Month: February 2018

February 21st was a national holiday in Zimbabwe, in honour of the ousted former president Robert Mugabe’s birthday. It has been interesting to discuss how his politics affected all Zimbabweans.
Those who grew up in Rhodesia in the 60-70’s recall how lovely of a place this was to live. They frequently point out areas of the city polluted with trash where street vendors sell their few vegetables, describing how the area used to be a nice market, shopping center, restaurant, etc. And, when driving outside the city in the vast greenery, they discuss how the land used to be highly productive fields, or how abandoned buildings used to be working factories. It’s not often that the future generation has less than the previous one, but it is very much the case in Zimbabwe for the 20 somethings who grew up under Mugabe’s rule.
In shops, you can purchase 100 trillions dollar bills of the old currency, now worthless. As the value of currency dropped, first a few zeros were cut off from the bills (up to 24, eventually!). Then the whole currency system changed to American dollars. But through cutting off zeros countless times and changing from one currency to the other, what was deposited in the bank years ago was now meaningless. All savings went out the window as bank accounts were forcibly emptied. It was difficult for me to comprehend how a whole nation survives without any savings in the bank. Even if you attempted to start savings accounts for your children, for instance, all vanished overnight. A couple told me how the husband’s pension plan was worth an arbitrary 5$ after 36 years of saving when the currency changed. For a time, people could only barter with their neighbours and friends. Basic needs such as milk, eggs, oil and canned goods had to be bought in South Africa, as shops in Zimbabwe were bare. There was no electricity for weeks. This undoubtedly brought the people together, as no matter the family name, country of origin or ethnic background, all lost everything.
There was however still a tear in society in the early years of independence, as farm lands were confiscated from colonial families while the gouverning officials fed false beliefs that the white rulers had kept all the best lands for themselves. But as the years went by, and as Zimbabweans took over the “best “farms but failed to produce due to lack of experience and funds to purchase appropriate equipment, it became evident that the propaganda tactics were false. And as the country’s economy plummeted as a consequence of corruption and poor decision-making, it wasn’t surprising that no one regretted the departure of Mugabe. It made no sense how such a rich and educated country could have no economy. Tactfully announced as a stepping down and not a coup, the event was followed by days of celebrations throughout the country. Despite heavy celebrating, not a single brawl occurred, not even a shop looted. All are now hoping things will change. Many are skeptical that a proper change will occur with the strong possibility that the ruling party, Zanu PF, will win the elections. The second largest funeral in the region occurred in late February as the leader of the opposition party, the hope of Zimbabwe passed away from cancer.
A big change has occurred since last year already apparently. Indeed, there used to be police blockades at most intersections of the country where the officers were ordered to find a reason to fine every single drivers. With so little cash in the country, the government was trying to collect everything they could. And so officers would measure stickers with a ruler and fine over millimeters, or ask drivers to leave the car then fine them for leaving a running car, and many other absurdities. If you had no cash or refused to pay, you were brought to jail. Many would go through immense detours to avoid the blockades, while others just never left their homes as they got too frustrated.
Now, the blockades are gone. There is still very little cash in the country, and American Dollars are the preferred currency. There are Zimbabwean bond notes, but no one trusts this currency to last, so they are exchanged whenever possible. The country is however innovating and developing its digital transaction infrastructure.
It’s an interesting time to be in Zimbabwe, and I will definitely be following the elections and upcoming years closely.

Being only able to obtain a medical license for 1 month, the clinical portion of my international placement has yet to begin. During my first month in Zimbabwe, I’ve been learning about certain social determinants of health through work with the Susan Janetti’s Gecko Society. After raising funds and collecting various donated items ranging from computers to carpentry equipment, medical supplies, clothing, and many other, a large metal container is filled and brought from Vancouver to Harare. Once in Zim, Susan goes to different predetermined areas to drop off the donations. One of these is the Center for Total Transformation, where I spent most of the month.

The CTT is a privately funded NGO caring for vulnerable children, most of who are orphans or come from abusive homes. At the center, the children receive 2 meals per day and attend class from 9 to 1pm.
These hours unfortunately cannot be extended, as some have to walk for 4 hours to reach the center. The education received is informal, as the school hasn’t obtained the needed credentials due to lack of funding. The children do however complete the needed 7 subjects and grades which could possibly allow them to pass the required exams on continue to higher education.
The center has a medical clinic, built by the Gecko Society, and a social worker is always present to advocate for the children. Unemployment being an important issue in Zimbabwe, with rates varying between 90-98% depending on the source, the center has also opted to teach children specific skills which would allow them to earn a living. A local artist teaches them to make beautiful cards which are then sold abroad, and the goal of Susan’s current visit was to build a carpentry and sewing workshop. Thanks to 2 Canadian carpenters and 3 Zimbabwean workers, these were built in 20 days and fully equipped with various tools, materials and 9 sewing machines.

I quickly realized the most important thing the center offers to the children is a safe haven for the day, where they can escape their rough reality.

I went with the carpenters to the CTT every morning and taught the children about various health topics. On my first day, I was asked to teach primary students the same day. I quickly thought of a talk on hygiene and nutrition in my mind while walking towards a large gazebo usually used as an assembly area. There, about 200 children were sitting calmly on the concrete floor. They remained attentive throughout the whole 1-hour course despite their limited knowledge in English (and my limited teaching experience), always eager to participate when prompted. These were children who visibly wanted to be in school and learn. During my talk, I met certain determined gazes that I simply won’t forget. I felt them latch to every notion I could teach.
During the following weeks, I taught High School students about reproductive health, women’s health, first aid and basic anatomy. I got to know a few students throughout the weeks and learned about their impressive resiliency through their personal stories.

Through my work at the CTT, I witnessed how poverty affects many children of Zimbabwe, stripping them from safe homes, proper education and even parents as many become ill at a young age and cannot afford to seek medical attention. I saw the effects of malnutrition, often surprised to learn the age of children who looked half their age due to stunting. Because some children didn’t have proper housing, many students were absent during rainy days of this wet season, as they didn’t have dry clothes to wear, or had to help repair their flooded home. We traveled to different villages throughout the month, listening to countless stories of misfortune due to the current economic situation in the country. The common theme is everyone’s speech however is hope. All have remarkable faith in the future. And I can easily say I’ve never seen so many smiles in one month.