Inspiration from Under the Mango Tree

Two weeks ago I spent time in the Teso Region of Uganda, based in Soroti. Teso can be found in Eastern Uganda and it’s about a 5-6 hour drive from Kampala, depending on traffic (also lovingly referred to as “the jam”). But it’s not just any drive – it’s stunning!

It is amazing how you can find yourself in a completely different part of the world, and yet find similarities. As we drove, I was overwhelmed by just how beautiful it was. Seeing long, flat agricultural landscapes met by large mountainous backdrops, the greens of the land, the blues of the sky, it seemed endless – even at night it was a lot for the eyes to take in! The spans of crops along the roadside seemed all to familiar of drives along Nova Scotia’s Valley areas, having only the obvious presence of native Ugandan flora to mark the difference.

The first full day in Soroti was spent ‘in the field,’ where we met with farmers from two different areas. It was really interesting to hear about the struggles they had been experiencing, in contrast to how new methods introduced through FRA programming has improved their livelihoods and overall ability to produce. However, many discussed the difficult battle of drought versus flooding. This, of course, peeked my interest, given my concern for water-related issues. And, it is this topic that I will partially be working on during my time with FRA*. I was also able to meet with an inspiring young farmer, who was the epitome of what youth the world over should be aspiring to achieve! She proudly showed us her small farm, and spoke of her challenges and the importance of young people taking on agricultural positions.

The first 'Under the Mango Tree' session.

The second farmers group we met with - full of young, enthusiastic, hardworking people! 

This is Barbara, the young farmer I spent a little one-on-one time with, and part of her farm. 

The next two days were spent indoors in Katakwi and Soroti, respectively, where dialogue meetings with farmers, local government and various stakeholders (NGOs, basically) gathered to discuss the challenges faced in the field. The two days were really interesting, with similar topics being raised at both – drought, flooding (yes, it is possible to face both extremes, often one following the other), disease, lack of interest of the youth, lack of financial and educational support systems, etc. And while these were really important issues to be raised, what I felt was the most distinguishing part of these meetings was the session that followed.

After airing their grievances and finding solidarity from one sub-county to the next, the farmers were asked to highlight some of the positive things that the government had done for them. I’ll be honest, I thought this may was going to be a challenging exercise, but it turns out it was quite simple. Before long, each group was able to list of a series of good outcomes, ranging from being supportive – even though many of the government workers are stretched beyond their means – to just showing up to the dialogue and being willing to listen. The non-farmer participants were also given time to respond and also provide their own feedback. But, I’d say it was quite the success!

I have to tell you one awkwardly delightful, or delightfully awkward tale! While we were in Katakwi, the venue for the meeting was changed last minute. So, the room we were given was a bit too small for our group. Part of my responsibility for this trip was to document, using two of my three favourite methods – film and photograph. Since the room was small and there wasn’t much room to move around, I opted to sit near one of the two entrances.  Before long a small group of children appeared by my side, each wanting to say hello and stroke my arm**. Then, something happened that I just didn’t see coming – one of the kids stroked my arm, made eye contact with me, and then proceeded to lick my arm. And, I’m not talking about a curious, I’m just going in for a casual lick… No! I’m talking full on slobbery, my arm was dripping, sort of lick. It was probably the most uncomfortable I’ve felt in a long time - if not ever! Anyway, it provided me with a really good chuckle, so… worth… it?

-the Orange Canadian

*The other part will be researching how to improve cross-generational knowledge transfer in agriculture.

**This isn’t an unusual happenstance…and had taken place even during my time in Ghana.

You didn’t think that through, did you…?

Recently while scrolling through Facebook, I noticed someone had posted something about the Government of Nova Scotia’s new job-for-graduates program. While I don’t know the full details of this program, I understand it as a series of government positions rolled out over the next few years that are very entry-level. The intent being, that students fresh out of university and new to the job market have some options that don’t require you to have double the amount of years said individual has been on the earth in experience*. But here’s what made me chuckle about this post – it has one winning tagline: “No experience, no problem. The Government of Nova Scotia is hiring.” Way to sell yourself ‘Scotia! Obviously that was not thought out entirely, in the same way that a parent would neglectfully name their child Ima Hoar or Harry Pitts.

Photo Credit: Facebook

But, its not just poorly contrived taglines that I appear to be encountering as of late. Nope – there are some pretty special acronyms, as well. I mean, I used to volunteer on an addictions awareness committee called CRAC (pronounced crack), and the Canadian Opera Company, known as COC, used to sell merchandise that read, I (heart) COC!).

Photo Credit: Canadian Opera Company (2013)

Here in Uganda, there is an agricultural extension program that is currently on hold called the National Agricultural Advisory Service, or NAADS. Now, those of you with a mature mind probably don’t see the humour in this, but allow me to explain. ‘Nads’ are the street name for a certain part of the male anatomy – the gonads. And while, yes, I would get a hearty ‘ol chuckle out of hearing the word nads being thrown around every once in a while, it’s only augmented in humour by the sentences this acronym finds itself in. For instance, in a recent meeting, a facilitator uttered these delightful words: “we’re also going to look at the NAADS – it’s quite a mouthful.” Or how about this gem found in an academic journal article I was reading; “NAADS continues to distribute inputs.” You can’t make this stuff up! It’s actually that good!

Anyway, that’s my random, immature thought for the day… or past few weeks. Heh… nads.

-the Orange Canadian

*As a recent job seeker, I can attest to the validity of this statement.

Post-Apocalyptic Indiana Jones: A Trip to the Uganda Museum

After a very hectic, but amazing two weeks travelling across the country for work – for which I have told you not, and for which I have yet to even process enough to tell you! – Aaron and I resumed our adventures touring around Kampala. This weekend we decided to pay a visit to the Uganda Museum, which is basically the National museum.

The main building
Photo Credit: Visit Uganda

The cultural village, found behind the main building
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

We took bodas, and arrived just before noon. It seemed like no one was there, and were concerned that it was closed on Sundays. Thankfully though, we realized we’d just entered the wrong entrance point.

There were multiple exhibits to browse through. We started with “Ancient History” section, which focused on the first humans. This was when we realized that we were essentially in the same place where the oldest documented human was discovered (Africa!), reading about the first humans! There was also a really creepy display of tools, featuring a series of sets of hands, which I convinced myself were actual hands of people standing patiently behind the wall. This creeped me out significantly, so I moved along fairly quickly!

Next we moved on to the Ethnography exhibit, which consisted of natural history, early life in Uganda, and various tools, materials, etc. This, I felt, was actually quite interesting. Not so much the natural history part, but seeing the various tools, materials for clothing, baskets, and such. As we walked throughout this area, a lady was playing a few of the musical instruments on display – it was really cool. What wasn’t cool, was the (not so) subtle feeling like we were living our final moments*.

Picture this, we walk into a very lime green room filled with cases that discuss ‘natural history.’ No big deal, right? But then, I make the mistake of turning around, only to be greeted by this:

Sure, it’s a little ominous, but not that terrifying, right? Did you notice this? Creepy, eh?!

But, this wasn’t even the most terrifying part. No, the most terrifying part came only moments later after making a terrible leaf pun** that I’m fairly certain Aaron didn’t even hear. 

In the corner of the room was a sign that simply said: Dioramas ->. Of course, we both wanted to see what this meant. So we took the few steps to the next level down as Aaron casually remarked, “This is like something you would find after the apocalypse.” I’m can’t actually recall if he specifically described it as a zombie apocalypse or if I inserted that in this moment, but anyway, when we got to the bottom of the stairs and found ourselves in the basement of this museum, in the dark, that’s pretty much how I felt. I was awaiting the attack of some quietly hidden zombie, tucked away in anticipation of a nibble or two from our brains, arms, or other potentially desirable human parts.

Aaron, at this point was searching for the flashlight (that’s a torch for all of you non-North American folk reading this!) on his phone so he could get a better look. I, on the other hand, hadn’t yet left the last stair. I honestly was frightened. The rational part of me*** knew there were no zombies, but the irrational part of me was convinced that something was going to jump out and scare us, kind of like one of those Halloween-esque haunted houses. As I worked up the courage to wander along side Aaron, he discovered another staircase, which he declared he had to check out, while I wussily chased after him threatening that he’d better not think about leave me down there! He did… so I retreated to the staircase we’d taken down****. It turns out that the other staircase led nowhere.

Anyway, it was actually a really good experience, and I would recommend a visit, should you find yourself in Kampala. There were some really interesting exhibits, including what could very well have been the first bong, flip-flops, and even a “penis in case” and a “testicle in case.” Not really sure how to describe those last two!

Afterwards, we grabbed some lunch, indulged in a tasty gelato, and picked up a few movies! Between this and returning to Kampala to learn that hot water had been reinstated in our flat, it made for a great way to end a nice, quiet weekend! Not gonna lie, having a hot shower for the first time in nearly two months was so nice. I'm pretty sure I even cried a little!

-the Orange Canadian

*Exaggerated for dramatic effect.

** There was a glass case in the middle of the room filled with some dried leaves.

*** I know, it’s hard to think of me having a rational side at this point!

**** Hmmm… I’m listening to tunes as I write this, and the Ghostbuster theme has come on. Weird. And yes, I have the Ghostbusters theme song in my playlist – don’t judge, it’s awesome!

Let's Talk About Tolerance

Last weekend, in a moment of frustration unrelated to a Facebook post I had just read, I decided that enough was enough.

Over the last few weeks I have tried to have open discussions with several people I had begun noticing posting hate-speech and anti-refugee/religion/race related things. Usually, I try not to take these things to heart, because it’s social media, not real life. However, something in me snapped after reading a post that basically questioned the Canadian Government’s decision to allocate financial resources to immigrating refugees into the country when other groups at home were suffering. At first, I just kept scrolling by. But then I thought about it for a moment and decided, like I did with several others lately, that this would be a good one to engage. I tried to highlight that while, yes, there are multiple groups who could use financial aid and social structures that could certainly use an improvement, at the end of the day, we needed to show compassion for everyone, not just select groups. This turned into a few back and forth comments, and ultimately I realized it was going nowhere. I had two choices, end the conversation and do nothing, or end the conversation and remove said individual from my list of “friends.”

But this wasn’t enough. I thought about the interview I had for the position I’m currently employed by. I was asked two difficult questions – one about how I’d handle someone trying to enforce their religious beliefs on me, and another about how to handle homophobic opinions. To the first one, I responded honestly by stating that most people learn very quickly not to ask me about my religious beliefs, or try to win me over with theirs. Why? Because I ask A LOT more questions than they are usually prepared for! But to the second one, I had to think about it. And, I thought about it aloud*. And what I concluded was, there are ways to move out of a situation one is uncomfortable in, but ultimately, I do not accept such talk when I’m in Canada, the UK or where ever I happen to find myself, so why should I accept it when I’m in my current home.

I don’t tolerate hate, whether I identify with the targeted group or not. I don’t tolerate hate, whether or not I share the same belief or background. I don’t tolerate hate, because I want the world to be a better, wiser, more accepting place that is open to all walks of life. So, upon ending and acting on the Facebook post, I posted a separate one on my own page stating that I wouldn’t tolerate this negativity anymore.

I received a few comments that accused me of being close-minded, for which a few were open to a conversation to understand my point of view and theirs. But, the post was not intended to exclude anyone who offered a different opinion or belief from my own for the sake of it being different. It was also not intended to just remove people from my life without giving them a chance to make their case. I am not perfect. I am not all-knowing – nor do I want to be. In fact, I enjoy and value having connections to so many people who see and understand the world differently than I do. I engage in these conversations, and encourage them, because more often than not, they are a way for me/us to learn, to grow, to be more understanding of one another.

So with that, I wish to share a project that I have been polishing and trying to strengthen over the last few years. The 3^rd Annual Judy C Kennedy Project Season of Giving Challenge began today. The month-long challenge seeks to encourage participants to perform one random act of kindness for each day in December. We need these acts and we need to share them. So please – visit the Project’s webpage and/or Facebook page to learn more about how you can participate. 

Be kind to yourself, be kind to others, and of course, Happy Kindness-ing!

-the Orange Canadian

*I’m honestly amazed this was acceptable!