This afternoon, my mom and I went to a newly opened dim sum restaurant in Johnson City. My parents' friend from church is the owner/chef so we decided to show our support with our stomachs. It's a very cute and cozy space on Main Street across from BAE, which of course is the largest source of business in that area. The main dishes offered are different varieties of noodles, fried rice, and dim sum "appetizers" such as fried green scallion pancake or red bean buns.
Apparently, this very kind-hearted woman has been wanting to open a restaurant for a long time. When the opportunity arose, she seized the opportunity with little prior experience, but with a great deal of enthusiasm and determination. Maybe the location isn't the best, but after speaking with her and her husband this afternoon, it seems like the main challenge will be figuring out how to attract BAE employees who only have 30 minutes for lunch with a limited staff (only one person cooking, and one waiter). Granted, there are only four tables which could probably seat at most 20-25 people. But, if all of the orders come within a short period, trying to prepare that much food on a conventional home sized stove is very challenging.
My mom and I enjoyed the noodles and dim sum QinTian pancake (fried dough with pork, tastes better than it sounds). While we ate, we tried to offer suggestions on how to maximize the 30 minutes of peak demand (12:30-1pm); perhaps try different menu options, sandwiches are quick and easy to make, offer a pre-made lunch special, encourage people to call ahead and place their orders. When we finished eating, the owner wasn't going to let us pay since we were friends and that's part of Chinese culture. We tried to pay and sneak out the door, but she caught us on our way out, and made us take half of the money back. Ai yah... still, it was a very nice gesture.
I am a big supporter of local family owned businesses that are quaint and personal. I know it's not going to be easy for this family to establish a strong reputation, build a loyal clientele, and to figure out the "perfect" menu. But, it's nice to see people taking risks to follow a long-cherished dream. I really hope and pray for their success. It's an inspiration for me, since I'm not exactly following a typically prescribed path, and many people might even suggest that I'm making a poorly informed decision, but if it's what you've dreamed and prayed about, why can't people just be happy and supportive? By the way, those noodles were quite tasty so spread the word.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
One of those weeks
It's been one of those weeks, where it seems like things are finally coming together. I finished working on the garden see: Summer Terraced Garden Project. And, I heard back from the admissions office from the program I've been trying to get into for four months!
I recognize that God has blessed me in so many ways, and not just during weeks like these. But sometimes I am so easily discouraged. Whenever that persistent nagging voice in my head makes me feel afraid to hope for the best, I will try to keep these words in my mind:
“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?'” (Luke 12:22-26, NIV)
Sometimes we need to recognize that we are not in control, and really, worrying never helped anyone.
I recognize that God has blessed me in so many ways, and not just during weeks like these. But sometimes I am so easily discouraged. Whenever that persistent nagging voice in my head makes me feel afraid to hope for the best, I will try to keep these words in my mind:
“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?'” (Luke 12:22-26, NIV)
Sometimes we need to recognize that we are not in control, and really, worrying never helped anyone.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Inaction Frustrations
I'll make this brief, but I think one of my biggest frustrations in life is inaction. Especially, when something very small can make a huge difference in someone's life. I won't go into details into my specific case, but I think many people have probably experienced similar frustrations.
I'm all for procrastination when it affects only ME. But, if my inaction, i.e. procrastination begins to have an effect on someone else, then it's time to do something!
Okay, enough of complaining for now. Back to working on the garden rain or shine!
I'm all for procrastination when it affects only ME. But, if my inaction, i.e. procrastination begins to have an effect on someone else, then it's time to do something!
Okay, enough of complaining for now. Back to working on the garden rain or shine!
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Just Common Sense?
A memo to myself and anyone else who ever happens to stumble across this:
I had something akin to, but just short of an ephiphany this week. In the US, and other countries I am sure, we spend so much time obsessing about our appearance and weight. One way in which our obsession is manifested is through gym membership. These memberships can range from an inexpensive local community center fee to the all inclusive, personal trainer, spring water from the fountain fitness center experience. Now, I am all for fitness, health and well-being. However, what if we turned some of our energy toward community service and various forms of social activism? The emphasis is on the active part.
For example, instead of running on a treadmill at the gym, what if we saved some of that money, trained outside, and entered one of those charitable fundraising sporting events that are so popular these days? Eg. Blue Planet Run events, MS Walk, Relay for Life, etc.
Or, I've discovered through my gardening project that lifting rocks all day and digging trenches will indeed develop back, shoulder, and arm muscles (and soreness). How about helping out with a river clean up or community gardening project?
Try volunteering as a coach for the Boys and Girls club and giving everyone on your team a piggy back ride, another great work out. Although, for me that was limited to the 6and under crowd, since I'm only marginally taller than said children.
If you ever find yourself DRIVING to the gym and hopping on a stationary bicycle to pedal away for an hour, please try and do this outside on a moving bicycle if at all possible and skip the drive. If you walk door to door canvassing for a worthy cause, that's a great workout too. Yes, I know sometimes it's cold outside and/or that trainer is really cute and keeps you motivated, but there are so many creative ways to exercise and to help make the world a little better. The possibilities are endless once you start thinking about it.
I hereby pledge to make my "workouts" count for something beyond my own personal gain as often as possible. A vague promise, but it's a start.
I had something akin to, but just short of an ephiphany this week. In the US, and other countries I am sure, we spend so much time obsessing about our appearance and weight. One way in which our obsession is manifested is through gym membership. These memberships can range from an inexpensive local community center fee to the all inclusive, personal trainer, spring water from the fountain fitness center experience. Now, I am all for fitness, health and well-being. However, what if we turned some of our energy toward community service and various forms of social activism? The emphasis is on the active part.
For example, instead of running on a treadmill at the gym, what if we saved some of that money, trained outside, and entered one of those charitable fundraising sporting events that are so popular these days? Eg. Blue Planet Run events, MS Walk, Relay for Life, etc.
Or, I've discovered through my gardening project that lifting rocks all day and digging trenches will indeed develop back, shoulder, and arm muscles (and soreness). How about helping out with a river clean up or community gardening project?
Try volunteering as a coach for the Boys and Girls club and giving everyone on your team a piggy back ride, another great work out. Although, for me that was limited to the 6and under crowd, since I'm only marginally taller than said children.
If you ever find yourself DRIVING to the gym and hopping on a stationary bicycle to pedal away for an hour, please try and do this outside on a moving bicycle if at all possible and skip the drive. If you walk door to door canvassing for a worthy cause, that's a great workout too. Yes, I know sometimes it's cold outside and/or that trainer is really cute and keeps you motivated, but there are so many creative ways to exercise and to help make the world a little better. The possibilities are endless once you start thinking about it.
I hereby pledge to make my "workouts" count for something beyond my own personal gain as often as possible. A vague promise, but it's a start.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Gardening Project
I've been working on making a terraced garden in our backyard. It involves much more work than I anticipated, but it's been keeping me busy, and digging for hours and other forms of manual labor is a great workout. Much better than sitting around the house watching our 5 channels. Yes, we no longer have cable.
That is not the only reason I want to make a garden though. For some reason this year I've become very interested in growing things, learning about composting, and trying to understand the differences between organic gardening and permaculture. As I am still learning, this will be an incomplete entry, but I'm going to try and document the garden as it progresses. Let's hope the weather cooperates. The part that I am most excited for is of course choosing the plants to go in the garden and watching them grow.
We have rabbits, birds, and deer galore so trying to work out a peaceful compromise with all garden inhabitants should be another challenge and pleasure.
That is not the only reason I want to make a garden though. For some reason this year I've become very interested in growing things, learning about composting, and trying to understand the differences between organic gardening and permaculture. As I am still learning, this will be an incomplete entry, but I'm going to try and document the garden as it progresses. Let's hope the weather cooperates. The part that I am most excited for is of course choosing the plants to go in the garden and watching them grow.
We have rabbits, birds, and deer galore so trying to work out a peaceful compromise with all garden inhabitants should be another challenge and pleasure.
Friday, June 05, 2009
Postgraduation Musings
So now that I have graduated, I know the meaning of life, the secret of happiness, and my purpose on this earth... well, not exactly. But, I do believe and hope that I am headed in a God-centered direction.
Senior week and graduation were over in a blur, as expected. For anyone who missed the Senior Engineering prank, check it out because it was pretty epic and fun:
Click here to see the video
I had a countdown to graduation going for so long 126 days (but who's counting now?) that it feels a little strange NOT to be eagerly anticipating it. Cheryl and I had a long conversation yesterday, and we realized that it is going to be a challenge for us to live in the present. Not in a "live for the moment" kind of way, but in a way where we appreciate who we are with, what we are doing, and where we are just as it is without constantly expecting something better just around the corner.
I highly recommend reading the Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis for anyone and everyone. It is both cleverly written and offers insight into how good intentions can go awry if we're not careful and conscientious every step of the way.
Now I just have to remember to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
On Graduation
I still can't fathom the fact that I will be graduating, along with my class mates of 4 years, on Sunday. A friend used the term 'crucible' to describe our experience at Swarthmore. It may sound like an exaggeration to some, but I would say that's a fair description. It's been a test that has refined us and tested our characters beyond what we previously thought possible.
I've never been good at saying goodbye. Who is really? Therefore, I've decided to say my farewells for now rather than adopting the attitude of 'have a nice life'. I believe that God will allow us to remain present in the lives' of those we care about, and paths can cross unexpectedly.
Speaking of God. Going to Chapter Camp last week was one of the best experiences I've had this year. Spending a week reading through Genesis, discussing bible applications for postgraduate life, and spending time with wonderful people is such a blessing. I think my biggest lesson learned was about the importance of relationships in our lives with God and being part of a true community. God has plans and a purpose for each of us if we choose to follow, and I think we all left camp committed to do so. There is of course the fear that it was just a 'spiritual high' which will fade once we succumb to the pressures of the "real world," but I believe that the lessons go deeper than that.
Onwards to the next chapters of our lives, but I have to take a moment to express my gratitude for the experiences I've had.
Monday, March 09, 2009
March comes in like a lion
Goes out like a lamb?
Well, we'll see. The beginning of March brought the largest snow storm of the year to the Philly area! But no snow day :(. This past week before break was pretty stressful, but there was enough goodness mixed in that it was a net positive!
I'm really appreciating these last weeks at Swarthmore. I realize that the goodbyes will be painful, even though I am ready to leave. It will be a great relief to know that I have some postgraduation plans nailed down, but I feel like something is brewing. I can see an outline through the clouds of uncertainty finally.
Some of us rounded out our week with a night of "fake karaoke," which was so much fun and very low key. Wow, I used to have such terrible music taste. Maybe in 10 years I'll look back and think that same thought of myself at this very moment, but I hope not.
No crazy or intense spring break plans for me just some needed rest and relaxation. I started off by going with Melissa and Jessica to a farmer's market in Lancaster, then going for a leisurely buggy ride through Amish country, and rounding off the evening with Cranium and chatting. I definitely recommend trying spaghetti pizza for anyone headed out to Lancaster, PA. Next time I must also vist a smorgasborg and have some shoefly pie.
Hopefully, I'll get some applications finished and study for the FEs. Not terribly exciting, but that's to come. Home sweet home for a few days.
By the way spring forward is not as cool as fall back, in reference to DST. I say we just keep gaining an extra hour every 6 months.
Well, we'll see. The beginning of March brought the largest snow storm of the year to the Philly area! But no snow day :(. This past week before break was pretty stressful, but there was enough goodness mixed in that it was a net positive!
I'm really appreciating these last weeks at Swarthmore. I realize that the goodbyes will be painful, even though I am ready to leave. It will be a great relief to know that I have some postgraduation plans nailed down, but I feel like something is brewing. I can see an outline through the clouds of uncertainty finally.
Some of us rounded out our week with a night of "fake karaoke," which was so much fun and very low key. Wow, I used to have such terrible music taste. Maybe in 10 years I'll look back and think that same thought of myself at this very moment, but I hope not.
No crazy or intense spring break plans for me just some needed rest and relaxation. I started off by going with Melissa and Jessica to a farmer's market in Lancaster, then going for a leisurely buggy ride through Amish country, and rounding off the evening with Cranium and chatting. I definitely recommend trying spaghetti pizza for anyone headed out to Lancaster, PA. Next time I must also vist a smorgasborg and have some shoefly pie.
Hopefully, I'll get some applications finished and study for the FEs. Not terribly exciting, but that's to come. Home sweet home for a few days.
By the way spring forward is not as cool as fall back, in reference to DST. I say we just keep gaining an extra hour every 6 months.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Frustrations...
So I know it's not a big deal that I don't have all of my post-graduation plans in place yet. Okay, let's be real. Nothing has materialized yet. It's so frustrating because I have a very clear picture of what I want to do, but figuring out how to fund it is driving me a little crazy.
I am acknowledging right now that the fact that I have the time and opportunity to be this frustrated is a privilege, but nevertheless, it's still frustrating. I really am laying my trust in God, but I feel that I need to do my part too. As in apply for a number of opportunities. Not willy-nilly, but with very targeted goals. I have a pretty clear picture of what I want the next two years to look like. However trying to find funding for my ideas is as clear is mud. It seems impossible to find things that don't involve begging wealthy people and/or applying to every scholarship under the sun and tons of paperwork.
If anybody out there reads this by chance and has any suggestions for how I can fund graduate studies in Cape Town, South Africa you are more than welcome to leave a post. In fact I would be eternally grateful for any viable (and legal) suggestions.
I'm going to stay positive, and I apologize for the oft-mocked "rant blog," but sometimes it's so cathartic. You can stop reading now if you haven't already.
I am acknowledging right now that the fact that I have the time and opportunity to be this frustrated is a privilege, but nevertheless, it's still frustrating. I really am laying my trust in God, but I feel that I need to do my part too. As in apply for a number of opportunities. Not willy-nilly, but with very targeted goals. I have a pretty clear picture of what I want the next two years to look like. However trying to find funding for my ideas is as clear is mud. It seems impossible to find things that don't involve begging wealthy people and/or applying to every scholarship under the sun and tons of paperwork.
If anybody out there reads this by chance and has any suggestions for how I can fund graduate studies in Cape Town, South Africa you are more than welcome to leave a post. In fact I would be eternally grateful for any viable (and legal) suggestions.
I'm going to stay positive, and I apologize for the oft-mocked "rant blog," but sometimes it's so cathartic. You can stop reading now if you haven't already.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
100 days and more
Isaiah 40:31
But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (NKJV)
In these uncertain times, we need to wait on the Lord, but it's definitely one of those things that's easier said and done. I believe that perseverance is critical, but it can be extremely frustrating when you feel like you're putting in 100% and getting 0% back.
My mind has been focused on the immediacy of graduation of late, but clearly this verse has applications for all times of our life. A modern translation, (hope people don't find this too irreverent), "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming swimming..." (Dory from Finding Nemo). Let's hope we're headed in the right direction.
love and prayers
But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. (NKJV)
In these uncertain times, we need to wait on the Lord, but it's definitely one of those things that's easier said and done. I believe that perseverance is critical, but it can be extremely frustrating when you feel like you're putting in 100% and getting 0% back.
My mind has been focused on the immediacy of graduation of late, but clearly this verse has applications for all times of our life. A modern translation, (hope people don't find this too irreverent), "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming swimming..." (Dory from Finding Nemo). Let's hope we're headed in the right direction.
love and prayers
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Instead of working
I realized that I can only work for 15 minutes without a break. Is that bad? Well it is what it is.
My countdown until graduation got me to thinking (102 days by the way)... Is it going to be really anticlimatic? After 4 years of learning, enjoying, and struggling in college, what will the day after graduation feel like?
I know that it is just one part of life, and not even something that everyone gets to participate in. I know that I am so blessed to have this opportunity to take 4 years to learn something, figure out who I am, try to chart a course in life. So I'm going to try not to countdown and just take it one day at a time.
Sappy, but true.
My countdown until graduation got me to thinking (102 days by the way)... Is it going to be really anticlimatic? After 4 years of learning, enjoying, and struggling in college, what will the day after graduation feel like?
I know that it is just one part of life, and not even something that everyone gets to participate in. I know that I am so blessed to have this opportunity to take 4 years to learn something, figure out who I am, try to chart a course in life. So I'm going to try not to countdown and just take it one day at a time.
Sappy, but true.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Second Saturday Impromptu Poem
This weekend I went to Second Saturday at the Painted Bride in Philadelphia with several other Swatties. We decided that there should be full audience participation so we started passing around a paper asking everyone to contribute their own 6 word line in response to the line preceding theirs. Everyone added their own unique twist, some people didn't follow the 6 world rule, but hey some rules were meant to be broken. Here is the surprisingly poignant result (each line from a different author):
What can bring you joy today?
Chocolate donuts or chocolate cake yummy.
Hearing ocean tides when under stress.
Makes me relax and lets go.
Towards the streets I sing it.
Droppin' mad beats, I wing it.
Gotta recognize my words are ill shit
Hit list, devil dipped, flip this
If you give me one wish, I'll ask for more
But that doesn't mean I'm greedy.
Jaz, on the other hand, tends
its garden with an unrushed amble.
Soft steps, soft scents, soft speech.
What can bring you joy today?
Chocolate donuts or chocolate cake yummy.
Hearing ocean tides when under stress.
Makes me relax and lets go.
Towards the streets I sing it.
Droppin' mad beats, I wing it.
Gotta recognize my words are ill shit
Hit list, devil dipped, flip this
If you give me one wish, I'll ask for more
But that doesn't mean I'm greedy.
Jaz, on the other hand, tends
its garden with an unrushed amble.
Soft steps, soft scents, soft speech.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Monday, December 01, 2008
In the Home Stretch
Almost halfway done with senior year of college... wowza
I'm going through a, I don't know what to call it, what most seniors go through? Trying to figure out how to graduate, what to do immediately after graduation, planning for life? Umm... apparently they don't teach you that no matter which school you attend. Enough grumbling for now though.
Thanksgiving with my family was wonderful. Albeit, I was sick, but I still enjoyed the company of my family and the wonderful care and lavish food! I am reminded of how lucky I am every year. With each passing year, hopefully I'll be more thankful and less complanatory. Is that word? Eh, doesn't matter.
Only 3 weeks to go then that glorious time known as winter break. Ah the life of a college student.
I'm going through a, I don't know what to call it, what most seniors go through? Trying to figure out how to graduate, what to do immediately after graduation, planning for life? Umm... apparently they don't teach you that no matter which school you attend. Enough grumbling for now though.
Thanksgiving with my family was wonderful. Albeit, I was sick, but I still enjoyed the company of my family and the wonderful care and lavish food! I am reminded of how lucky I am every year. With each passing year, hopefully I'll be more thankful and less complanatory. Is that word? Eh, doesn't matter.
Only 3 weeks to go then that glorious time known as winter break. Ah the life of a college student.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
S2A2 Week 7
Anne, "Sabs", and Aire at the V&A Waterfront collecting Fair Trade surveys
I cannot believe that it is my second to last week at EMG and in Cape Town. It has really started to feel like home after being here for nearly 8 months. There have been so many ups and downs, but overall it has just been incredible.
I know that I have to come back here in the near future. There's so much going on, and I want to be part of it. This week, I've mainly been working on putting together a report that summarizes the data collected from the SAMWU questionnaires about water management devices that I mentioned in an earlier post. Hopefully, I'll be able to meet with Lance or Jeff from SAMWU, sometime next week (before I leave).
It's August 1st today! Just a random exclamation. Some of my best lessons from this internship have really come from the informal conversations I've had with my supervisor and co-workers at EMG. Yesterday, Lazarus (who works in the same office as me) discussed his idea to start an NGO that focuses on education, which is run mostly by former teachers/principals. It's really inspirational to work each day with people who are so dedicated to serving others. It's a contrast to much of what I see elsewhere, but I know that there's a lot of of hope and enthusiasm from young activists. I really want to believe that some of our work will come to fruition and show results in the near future.
Last week, I helped collect surveys with my fellow EMG interns and another intern for Fair Trade South Africa. The surveys were trying to assess what South Africans know/think about Fair Trade to determine how it needs to be marketed here, if it is going to be expanded. Currently the main fair trade products are all agricultural, but there are also a lot of handicrafts that could potentially be Fair Trade certified. I wonder if it's really necessary or prudent to use Fair Trade as a means to accomplish the goals of improved worker rights/environmental sustainability, since there are local initiatives in place. Is the umbrella of Fair Trade always necessary?
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
S2A2 Week 5
Tuesday, 15 July we had the Western Cape Water Caucus meeting. The morning was hectic trying to get everything together, but we got to Obz Community Centre, only a little behind schedule.
Jessica opened the meeting and I feverishly began taking minutes. It was an advantage to have my laptop there in a way, but I felt like I couldn't fully participate since I was trying to record everything around me.
There were a lot of major water issues discussed, but I thought the discussion around the impending failure of water infrastructure was particularly interesting. I don't think it's just a problem in South Africa. I remember hearing about a major water pipe bursting in NYC and a news special about America's "aging cities," which many countries are facing.
Back to the internship though, the rest of the week after the meeting was quieter, but it took quite some time to write up the minutes and follow up with caucus members. I think the most challenging part of helping to organize the meeting was trying to contact everyone and get any sort of feedback about the meeting agenda.
Since not everyone at the meeting belongs to an organization, many people do not have access to a landline or internet so e-mails were not that effective or useful as a means of communication. It's different for me to switch from my usual mode of communication to phone calls. However, there is something to be said for the personal nature of calling, and each place I called had a different background noise. Some places had phones ringing and sounded like offices, while others I called had a baby crying in the background or noisy chatter.
There are a lot of big issues to tackle, and it seems not a lot of support or resources for most civil society organizations here, but there's hope.
Jessica opened the meeting and I feverishly began taking minutes. It was an advantage to have my laptop there in a way, but I felt like I couldn't fully participate since I was trying to record everything around me.
There were a lot of major water issues discussed, but I thought the discussion around the impending failure of water infrastructure was particularly interesting. I don't think it's just a problem in South Africa. I remember hearing about a major water pipe bursting in NYC and a news special about America's "aging cities," which many countries are facing.
Back to the internship though, the rest of the week after the meeting was quieter, but it took quite some time to write up the minutes and follow up with caucus members. I think the most challenging part of helping to organize the meeting was trying to contact everyone and get any sort of feedback about the meeting agenda.
Since not everyone at the meeting belongs to an organization, many people do not have access to a landline or internet so e-mails were not that effective or useful as a means of communication. It's different for me to switch from my usual mode of communication to phone calls. However, there is something to be said for the personal nature of calling, and each place I called had a different background noise. Some places had phones ringing and sounded like offices, while others I called had a baby crying in the background or noisy chatter.
There are a lot of big issues to tackle, and it seems not a lot of support or resources for most civil society organizations here, but there's hope.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
S2A2 Week 3
Last week was filled with quite a few things, including a trip to Home Affairs and Sea Point, a meeting about Water Management Devices (WMDs), and a puppet show. My visit to Home Affairs allows me to stay in the country until my plane leaves ( a relief) but left me with a very unpleasant feeling and frustration. Luckily, that was quickly remedied by a trip to Sea Point with my friend at sunset. The photograph is of the waterfront area in Sea Point, which is absolutely breathtaking.
I was very inspired by my meeting in Cape Town with members of another group belonging to the Western Cape Water Caucus and a legal councillor (albeit informally). It was really intriguing to learn about the details of legal proceedings around the constitutionality of prepaid meters and other devices in the same league. I was then asked to help with work around the WMDs (a poor acronym to be sure). Part of the work may be to compile some of the survey information being conducted by the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) in some of the areas where the devices have been installed. I think one of the major difficulties will be trying to look at the surveys objectively, when in the back of my mind I am convinced that unless the WMDs function and operation changes, they should definitely not be used. On the one hand, as a device to help conserve and manage water demand there is a lot of potential, but on the other, since the devices are only being pushed mainly in low income communities, there definitely seems to be a bias as to who is being targeted for water savings.
The puppet show I attended was a really innovative production produced by Janni Younge http://www1.sogotheatre.co.za/. The show was specially designed for a conference, which was cohosted by EMG and international environmental NGOs surrounding desertification and drylands. The show highlighted the effects that desertification can have on rural communities in particular. The puppeteers were all youths from Mpumulanga, where people were interviewed to find out what the real issues facing communities affected by desertification. It was really beautifully done, with an opening that exhibited 3 frames covered with plastic sheets, which were covered with clay and then the actors (puppeteers?) drew in the clay and used shadow puppets to set the scene. I wish I had taken pictures becuase it was really amazing to see. Some of the major issues brought up were:
1) The need to cooperate to utilize a scarce resource effectively
2) The effect of desertification on agriculture
3) A need to diversify crops to adapt to changing climate
This week should be just as full if I can recover from this stupid cold!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
S2A2 Week 2
I did some more background research this week about different projects that the Environmental Monitoring Group (EMG) is involved with, and decided to pursue work with the water management devices. The devices are being installed mainly in homes of people who have arrears, although it's supposed to be on a voluntary basis. The amount of water distributed to homes with the devices is preset and turns on at a specific time each day. It's been really interesting learning about prepaid water metres and their use in various places, including the United States, mainly in migrant communities.
There's a policy in South Africa known as Free Basic Water, whereby every household is supposed to get up to 6 kL of free water, after which they can pay for more. That amount divided into daily portions is distributed by the water devices, which in theory is supposed to be good since people can monitor their water usage with the device and will not go over the free limit if they cannot afford it. Unfortunately, there will always be circumstances when people need more water, especially if there is a sick person or a funeral so an inflexible daily water limit is really problematic. Especially if there is a fire, which happens really frequently in townships. It comes back to a longstanding argument about whether water and water services should be commoditized in such a way. Learning more and more each day, but many questions still remain...
There's a policy in South Africa known as Free Basic Water, whereby every household is supposed to get up to 6 kL of free water, after which they can pay for more. That amount divided into daily portions is distributed by the water devices, which in theory is supposed to be good since people can monitor their water usage with the device and will not go over the free limit if they cannot afford it. Unfortunately, there will always be circumstances when people need more water, especially if there is a sick person or a funeral so an inflexible daily water limit is really problematic. Especially if there is a fire, which happens really frequently in townships. It comes back to a longstanding argument about whether water and water services should be commoditized in such a way. Learning more and more each day, but many questions still remain...
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