Africa Vision 4

Africa Vision 4

N’djamena, November 14, 2007

Children’s demonstration.

President’s Sarkozy heavy-handed intervention in the case of the 103 abducted has not been received well in Chad. His rescue mission to extract as many of the pilots, journalists and workers of Zoë’s Arc shows a very colonial view of the world in my eyes. Chad has a justice system in place. The accusations of kidnapping and abduction of 103 children are to be tried in the country where the events take place. Would a Chadian who is accused of committing a crime in France be tried in Chad or in France? Why would there be class justice for the people involved in this horrendous case?

The hundred and three children are in N’Djamena during the investigation of the case. They are kept away from their parents. Used as pawns in a political game to extract maximal effect. The highest authorities in Chad have spoken big words. The children would have been part of an organ donation scheme. The bottom line is that adoption is culturally and legally not allowed in Chad. However good the intentions of giving children a house in France this case just stinks. Today in the center of N’Djamena school children demonstrated against president Sarkozy. If only the people of Zoë’s Arc would have used their brains.

Patience is a virtue. So far our meeting with the people of UNICEF has been postponed twice. Once because of the case of Zoë’s Arc and yesterday because there may be an outbreak of polio in Chad. If this is the case rapid public health intervention; in other words rounds of vaccinations need to take place immediately. It would confirm the general findings of one of our field visits in the South that the vaccination campaign is not at all adhered to. This gives all the more reason to accelerate our start up. If only one of the project proposals could be signed this week and money transferred our program could be rolled out.

As far as I understand there are 30 plus international organizations working in Chad and about 2 national ones. Africa Vision as a new kid on the block has a very good position I believe. Local authorities are looking for local players. It ties in with the philosophy that local people working with local solutions, aided by international experience, best tackle local problems. Simple solutions, which are known to work around the world, shall be implemented in Mondou, Doba and surrounding areas. Vaccination programs, training of community based health educators, supplying of oral rehydration solution, bed nets and malaria medication will lead to huge improvements in the health status of the kids.

Myself: I am trying to learn to be patient, diplomatic and more of the desirable skill sets of a captain of a team. Meeting people in different places so my dream can come true. Today the dean of the medical faculty, UNICEF, UN and some old colleagues from IRC. There will be a wee bit of banter and dance I am sure. Also I need to get busy chasing peacocks. There are unconfirmed rumors that they are available!

Namaskar, Ashis Brahma, future peacock farmer