(2003-11-07) The Power of the Internet

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I had one of those "Where am I? I'm in Africa?!" moments the other day when I saw this:

A herd of cows walking up the beach.

I don't know.

Animals EVERYWHERE. Goats. Lots of goats (who will likely all be slaughtered at the end of the month- that's what they do to celebrate the end of Ramaden). They make me giggle (the live ones, not the ones). Sometimes, it's embaressing when I giggle and people hear me. But whatever. They're cute!

**

And so, another week has gone by. Today marks 10 weeks since my arrival. I'd just like to say that I'm very happy here. The nights are a bit hot, the days are a bit hot, sometimes we don't get a lot of variety in inexpensive food (right now, there aren't even potatoes in the markets), but it's a good place to be.

I'm not sure that I agree with what I'm doing here though, it's hard not to believe that I'm wasting my time teaching women computer skills.

It's fun, in some ways... the ladies are learning a lot (now that they're used to computers), but I don't think that they're ever going to use a computer again once I leave. It's sometimes hard to justify my time here.

... I've also quit one of my jobs. I'm no longer a Systems Coordinator for The Department of Health and Social Welfare. My job wasn't going to be able to be completed before I left, and I didn't get along with some North Americans in my office. I figured that it'd be better if I took on a job that I could finish (instead of getting half way through and having to leave) and that could change some people's lives, so....

Now I'm pretty much freelancing. I'm designing the web site for one of the country's main hospitals. I hope to be able to set up some sort of page so they can get funding, or publicize their need for funding and equiptment... though it's not the most sustainable project, I know that I can get it out there and into the world, and that should help at least ONE person.

Hopefully.

But computers in a Third World Country? I don't know. I DO believe in the power of the Internet, but I don't think I believe in the power of computers. At least not here.