Advice for future development workers in Africa

So the point of this blog was threefold

1.       To keep my family/friends up to date with what I’m doing (because hell no am I going to be able to tell the 3 months worth of information when I get back)

2.       To remind me what I’ve done/ my journey as my memory is atrocious and everything looks rosy in hindsight

3.       As a guide for future engineers who may think about coming to Cameroon or Africa for an engineering project.

So this is a post for all those number threes. Some of this has been mentioned in other posts but this is just a summary.

Firstly I would suggest you do your research, Africa is so different from the rest of the world that it is worth just reading up on as much as you can. Look at pictures, weather, traditions, food etc. Find out the things that you can get hold of and the things you can’t. for example for just some fun we wanted to get a football but here they cost in excess of £11, as a country famed for its football this seems a little strange. It is very difficult to get a hold of good chocolate and cheese, both things are very important to me, so think about bringing some essentials. There are no words to describe the happiness you feel when you are feeling low and have a little reminder of home.

Know your money, you will always be charged more as a foreigner but if you know the average rate you can avoid many things also be prepared to haggle, it’s not rude and people up the beginning price and expect you to lower it.  Also it can help you manage your money if you are aware of the high costs. Usually crafts/local food is relatively cheap as they are produced here but if it needs to be imported the prices can be higher.

Think about Clothes. We had big problems in the first week where it was continuous rain, this meant that Chris had wet shoes for months as he brought 2 pairs and there wasn’t enough sun to dry them. Also pack for all weather I really wish I had brought a jumper as it can get quite cool. Also think to the future some people may be gone for 3-12 months so you may need to buy clothes there what is available, they might have hundreds of dresses but no good pair of jeans. Clothes can get damaged or worn. I have already destroyed 2 pairs of shoes.

Keep in contact, be it facebook emails etc. The internet can be unpredictable/slow but if you have a linked in email account (one that opens automatically on your desktop) you can send and receive emails with barely any signal. Also it is always good to get encouragement from back home.  This also applies for Blogs, they are a good tool to evaluate your time and you can write about things in a less formal way.

Expect the unexpected. You will always be surprised at the impact you will have and where it will take place. Normally you will expect to have an impact due to your project, but sometimes it’s just your presence. We have a favourite “restaurant” it’s actually a retrofitted cargo container, since we have started eating there his business has increased, the same could be said for a tailor or hairdresser.  

You will be held to a higher standard than other people. You must accept that you will be a mix between a celebrity and a diplomat. People will see everything you do and talk and judge you on it. This may seem strange and a lot of responsibility but its part of what is expected of you. When you visit someone’s house they will expect you to eat food and take a drink. They will introduce you to everyone and you will have to sit and eat food in front of everyone. People will want you to visit their homes and will want your number and to talk to you just because you are from England or you’re white.

People have different backgrounds, beliefs and family structures than you. You have to realise that you can’t take anything for granted, always get a local person to help you integrate. There is a man here who is a chief, one of the things that you can’t do it touch them. Every single time I see him I try and shake his hand, You need to listen and try to assimilate as soon as you can. But on a positive note people will be more accommodating to you because they understand you’re foreign.

A little effort on your part can go a long way. Whilst here we try to learn a little of the Bambui language my vocabulary only consist of 5 phrases “A-ben Wa-a” which means good morning. “a bwe la” which means how are you “a bon” which means fine “maya” which is thank you and “oy yeh sa” which means good afternoon. Whenever I try and use these it makes everyone very happy, probably at my awful accent. Also if you do things like eat the local food, wear local clothes, It might seem to you that you are playing dress up but it really makes people happy.

Don’t give money out. One of the worst things you can do is present yourself as the typical westerner throwing money around. Even if you think it’s for a friend or needed. You are better off buying something and giving a gift or saying next time, maybe etc. Don’t overspend or give tips it may seem nice to you but it’s better to give a gift at the end of the placement.

Give gifts, you have to be aware that sometimes you have to dress a certain way and honour people with gifts. Especially if you are invited to big events you might have to give a small gift to some dancers or give a gift to the Fon. You may be asked for a donation to a fundraiser etc. Just give what you can 100CFA to some people is a lot to us its 13p.

You will have to learn to live without, sometimes there is no water, no internet no power, no TV. Sometimes their won’t be a good bathroom, areas to wash your hands etc. just channel your inner guide/scout and always be prepared.

Finally Organisation is worth its weight in gold. Africans are very visual our office is covered with bits of paper explaining bits of our project and a massive calendar showing all our site visits and what we have been doing. We also planned a weekly Monday morning meeting where we discuss what we have done and what we intend to do in the next couple of weeks. You will have people always asking what you are doing, where you are going people will come visit you and it’s nice to have something to show them. Also you are managing your own time so it’s easy to let things slide. Monthly progress meetings with your NGO are always good for evaluating where you are and what you have to do.

Make sure you look after you! It may seem important to do lots of work and juggle a million things at once but make sure you have at least 2 days off a week. You will be in a beautiful place, with lots of places to explore. It doesn’t have to be cultural either; you have a lazy PJ day at home with a few films or go to the local pub/club and relax with your new friends.

Chris also has a piece of advice; try and get involved in activities outside of your project as the people you meet will help you later on.

Wow that was a lot of information, but in the end just trust your gut, remember your training and I’m sure you will have an amazing time!