International
Burundi
Guiding adventures September 2011
Imagine travelling to East Africa as one country is faced with millions of starving refugees.
Imagine travelling to east Africa as one country is recovering from over a decade of civil unrest.
Imagine travelling to East Africa where our own Australian Department of Foreign Affairs warns you not to go.
Imagine travelling to East Africa where Australia has no Embassy or Consulate presence in various countries.
Imagine the courage WAGGGS faced when offering a week event for young women, to be held in one of the poorest countries in the world, one of which is struggling to overcome civil war and one which lacks the ‘normal’ standard in various services we are used to.
Two of us took up the challenge from Australia to attend the WLDP in Burundi, September 2011. Neither of us initially had any understanding of where Burundi was and what challenges the country is currently facing. After much deliberation, discussion and research, we were much more informed about the difficulties and adventures that lay ahead.
The event was an opportunity to develop our leadership and project management skills further and for cultural exchange.
28 participants from various African and European countries, plus 2 from Australia descended upon Bujumbura, Burundi for a week of professional development and adventure.
We faced the challenge of presenters and participants speaking both English and French, so the use of translators and technology all week was a huge asset. We also faced a few challenges with water and power supply interruptions. It certainly made us start to think how privileged we are in Australia.
We also had the opportunity to visit a rural village in the steep hills above Bujumbura, where the local Guides are helping the village. We were treated with the whole village welcoming us with song, dance and their famous drumming abilities. We were in awe of what Guiding has done for the women of the village. A goat program has ensured the women can grow, breed and sell the goats to ensure they have a sustainable income coming in for their families. To watch the children dressed in second hand clothing, nothing on their feet but to have the biggest smiles on their faces was humbling.
As we all finished our water bottles, we gave the empty bottles to the kids. They thought their days were made! As I went to hand a bottle to a child next to me, a young mother on the other side of me, gently pulled my arm back and she took the bottle out of my hand for her. She had a small baby on her back and was keeping the shade of a few people in the area. I looked at her and acknowledged her, only then did I realise the value of the item I had given here. I simply had no idea how hard their lives must be. This is one occasion that will stay with me for life. A moment to remember.
We also visited a local Guide project where the girls make and sell beads, to ensure they also have a sustainable income.
The rest of the week was spent delving into diversity, the needs of our countries or organisations. We also had the opportunity to present to the other participants our research into gender equality within our own countries and situations. Participants were introduced to project management skills and other important topics such as partnering and sponsorships.
From here participants spent time looking and thinking through various project ideas to start planning a post event project.
The major benefits for me included:
- The cultural exchange and the understanding of how life experiences differ in many countries.
- The understanding of various African cultures and adventures
- The ability to share discussions with like minded colleagues from across the globe.
- To network at a higher level, discuss ideas with peers from other Regions across the globe
- To represent Australia, in fact to be one of two participants from outside the African and European Regions.
Before the event Heather and I visited Nyeri, which is 2 hours north of Nairobi in Kenya. Nyeri is the resting place of Lord and Lady BP (founder of Scouting). I realise I have been privileged to visit the information centre and cemetery where they both lie facing Mt Kenya.
We took the opportunity to visit the Outspan Hotel and Paxtu, which was their home in Nyeri for some time before Lord BP’s death in 1941. This was a highlight of our trip - to have grown up knowing about this place and its significance, to have finally visited and spent time in the area has been an amazing adventure, its our Guiding Mecca!
After the event we stayed with a lovely family for a few days while experiencing a little more of Bujumbura. We investigated the expansive markets and other key spots. We were again given the experience of visiting another local village. Here the houses are made out of bamboo and mud, the conditions were heart breaking. As we toured the village, I noticed how respectful and gracious the people were, considering the conditions they lived with, little food, little money and probably no jobs. Again, another experience I will cherish.
How privileged am I to have grown and worked in NZ and Australia?
Once we left Burundi, we also met with various personnel at Kenya Girl Guides and of course offloaded money from all the badge buying!
We did also allow ourselves some tourist time with a 6 day safari in northern Tanzania, which was also an amazing adventure. The vastness, the geography, the people and the adventures!
It was a thoroughly amazing 3 weeks spent in three countries, the different experiences, the meeting of so many wonderful people and the memories.
Yes an adventure I can thoroughly recommend to you all.
Wendy Kirk