What am I doing here?!

QUESTION: What am I doing here?!

Yes, the DRC has a long history of violence, corruption, and general instability. Yes, it's possibly a result of the leadership, or lack thereof, in the government. Yes, it's possibly a result of the structure which breeds survival by any means necessary.

With all these factors at play, why would anyone want to work here? Especially in Goma, with a 70% you won't return alive. Ok, I exaggerate but that's because some of the rebel groups have disbanded, integrated, or in general, have been stabilized by a combination of the FARDC and MONUSCO.

Coming from a western mindset, it can be difficult to imagine working in this environment. Yet, I still believe in the basic good in humanity and its ability to rise above the ashes (metaphorically speaking, because an active volcano, Mt. Nyriagongo, is nearby and could explode at any moment - see movie "Volcano Next Door" that the already present staff recommended all the new ones watch). I think when working together in a cooperative environment, we can truly build the capacity of the national staff. Yes, it may be intrinsically hegemonic, but it surely must be a step improved from the existing circumstances. The people just need an opportunity.

SHORT ANSWER: Food security.

LONGER ANSWER: The opportunity comes in the form of first, food provisioning, to get them back on their feet, and second, to expand from that state to one of asset building, to increase the ability to establish and expand on the resources available towards sustainable livelihoods. (Much of this great information I learned from the LIFT program at my previous position.)

To be more specific, my organization has been piloting and effectively implementing seed and food fairs for many years in various countries. The population we work with is mostly IDPs (internally displaced persons), or refugees, from the country as well as its neighbors. There still exist ethnic tensions, in particular Hutus and Tutsis, as well as other groups fighting for the resources, or the ability to exploit these resources. The IDPs are in dire situation as UNHRC and UNOPS can only provide so much support.

Thus, we come in with our food voucher fairs. To ensure safety, we come in to different areas where there are nearby IDP camps and set up food fairs, inviting the local community (AKA host community) vendors to provide the supply. Through vouchers provided by the WFP, we are able to track the spending to see which items the households themselves actually need. A market assessment is carried out beforehand to ensure fair prices as well as to not overwhelm the market. This helps the IDPs because they can supplement the meager rations as well as the host community by injecting much-needed revenue. This was the idea for the pilot, with close monitoring and now with evaluations coming up (largely positive), there is a possibility of an extension - adding in many new twists.

Besides managing this process and tightening the M&E system, my role is to truly build the local capacity, including our staff as well as our partner's. There are many details and various factors (i.e. political, safety, systematic, etc.) which have to be accounted for, among other thing. Thus far..

COWORKERS: A-, the office staff is very supportive; the partner staff is very willing.
ORGANIZATION: B, perhaps the systems need to be more standardized so we'll see what we can do.
PROGRAM: A-, the program has much credibility among stakeholders. Donor issues but that is common. Looks like many possibilities.
LIVING SITUATION: B, the living situation is more than I expected (which I admittedly entered with low expectations); and there have been no real security issues yet. Pretty sure the cleaning lady may be pocketing a few dollars from the shopping, but we'll see. Electricity cuts out quite often, internet slow, water cuts off when electricity cuts off. To be expected though.
MISC: B, so far so good. Joined a gym. Exploring different lunch locations. Will meet more people eventually but so wrapped up in learning right now..
*Note: the grades are a bit harsh but it's good to start off low and improve from there.

OVERALL ANALYSIS: This is a great situation as a first long-term field post.. at least for now. In the next few weeks, I'll be traveling to the rural areas to implement these fairs and we will really see what's up.

View from the back of one of our vehicles, a Land Cruiser. This is the one of the 3 main roundabouts.

Ah, the little things that make home.

SPORTS and SUCH: We're supposed to go with one of our staff members to play soccer tomorrow, so we will see (1) if it happens; (2) how it goes. The internet connection here can be shoddy, and coupled with the late time of the NBA Finals (5-6 hours difference), staying out past 3 am (9 pm EST) is not a good idea. Perhaps there is an expat with satellite (e.g. cable) TV who can lend a hand.

Regardless, I'm incredibly proud of my Dallas Mavericks, who had another amazing comeback and are now one win away from the title. So great to wake up and read all the analysis of the games. The resiliency, the determination, the never-say-die attitude is absolutely amazing. We aren't nearly as athletic as the other team, but we play hard, smart basketball and that is a true indication of the city and its fans.

Let's go MAVS!

TRIVIA! Everyone loves it. Let's add this important aspect to the equation. Short quiz here (post your answers! next entry will give the right ones.):

1. What's been the deadliest war in the world since the end of World War II?
2. Which African country controls the exclave of Cabinda, wedged between the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo?
3. Which country has the lowest point on the African continent?
4. Which country has the highest point on the African continent?
5. What percentage of all malaria cases are in sub-Saharan Africa (+/-5%)?
6. BONUS: What is the best city in Texas?

**EDIT: Congrats on the new AED/FHI partnership. Extremely excited about the possibilities!