My first full week back was spent reorienting myself and looking at the remaining time here and what needs to be done. I developed a spreadsheet to plan my time as I know it will fly. I also had invitations from two nearby bishops to visit them and spend the weekend including preaching at their cathedrals. The fist was due on my second weekend back but cancelled as he is away. I will be at Rorya about two hours north near the Kenyan border on Sunday 4 September for an ordination service. So preparation for that is a priority. If you pray that would be helpful. I have selected Daniel 1 as the text.
My major goals before I leave are to complete a strategic plan in draft form for the diocese and have it ready before I leave at the end of September, help the diocese decide if it wishes to pursue a disability program following my visit to Karagwe and the opportunities that provides, work with the IT guy on the website and the next newsletter and do some financial policy work.
The financial reporting system here is not robust and I have suggested that there be a reporting system established by each unit which receives and spends funds. An audit a few years ago highlighted some basic issues that need to be established so I was asked to speak to the management team about that and the disability program. A meeting with all schools is planned for 30 September to discuss inclusive education and the possibility of using a site here as the base and having all four schools involved as part of a model supporting kids with disabilities unable go to school due to their disability.
The principal of the Bible College asked me to assist with some correspondence he received. This required the 2023 budget to be prepared and sent to the funder. Budgets here are on a CY basis and usually not completed till November or December. Apart from drafting a budget based on the 2022 budget and returning it to him, this provided focus on the whole budget preparation cycle. The bishop and the accountant agree that the end of the year means little time left to critically review and analyse budgets and make changes. The example of food at the college based on maize prices of 800TZS/kg in the budget when it is now 1200TZS/kg (thanks Putin) means that the budget for this year will see blowouts in food. Inflation here is running at least at 10% although public servants received a 21% pay rise in June.
I met the accountant and he is happy for a policy on financial reporting to be established. We also discussed moving to computer based accounting which will be a huge task but might be looked at slowly as a trial. We will see as it does require money that is not there.
I had various discussions with staff about a staffing issue in one of the schools and the way to manage this. Cultural issues here mean a solution is more complex than in Australia.
Mwita the IT guy is away working as an IT specialist on the census so discussions about the newsletter have been limited. Hoping this can be prepared by early September.
Tuesday of week two saw me listless, lethargic and tired. It was census day so no work. I did nothing for the day and felt generally unwell. This continued into Wednesday and while not a flu I wondered if Covid had hit me again. I googled malaria late Wednesday and took myself to the Coptic (Egyptian) Hospital Thursday morning. They actually spoke good English. I waited like everone else – mainly women with infant children and a few older people. A very ordered system where on arrival a small marquee is where you have your BP, temperature and pulse done and then go inside to register. Pay 2000 TZS ($1.25) to see the Egyptian doctor. He ordered a blood smear to test for malaria as well as RAT for malaria which was interesting. Back to the cashier to pay 2,000 TZS for the blood test. Waited an hour and back in to see Dr Peter who confirmed falciparum malaria and said there were three options. The best he told me was the drug I was prescribed, I didn’t need to worry about the other two as I had financial capacity.
The wait between the blood test and the result was interesting as I sat outside the room where my blood was acuired from a needle prick and I hear every kid screaming after they entered so most were being tested for malaria. The killer for kids is if they come to late and the disease becomes untratable due to cerbral malaria. It is a terrible death. However I was also conscious that these parents, as poor as some of them looked invested 2,000 TZ which may equate to a day’s wage for their children’s sake.
I was seated next to a mum still breastfeeding her daughter who was happy to clamber over me. She had a cough but looked OK otherwise so I guessed she also ws there for malaria. Once I had seen the doctor, received my script it was back to the cashier to pay 15,500 TZS ($10) for my medication which included 20 panadol which I didn’t think necessary but on reading the side effects of the malaria meds I realised they were for the possible side effects.
Saturday lunch at the Rehema Cafe. Last Saturday as the coordinator Heather leaves for South Africa for annual medical checks. Lunch was a group of ten or so. Arthur from the office, the bishop’s son and daughter and the IT guy Mwita as well as Arthur’s family.
The coming week is going to be busy.
AfricaEddie 