Centre Inauguration

On 18 September 2009, I had the honor of welcoming a few dignitaries to the computer-based learning centre I currently manage. The day marked our official Centre inauguration. I also used the opportunity to recognize selected learners and teachers.

The event was very well-attended and planning kept me busy (and sometimes frustrated) over the past two months. We welcomed the Honourable Nangolo Mbumba, Minister of Education; the Honourable Dudu Mururoa, Governor of the Kunene Region; Mr. Charles Kabajani, Under Secretary of Formal Education; His Worship Councillor Matthias Tsaeb, Mayor of Khorixas; Mr. S.I. !Gobs, Khorixas Constituency Councillor; three local tribal chiefs; and numerous regional and school officials. We also had a big delegation from the Ministry of Education’s Directorate of Research, Science, & Technology, the division that sponsors these Centres throughout the country. Our Regional Education Director for Kunene, Mr. Kabajani Kamwi, served as the Master of Ceremonies; and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) was there covering the event. The story aired on the evening news of Sunday, 27 September. Also, local school choirs and a cultural group performed.

It was good to work with a few people who understand the value of hard work and respect the value of giving. It took unofficial overtime and donations to ensure we were ready for the day.

I work with some people who don’t do anything that they are not paid to do, and barely fully invest in the work they are paid to do. They leave the office at 5pm, when the official work day ends, regardless of what needs to be done and irrespective of urgent projects. And, I must admit my beyond-frustration when during the pressure of planning week, a colleague found time to sit-in on an AMWAY PRESENTATION (Yes, Amway!)! Such lackluster feelings about one’s job are something to which I am definitely accustomed in the U.S.A; however, I am a bit more sensitive here because I am a volunteer. Everything I do, I do for free. When my colleagues trip, then, I sometimes get annoyed. A volunteer did step up to paint a logo for the Centre, which took a few evenings. I, along with a dedicated colleague shared the cost of any additional supplies needed for the logo-painting project.

All in all, the event was a success. I am, however, disappointed by the fact that I missed the actual unveiling of the inaugural plaque. I was preparing learners for Centre tours/demonstrations to immediately follow the unveiling. As the primary event planner and Centre head, though, I expected to be running around for most of the day.

(I am pictured with Apas //Khoab Cultural Group and with the Minister of Education.)

Africa Is A Continent

For as long as I can remember, I have always been fairly uneasy with the generalization, “Africa,” especially in cultural contexts. Africa is now made up of over 50 countries; it’s the second largest continent; and there are hundreds of languages spoken throughout. There are thousands of unique ethnic groups that practice distinct traditions and have varied customs. Some areas have rich rainforest, while others are primarily arid. There are definitely people in Africa who are actually very unfamiliar with countries outside of their own, and may not even have full familiarity (as is the case in the U.S.A.) of the various reaches of the very country in which they currently live. So, then, what makes Africa, “Africa”?

What makes this vast, geographically-diverse, politically-varied land-mass so easily be referred to by so many and in so many different contexts, simply as “Africa?” In the year 2009, what does the label actually suggest?

Many times, it seems, the label “Africa” does not include North Africa, nor does the label “African” include the thousands of Caucasians that have lived here for generations. The labels clearly seem far too often reserved for the exotic, poor, war-torn, less-developed, wilds occupied by the darkest skinned people on earth. I’ve heard people refer to Namibia and South Africa as “less African” than places like Zimbabwe and Ghana. I’ve heard it on the plane and on the ground, from volunteers and from permanent residents in the countries. What’s being communicated in such statements? Are people really ready or wanting to see “Africa” grow, change, and develop in different ways? How do we and When did we get into the practice of validating Africa and Africans. It’s pretty frustrating, intriguing, real, and actually kinda sad.

Now prior to the “Scramble for Africa” by European countries such as England, France, Germany, and Portugal in the late 1880s, there were indeed fewer and definitely less rigid boundaries within the continent. The past flexibility in territorial divides caused many groups and cultures bearing resemblance to one another to be found in various parts of the lands. The migratory patterns; however, were distinct and diversity has always been present.
What do you think makes Africa, “Africa”?

Here's a Quick Story
Recently, I was awakened around 3am by the sounds of loud explosions and unfamiliar noises. The next day, I learned from many people, including the local judge, that it was the sound of police weapons fired to warn and then wound (ultimately killing) criminals who attempted to break-in to a local butchery. I posted the incident of being awakened on my Facebook homepage, causing numerous loved ones to respond with warnings about the dangers I was facing. General warnings about safety were fine, but how could they know about the specific dangers in Khorixas, Namibia? Only a few of the individuals in my life prior to November 2008 had ever been to Namibia (I did work at Peace Corps) and most had never even heard of the place. And this town’s activities definitely don’t make global news. I don’t think it mattered, though; it IS “Africa” and we all know what goes on there……

Truth is, gunshots have not been heard in Khorixas, Namibia perhaps in decades, according to local residents. I have heard more gunshots in my hometown of South Central Los Angeles (wherever that truly is….the boundaries just grow every time someone is shot) than anywhere else I’ve lived in the world. In reality, in Khorixas, Namibia, the most noise I hear is the nightly chorus of barking dogs, music and live athletics broadcasts from the shebeens (bars) and occasional blaring bakkies (pick-up trucks), and religious music on Sundays and funerals. It’s a pretty safe and quiet place. I will, however, be as cautious and alert as I am on the streets of New York City.

I realize that my time in Namibia is about helping others understand the diversity of our world, of Africa, of Southern Africa, and of Namibia, just as much as it is helping me understand the same. It is also time to identify and share the similarities that we all too often overlook or sometimes purposely ignore, as is the case of racial oppression, inter-group (gang) warfare, and institutionalized inequalities.

I do believe that because of the shared cultures, customs, and challenges in the continent, there is a need for many African countries to work and be represented as a collaborative whole. The African Union(AU) has a purpose, as do the regional associations of African countries. There will, however, always be a need for distinctions of some sort. So…..you still won’t hear me generalizing about “Africa” (or much else) very often.

Earthquake Shakes Khorixas, by John Ekongo

I was at the Ministry of Education's Kunene Regional Office when the quake struck. I definitely felt it; but, perhaps it is my Southern California heritage that kept me unphased. People reacted differently; learners were the most dramatic, of course. No one really knew exactly what really happened. I finally got hold of the New Era Newspaper today (seven days later) and read the cover story on the incident.

ARTICLE BELOW REPRINTED FROM WWW.NEWERA.COM.NA
"EARTHQUAKE SHAKES KHORIXAS" BY JOHN EKONGO (3 AUGUST 2009)
WINDHOEK – A mild earthquake of the magnitude 5.6 struck Khorixas at around 09h00 last Friday sending residents in panic.

The Geological Survey of Namibia (GSN) has confirmed that Khorixas experienced an earthquake of the magnitude 5.6 on the Richter scale, a few minutes after 09h00 last Friday morning.

This is the largest earthquake ever to be recorded in Namibia, according to statistics from the GSN.

The quake struck at 09h14 local time at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) with a distance of 285 kilometres (175 miles) north-west of Windhoek, 195 kilometres (120 miles) north-east of Swakopmund and 340 kilometres (210 miles) south-east of Ohopoho.

According to available data, 26 responses to the earthquake were received in seven areas, namely Windhoek, Otjiwarongo, Okakarara, Henties Bay, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Oshakati.

At the same time, other earthquakes were recorded in Cape Town (South Africa), Casablanca (Morocco), Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Algiers (Algeria), Lagos (Nigeria), Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of Congo), Lusaka (Zambia), Cairo (Egypt), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), as well as Nairobi (Kenya), according to the United States Geological Survey on its website – which also confirmed the Namibian incident.

The earthquake was also felt all the way from Khorixas throughout outlying areas such as Uis, Soris Soris, and Swakopmund up to Windhoek, said Dr Gabi Schneider - Director of the GSN in the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

No reports of damage to property or loss of lives were recorded.

On Saturday, community members were calling the Namibian Broadcasting Damara/Nama Service wanting to find out more about the natural event, which had the ground under their feet trembling.

The earthquake happened west of the town and was generated by the activity of faults west of the town, Schneider told New Era on Saturday.

Kunene Region where Khorixas is situated lies in areas where there are earthquake activities. Although rare, its location is in the earthquake faults despite many of them not being fully active.

When New Era called, residents were in shock and panic because of the earthquake. No power interruptions, injuries or losses of life were reported, residents said, but they were frightened.

A teacher at a local high school said, “You could feel the earth moving a bit and the kids started running away.”

Jason Palmer from the Mowani Mountain Camp – an accommodation establishment deep in Damaraland – a pristine tourism area said, “We had an earthquake and it lasted for about 7 – to 10 seconds but luckily enough, no rocks or any thing major fell.”

Earthquakes have been experienced before but the country has not recorded a major earthquake. Areas with geological faults that are active (areas that have recorded a seismic event) apart from Khorixas are Opuwo, Windhoek, Waterberg, Khorixas and Bethanie.

Eros in Windhoek felt an earthquake in 2006, prior to Friday’ earthquake and which had a size of 4.7. One year, a farm on the outskirts of Windhoek also experienced an earthquake of magnitude 5.0, which resulted in some cracks in the ground.

More Goodwill Ambassadors

In order to have true impact, the work of the Khorixas Computer-Based Learning Centre cannot be the work of the computer software alone. Maths and Sciences were neglected for far too long in certain communities to have the gap closed with a few hours in front of a computer. Besides, 90% of our learners in Khorixas had never touched a computer prior to their time in the Centre. Special attention needs to be given to increasing their basic familiarities with computer technology, which will slow down the rate at which the academic lessons will be understood.

One-on-one time with learners, additional off-line activities for home and self-study, classroom aids (posters, maps), parent involvement, assistance with the English language, heightened and specialized teacher training, are all among the necessary tools for improving the potential of youth in Khorixas to truly excel.

During their trip to Namibia, my mother and Denise spent time in the Centre. Denise only had a day to visit, but her day was busy. She noticed needs right away and Ms. Social Worker went to work, helping with specific math challenges, assisting learners with the proper use of the computer hardware, and acknowledging success when it occured (which is extremely important).

My mother will be in the Centre with me for about two and a half weeks. During her time, she has already helped with massive amounts of data entry that will be absolutely essential to analyzing learner progress and facilitating dialogue with teachers, learners, and parents. She has also worked with learners one-on-one, both at the computer and in a more personal setting, to help them navigate through lessons and to help facilitate their basic understanding of addition, subtraction, and multiplication. My mother's work has been even more effective because of the massive donations she brought with her to Namibia. Pushing the limits of airline luggage allowances and frequent flyer privileges, Mrs. Webb packed away tons of learning goodies for the Centre, Khorixas schools, and learners. In her suitcase were dozens of classroom posters, pens/pencils/crayons, math flashcards, reading books, index cards, audio headsets and splitters (for group work), and much, much more.

Every bit helps. If you are interested in donating to the Mathematics and Sciences learning project in Namibia, please let me know.

Big Rig Hike

As the saying goes, “When in (Namibia), do as the (Namibians.)” So Do we Did. In order to get from Windhoek back home to Khorixas last Sunday, my mother and I were snuggly packed away in the 18-wheeler big-rig pictured in the photo to the right. OK, let me ‘splain.

I’ve shared before that there is not a government-sponsored public transportation system throughout the country. In Windhoek and a few large(relatively-speaking) towns, there are marked taxis and even small kombis (mini-buses) that help people move about. Elsewhere in the country, getting around is pretty dependent on private auto and (hitch)hiking.

“Hikes” are somewhat standardized and to an extent, unofficially regulated.

• There is a fairly standard hike fee from one town to another.


• Drivers typically wait until their vehicle is full of passengers before starting to a particular destination.


• “Hike Points” are known to locals and at some places (Otjiwarango, for one), there are designated areas within the Hike Point with town-signs for people to wait for hikes going their way.


• Early morning and early afternoon hikes are most available.

There is no standard look or feel to the vehicle or driver offering the ride, though. Each hike can be an adventure.

In my hiking-past, I’ve been in the back of a pick-up truck on a mattress with four other people. I’ve been in the back of a small four-door sedan with broken doors, four backseat passengers (in a space designed to comfortably seat only three) and two front-seat passengers (one pressed uncomfortably close to the gear/stick-shift), plus the driver. I’ve now also been in an 18-wheeler.

We were a little pressed for a hike because we began the journey later in the morning than expected. Many of the cars had already collected passengers and left the hike point by the time we arrived. We were left to get in an available vehicle or consider remaining in Windhoek another night and trying again earlier the next morning. We chose to get in the available vehicle, which happened to be a big-rig.

There were four passengers in the small double cab in the front. It wasn’t very comfortable, nor was the ride very short because we stayed (luckily) within the speed limits set for our vehicle category (80-90km/hr).

We were happy to end the journey, but we definitely now have stories for the interested masses. I’ll let mom tell enquirers about the gun…..

Itinerary: Southern Africa Vacation (June 2009)

Day 1: Mom and Denise fly-in to Windhoek; I (hitch)hike to Windhoek; Airport shuttles to hotel; Visit Ministry of Education (Stipend issues); Dinner at steakhouse; Overnight in Windhoek (hot shower for me !!!!!!)

Day 2: Tour of Windhoek; Shopping in City Centre; Bus to Livingstone, Zambia (21-hours!)

Day 3: Arrive in Livingstone, Zambia (watch baboons jack an elderly woman for her fresh bread)

Day 4: Visit Livingstone Museum; Shopping (Denise crowned haggle-queen!); Sunset Dinner Cruise along the Zambezi River; Guest star on Zambezi Radio (107.5)

Day 5: Visit Victoria Falls (put foot on Zimbabwe side; mom and Denise pose by the bungee-jumping sign on No-Man’s Land bridge); Shopping; Elephant-Back Safari in Mosi-Oa Tunya National Park (Zambia)

Day 6: Ferry to Botswana; Boat and Land Safaris in Chobe National Park (battle unforeseen rains and chills) (my last hot shower!!!!!)

Day 7: Buy blanket (bus was COLD!) and food (trip was long with questionable food at reststops); Last-minute haggling with street vendors in Livingstone, Zambia; Bus to Windhoek (21-hrs)

Day 8: Morning arrival in Windhoek; Shower at Hostel; Rent Car (a 4x4 this time!); Depart for Khorixas (6 hours, with stopover in Okahandja – Denise, the Haggle-Queen, was losing her royal touch with vendors); Arrive in Khorixas; Dinner at Restcamp

Day 9: Visit schools and Regional Ministry of Education office in Khorixas; Mini-tour of Khorixas (basically, stand in the centre of town and point); Work with learners in Computer Centre; Dinner at Lodge

Day 10: Depart Khorixas; Visit Petrified Forest (see Welwitschia plants); Arrive in Windhoek (consider movie and club/concert, but opt for pajamas and bed)

Day 11: Return rental car; Take Denise to Hosea Kutako International Airport; Mom and I (hitch)hike back to Khorixas (in an 18-wheeler big rig! See BigRig Hike post)

Highlights: Driving on the gravel roads (Mom-she was silently having a little panic attack); Speaking with the street vendors, hearing their stories (Denise); Hot showers (Me); Sunset on the Zambezi (unanimous). There were so many.

Questionables: Petrified Forest

Most Annoying: Endless Foot and Mouth Disease Control Spots

Most Common Animal Sightings on Safari: Hippos (literally saw “tons” of ‘em), Impalas

Most Memorable Animal Sightings on Safari: Lionesses and Lion Cubs; Partially-eaten Buffalo near Lionesses

Most Common Animal Sightings on the Road: Warthog and Guinea Fowl (although we did hit a cow on the bus, according to mum)

Most Fun: Victoria Falls (it was like taking a big swim; we got super-drenched)

The planning of this adventure/vacation was a bit stressful, but it was well worth it all. I enjoyed the company, the beautiful spirits always within and amongst us, learning new facts about the world, and seeing new places. Next stop…….

My Mid-Term (Self) Examination

Wow. I am almost half-way through my one-year contract with the Namibian government. While I have settled in fairly well, there are still a few things to which I have not quite adjusted. Here are some examples.

ARMOURED GROUND CRICKETS: I’m sorry, but these things always startle me. When “footing” to work, I encounter them on the street and I always stop (very briefly). Their hindlegs are super-long and they are huge! They look like something from the Jurassic Park era. I never scream or run; I don’t think they’ll attack or bite. But I definitely have a moment of pause; they are creepy. I’ll try to get a better picture, but you have to see them to understand.

THE 13h00 LUNCH BREAK: Everything basically shuts down at 13h00 (1pm) for a one-hour lunch break. Stores and post offices close, and most people go home and cook/prepare a meal; so do I. Seems cool and definitely forces me to take needed time to rest and eat. Problem is, it becomes hard to get the energy to return back to work! It’s typically hot outside after lunch and I usually have to walk back to the office. On numerous occasions, I have had to drag myself out of the house after eating a nice meal and chillin’ at home.

(NO) PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Lack of access to public transportation is definitely an issue for me here. There are really no official (government-sponsored or endorsed) forms of transport to or from my town of Khorixas. Those wishing to leave without private autos must wait at a “hike point” for a vehicle that is going towards their destination and is willing to take passengers. It is a business for some folks, and the locals know the basic rates to common destinations, but there are no real standards for the ride. This morning, I traveled from Windhoek to Khorixas with three other Volunteers and about 15 bags (and a computer) on a mattress in the back of a covered pick-up truck (also called a bakkie). The ride is about 4.5 hours and we ended up picking up another teacher, her daughter, and her three bags along the way. Got motion-sick a few times, but managed.

WALKING ON GRAVEL ROADS: I am a fairly patient and ready walker. While living in the Eastern U.S. (DC and New York), I rarely drove, even though I had a car. I adjusted to the style and pace of the environment (and I didn’t want to lose or fight for a parking spot). The adjustment here has been a bit more trying. Over the first three months, I spent a lot of time “in the field” visiting the local schools and conducting outreach for the computer centre. This meant walking from place to place on untarred, rocky, sandy paths and roads. I have “Easy Spirits” that I thought would serve me well. Remember the whole “looks like a pump, feels like a sneaker” campaign for Easy Spirit shoes? NOT! I can say that my “Easy Spirits” have definitely been very “hard on my soul (and sole).” I have battled many blisters to prove the challenges and have needed to soak my tenderized feet on numerous occasions after a long day in the field and at work. Luckily the town is small. When walking, I sometimes get offered a ride by a colleague heading my way. It’s not often enough, though.

And I guess my story about blowing a car tire on gravel roads (see post, “C28: The Road Less Traveled”) may suggest that I am not quite used to DRIVING on gravel roads either.

SMALL TOWN LIFE: I’ll just call it that. The bank is the biggest doozie. We have one bank, Standard Bank, that is a satellite office to the main branch in the town of Outjo. Our office is open for just three hours per day (9h30 – 12h30) and only during the week (Monday – Friday). There are basically only three employees and only two working with customers at any given time. Everyone must wait in the same two lines, either the enquiry line or the other line. Small business owners, seniors wanting to cash their pension cheque, security guards needing to deposit large amounts of coins, and me must all see the same person. When I went to deposit my stipend check, I was in line for over an hour. Luckily (and unfortunately), I haven’t gotten many checks. (See “Just Got Paid” post).

MORE SMALL TOWN LIFE: Another issue with being in my small town is the lack of social and entertainment outlets. Most of the stores close by 18h00 (6:00pm); the only things left open are the bars. There are no real nightclubs, restaurants (outside of the two lodges), or places to go after dark (or during the daytime, for that matter). It can feel a bit isolating at times; but, I manage by reading, writing, resting, focusing on my project, and watching mind-numbing television. I also have a few friends in town and “visiting” is a common activity.

The few examples above are just a few and while they are all real concerns, they are mild. Overall, I am enjoying the professional opportunities and challenges that have come with my work here. This job actually feels like the best fit I have had in my career. It complements my academic training in anthropology, education, and public administration; it benefits from my background as a successful product of under-resourced schools and communities; and it challenges my professional abilities and skills as an educational planner and community organizer. As such, I am fairly certain that I will accept the offer from the Namibia Ministry of Education to extend my stay beyond the initial one-year contract period and help develop their math and science computer projects in other parts of the country.