My work

I haven’t written much about work. It was because I was too depressed about it. I have been in Malawi close to two months by now. However, I haven’t been able to accomplish as much as I have wished because of many challenges.

As Gender and Education Specialist, I was supposed to work with Gender Coordinator person in the ministry. Soon after I arrived, she passed away unfortunately. There was obviously no hand over notes. On top of that, I did not have an access to her office nor to her work files, as the room was locked until this week. There was also a confusion as to which department I should belong to. Combined with struggling to find a house, furniture and sorting out everything about life in a totally new country, lack of support and supervision made me feel quite lost at times. I know to a certain extent some difficulties are part of the reality of working in a developing country, but it was much worse than expected to be honest. I was ready to come home a couple of times. (though the option is always there..)

Having said that, I am still hoping to do a good job. Past two months, I have been attending many meetings. I was able to familiarize with the general education system in Malawi. I have learned major issues in the gender and education sector. Has been a real learning process.

This weekend, I was at a meeting of Gender and Equity Technical Working group to revise Malawi’s education sector plan from the gender point of view. It was a very vigorous process indeed since we go over a thick document page by page. But, how often do I have a chance to get involved in making a plan for the whole country’s education plan??