Firstly apologies for somewhat neglecting my blog over the last month or so. After around 10 days in Khartoum, I was delighted to return to El Obeid, my job and my friends here. It was great to get back and get on with the job I am here to do. Those who know me well know that I am not into politics or proper gander, that I'm a simple girl just trying to do my best to make a bit of a difference to those I teach. Recent media coverage of problems here in Sudan has had an adverse effect on SVP's volunteer programme. Unfortunately some would be volunteers have been put off by what they have seen and heard about Sudan, which whilst understandable - I would urge them to speak to those who know the area and the people before making a decision one way or the other. If they make the decision not to come they will be missing an invaluable opportunity to gain an insight to this amazing country and it's people.
For most of us fortunate to live in the developed world we have no concept of the unrest and struggle that is a normal part of every day life in many countries and could not begin to imagine how people just get on with their daily lives which are so very different to ours. Being a responsible London based organisation with years of experience of sending volunteers to work in Sudan - SVP are simply not in the business of sending people into potential danger zones and the organisations they work with in Sudan would not accept volunteers if they felt their safety may be at risk in any way. The volunteer programme makes such a big difference to so many people, giving them a chance to improve their English language, which in turn gives them a better chance of getting a job and helping to make a real difference in their own country. Please if you know anyone who may be interested in volunteering share this link:- http://svp-uk.com/home. Thanks!
For most of us fortunate to live in the developed world we have no concept of the unrest and struggle that is a normal part of every day life in many countries and could not begin to imagine how people just get on with their daily lives which are so very different to ours. Being a responsible London based organisation with years of experience of sending volunteers to work in Sudan - SVP are simply not in the business of sending people into potential danger zones and the organisations they work with in Sudan would not accept volunteers if they felt their safety may be at risk in any way. The volunteer programme makes such a big difference to so many people, giving them a chance to improve their English language, which in turn gives them a better chance of getting a job and helping to make a real difference in their own country. Please if you know anyone who may be interested in volunteering share this link:- http://svp-uk.com/home. Thanks!
I feel safer walking around the streets of El Obeid after dark than at home - the worst thing I have had happen is when unbeknown to me a bat took refuge inside my shirt one night when I was out! God knows how it got in there without me knowing and it frightened the life out of me when I discovered it - although to be honest I think the bat was pretty stunned and terrified when it was suddenly flung from it's warm nesting place!
The Sudanese people are the most humble, proud, caring people I have had the good fortune to meet. Many of them do not have very much but share it without question, and are most offended if you don't eat them out of house and home when you visit. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I have paid for my own bus fare or breakfast since I have been here - which I know sounds dreadful, but the people here get very offended if their guests pay their own way! They live very simple lives and are grateful for the little that they have - many of my students live without electricity and running water, and throughout the summer, water supply is a major problem even here in the town, being so far away from the Nile. For the first time in my life I am having to make decisions such as what shall I use the little bit of remaining water for; washing myself, my clothes, the dishes or flushing the toilet? I find myself laughing when I read stories of the "drought" in the UK and how neighbours can now shop each other for getting the paddling pool out as the "temperature soars into the mid to high 20's." The children here have to wait until the rainy season to play in pools of water in the muddy streets.
Since I have been here I have learned so much about the Sudanese people, their customs and traditions and ways of life. I have been to many celebrations and family occasions.
Last weekend I went to the circumcision celebration for 5 seriously cute little boys aged from about 18 months to 7 years old. The main part of the celebration took place in the family home of one of my close friends relatives.
The ladies gathered to mark the occasion with the usual singing along to the "Dalooka," a traditional drum.
Afterwards we took the boys to a tomb at a nearby mosque and then on to the photography studio for the official photographs to mark the occasion. I thought I was simply along for the ride and to capture some more snaps with my own camera, but no! They insisted that I joined them inside the studio so now as well as many couples having the "khawajia" (foreigner!) in their wedding videos, there are 5 little boys who have her in their pictures too!
Earlier this week I attended one of the many parties in the run up to a wedding - this one was where they mix the traditional perfumes worn by the bride and groom. They grind up a combination of aromatic woods and spices and mix them with a carrier perfume, whilst continuing to sing and drum.
I was delighted when the bridegroom's mother gave me my own little bottle to bring home as a souvenir!
There are so many lovely traditions here in Sudan, some of which vary from tribe to tribe and some which pass between different tribes, as tribes become mixed by marriage. But all occasion are marked with pride, singing, dancing and of course plenty of good old Sudanese hospitality!