Our kids play outside as usual. Merel (10) and Elmo (8) have grown up in rural Africa. Both of them show remarkable social skills that, like others around them, they demonstrate daily whilst roaming our rural neighborhood with their group of friends.
I am wondering if I ever will get it right here in Africa. My engineering background and experience might be helpful in observing, but they are not necessarily conducive to participating in this enthralling environment. Well, I will continue to try, and mark our rural place.
Since 2003, we - that is Janneke van Dijk, Merel, Elmo, Beauty, and myself – have been living in the rural community of Macha in Zambia, Africa. Macha is our home, amidst a sea of undulating bush land where people live along with extended family, in homesteads; where daily life centres on communal activities like working in the fields growing food, and where everything is discussed, discussed, and discussed again.
Rural areas are deceivingly tranquil. For us, the 10 consecutive years in rural Africa resemble more of a rollercoaster ride. Amazed by the 'deep waters' people dwell in around me, I endeavour to gain insight and to draw out purposes, visions and plans in those who cross my path. I observe, and try to participate in the community, hopefully contributing and facilitating, through interaction with and introduction of technology, to strengthen the infrastructure for human interaction and training.
In Macha, an interactive community development structure is cultivated and solidified through the collaborative efforts of many. The model focuses on inspiring people in rural communities to reach their collective and individual potential. Now dubbed 'Macha Works' a co-operative of local heroes marches on for the betterment of their rural communities.
From 2008 onwards, my observations spilled over onto the Internet. In the form of blogs, they are there for all to see, in the hope that these words could build bridges between international communities. This book compiles these observations and emerging thoughts in chronological order. The subject matter is a haphazard mix of aspects of daily life, reflections on rural Macha and the world, the Internet as a stepping-stone towards sustainable progress, and culture.
This book is dedicated to my parents, who shot this arrow. Sally Green edited its content.
Of course, these observations formed while being guided by many individuals, present and not present. It is with gratitude to them – and foremost my family as life partners in this journey – that I present these observations as a Placemark 'for what it is worth'.
Gertjanvan Stam, Macha, September 2011
http://gertjanvanstam.blogspot.com
The following chapters have been written on the following dates:
[1] Atlantic Ocean, 25 October 2008
[1] Macha, 30 October 2008
[1] Macha, 2 November 2008
[1] Macha, 7 November 2008
[1] Macha, 11 November 2008
[1] Macha, 14 November 2008
[1] Macha, 16 November 2008
[1] Macha, 17 November 2008
[1] Macha, 19 November 2008
[1] Macha, 19 November 2008
[1] Macha, 27 November 2008
[1] Macha, 14 December 2008
[1] Macha, 17 January 2009
[1] Macha, 3 February 2009
[1] Macha, 10 February 2009
[1] Macha, 10 March 2009
[1] Macha, 17 February 2009
[1] Pretoria, 13 March 2009
[1] Macha, 31 March 2009
[1] Macha, 3 April 2009
[1] Macha, 5 May 2009
[1] Macha, 31 May 2009
[1] Macha, 12 June 2009
[1] Cape Town, 17 July 2009
[1] Macha, 20 July 2009
[1] Macha, 10 September 2009
[1] Macha, 25 October 2009
[1] Macha, 27 October 2009
[1] Macha, 2 February 2010
[1] Macha, 9 February 2010
[1] Macha, 2 March 2010
[1] Macha, 4 March 2010
[1] Macha, 8 March 2010
[1] Macha, 10 March 2010
[1] Macha, 8 June 2010
[1] Macha 9 June 2010
[1] Macha, 16 June 2010
[1] Macha, 3 September 2010
[1] Macha, 15 September 2010
[1] Macha, 16 September 2010
[1] Macha, 27 October 2010
[1] Macha, 14 December 2010
[1] Macha, 22 December 2010
[1] Macha, 23 December 2010
[1] Macha, 12 January 2011
[1] Macha, 15 January 2011
[1] Macha, 28 January 2011
[1] Macha, 19 February 2011
[1] Macha, 31 May 2011
[1] Macha, 31 May 2011
[1] Macha, 1 March 2011
[1] Macha, 3 June 2011
