Saturday, June 14, 2008

Communication Breakdown

I just spent 10 days in Ongwediva for My Future is My Choice training. It was an interesting experience. Life is different 'in the North', as they say. The population is almost entirely Owambo. The major towns are nothing like Tsumeb. Tsumeb reminds me a little of small-town America. The northern towns are just a corridor of old buildings all stacked against each other along the highway. Also, the North is like a giant beach. There's sand everywhere. Walking on the foot paths is a lot of work. The ground just gives way. Then I tried walking in it after a few beers, even tougher.

I attended the training with 21 other people, all Owambo. They welcomed me to the group like anybody else. That has been my experience with almost all the activities I'm involved with. The Namibian people are warm-hearted. The problem comes when we try to communicate. Sometimes people in Tsumeb have a difficult time with my 'American English', but usually they understand me. It's a pretty diverse town and people speak a lot of English there. In the North they don't speak much English. They don't have to because almost everyone speaks Oshiwambo. On the other hand, the youth are trying to learn English to increase their job opportunities. It was really frustrating because I wanted to get to know some of the people better, but the language barrier just kept that from happening. Still, we had a good time together. I'd be interested to hear comments from any of you on a similar experience.

I'm excited to start teaching My Future is My Choice. It's an after-school program for 15-18 year olds. The material covers HIV, reproductive health, drugs and alcohol, communication, decision making, values... so much stuff! And, I hear most students enjoy the program. It's highly interactive with games, dramas and teamwork. I may be able to start the program as early as next week with my assigned school, Tsumeb Senior Secondary. Wish me luck.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Dave,

I don't think those are real people behind you...just in case you were not aware.

I like the non-smiling you. Sends a different message....like I'm confident of who I am...wanna see what's inside?
keep on growing son.

Beer never helped anyone do anything.

love,
dad

Michael L. said...

God bless you Dave Bull - you're doing good work. Your dad and I get together for beer, a stogie, and movies about once a week, and you are always in our thoughts. Arizona sure misses you. Your friend - Michael Lawson

Anonymous said...

my dear son,

you are missed here...

we are home

had a great vacation, good to go back to work. How much longer to a new life of retirement.
say...where is the July news, we need stimulation here in the north country.

wet and wild with storms.

your old but active dad.