After a ridiculously long absence here I thought I'd give this blog-business another go.
I was just inspired by this article in Guernica Magazine:
This perspective on the overall socio-economic situation in Africa summarizes one of the main themes of what I've learned here, and come to believe about life in this continent.
I am doing extremely well here, I'm happy, healthy, engaged, challenged. I'm refreshed from a winter break spent traveling; back to the US for a time and within the UAE as well. While touring the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi I listened to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speak in a press conference. A video-clip of the press conference is linked here:
The official transcript of her speech is here:
One part of Clinton's speech that resonated with me was the expression of her wish that people in her country would understand the extent to which people in the UAE have taken on the goal of preparing for a world of technological advancement with respect to environmental and community responsibility. I too would like people at home to know how much potential for development exists in this part of the world, and just how much energy there is brewing here. Specifically, Somaliland is a place ready and waiting for investment and sustainable development. Not aid – but economic growth.
As to updates on the day-to-day goings on in my life at AT: I'm teaching 21 hours of Biology to the 9th and 10th graders in the Secondary (boarding) school, and coaching “Girl's Conditioning” - a weekly physical education class. In addition to that I'm in the final stages of ordering and coordinating the delivery of science laboratory equipment, and overseeing the furnishing and final design touches of the lab room. On top of this the “Science Department,” (one fellow teacher and I) are preparing to hold the first-ever AT Science Fair on March 19, insh'allah.
I'm learning about the nature of construction in Somaliland by working with a well-known contractor here to construct more cohesive water collection and irrigation systems. To add a bit of business and financial verbiage to my vocabulary I'm sitting in on a few MBA classes through AT's Executive MBA program. And with an eye toward my next career-steps I'm spending a bit of time researching the nature and impact of aviation development in this country.
In other news, I'm seeing to the growth of our chicken flock (there are now 5 little chicks and more on the way) and finalizing plans for a larger, more permanent home for these birds here on the AT campus. And I water the garden now and again, nursing a few plants and trees through till the rainy-season begins in March.
Finally, I must say that I'm grateful for your encouragement to keep this blog alive.
Now, time to write a test for my 9th grade students on the meaning of science and the beginnings of Biology.
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