Tariro… Continue reading HIFA
Some Zimbabwean Kiva Borrowers
This is a small selection of some of the Kiva borrowers I’ve been meeting here in Zimbabwe over the past few weeks. All have borrowed through the Kiva partner here, Camfed (The Campaign for Female Education). I hope it gives a flavour of the immense impact these small loans can have. Most importantly, the opportunities… Continue reading Some Zimbabwean Kiva Borrowers
The Book Bus in Livingstone (and some waterfalls…)
An added benefit of getting to see Victoria Falls this weekend, was the chance to nip across to Livingstone, in Zambia, to visit the new Book Bus reading room opened in the town late last year. Livingstone sits just a few kms from the Zimbabwe border: after emigration, you walk between the two countries across… Continue reading The Book Bus in Livingstone (and some waterfalls…)
Breaking the Thatched Ceiling
Over the past few weeks, I’ve come to realise the extent to which society in rural areas here in Zimbabwe, remains very patriarchal. Not just in the small rituals, such as men having pride of place on the kitchen bench whilst women stay on the floor, or the special bowl reserved for the (male) head… Continue reading Breaking the Thatched Ceiling
Communities in Action
One of the things that has struck me when I spend time in the rural districts with the Camfed team, is the extent of the impact that is being achieved when people from across different sections of a community come together, establishing strong networks and working in collaboration. I’ve been seeing this time and again,… Continue reading Communities in Action
My first trip ‘in the field’
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’
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
Alan Rambling 