Eager to see their efforts contribute to the project

De partner vertelt... van 6 september 2017 door Sheunesu Masuka

1. SUMMARY
The project at Willow Park, Esigodini began to show that the vision is coming alive. The hard work of participants is taking shape and some tasks are completed as we built upon the commitment and hard work of others. At the moment the first chicken run is completed, the fish tank is taking shape and the paint job has been completed.

We thank God for a great project. As there were many challenges we had to coop with, we would also like to acknowledge the hard work that was done in ensuring that the project would run smoothly. The leadership teams worked well in decision making and directing the events/activities, ensuring that the purpose, aim and objectives of the project were kept in perspective. The project was good and we thank God for the safety of the participants with no injuries or threats to lives of participates.

The GMC’s (Good Moring Conversation) were good, people shared their testimonies and we had an awesome closing ceremony with participation from YFC Board Chair and another young man. Participates acknowledged spiritual growth during the project. 

2. INTRODUCTION ON THE PROJECT
The back to back project option of projects of this summer brought a very interesting dynamic as we saw ourselves jumping into more running around before we could take a deep breath. It was a good experience, but not to be repeated.

The project goal is to have young people trained, start projects and become self-sustained. The wistfulness is so thick that we look forward to seeing that happen. But there were a number of factors that our technical people highlighted as we went along, and some being about correction. We also released a young leader that we felt would also rise to some of the challenges as demonstrated in his abilities.

3. OPERATIONAL LEVEL
3.1 The construction

• Roofing of the pig pens
  
  
• Building east and west wings of the chicken run
  
  
• Plastering of the chicken run
  
  
• Making the door for the chicken run secure and putting a footbath at the main entrance
  
  
• Correcting the back roof of the chicken run
  
  
• Painting window panes
  
  
• Plastering the fish tank to make it ready for use
  
  
• Re-plastering the class block 
  
  
• Welding, riveting and painting of the metal workshop door
  
  
• Looking at the natural fish pond construction, which did not happen due to a technical issue
  
  

The participants were eager and encouraged as they finalized some of the work that had been left for completion and they started to work on a new pig pen.

3.2 Facilitation of the team
The accommodation at Small World Lodge was ideal and not too complicated on arrival. Susan and Michael welcomed the team and travelled with reasonable transport to Bulawayo. The bus ride to Bulawayo is always interesting, I guess all bus rides with several police stops are. Eventually we got to the final destination. The accommodation was good with enough facilities. The work was delayed by the fact that it was just before Heroes festivities and some changes in the authorities. However, things were picked up with the participants a few days later, eager to see their efforts contribute to progress of the project.

The trip to Victoria Falls was good and people stayed at the Victoria Falls National Park and had a game drive there too. This was different from Hwange, but we tried something different in order to avoid having to drive for long hours and rushing around, as was highlighted by Andre Mulder on the previous project. This plan worked well for seeing a game drive, though they would have wanted to ride in the back of open safari trucks. After that a braai dinner in the wild was on the agenda. The participants experienced the Zambezi river that passes the park. The next day, on Sunday 20 August, was the sight-seeing of the mighty Victoria Falls which was less than 10km away. These experiences are dynamic and different each time.

Jan’s pizza treat is always a winner with participants. The two buses of mixed Dutch and Zimbabwean participants returned safely to a great welcome from Rosemary and her team who had prepared a hearty supper. They spent another two days before heading out to Small World’s Lodge again, traveling with Susan as the host, where we met and wrapped off the project visit.

3.4 Transportation
Transportation at the campsite was readily available when needed, though the vehicle was out a lot when it had to take participants to various sites like visits to an orphanage, trips to town for greetings and e-mails and also to go out for childrens’ program and the Life Skills Program, which was a lot more on this project. It also meant that Dumi, who was also the local team leader, was off site more than normal as one of the only few people able to drive. The Coordinator expressed this as a concern and stated that another plan had to be put in place. Therefore another driver, Wayne, was introduced, but that did not work well as he was not there the whole time. Hired transport for outings was good with two buses taking participants to Victoria Falls. There is always room for improvement. We would not mind if we could have transport like the one used to transfer participants to and from the airport. That is something that can be looked into. Also there was a comment about having open trucks for game drives as was the case with the ZW117 participants too.

3.5 Safety
Safety of participants in the working area and in general was fair. The general safety procedures and explanations were done. Some local participants struggled because the sizes of the safety boots were a bit big. It is important to ensure that this is kept to a high standard. However, there was also the issue of security of valuables. There was a theft which was unfortunate. We feel that we should put valuables away in a safe place until they are needed or that the doors should have been locked and only participants in that room would be allowed. If a GMC group is cleaning the room, it must be noted who is cleaning which room. The team leader must know their team to avoid issues of theft.

3.6 COOPERATION WITH THE WORLDS SERVANTS LEADERS
This went on well with all participants, making every effort to work well together.

3.7 Involvement of the stakeholders
3.7.1 Applicant 
This was good and there was more involvement on team work in ensuring flow.

3.7.2 Staff
It was good and limited to a smaller number.

3.7.3 Beneficiaries
It was good. Number of participants from the community increasing. Children were moved by the difference in how some activities were done this time round.

3.7.4 The local authorities
The District Administrator changed and this created a challenge. There was some in house issue between the different local offices but we had a good cooperation from the various stakeholders who endorsed the work with the presence of the President’s Office details at times and some police officers who took interest in our work. The district Schools Inspector is looking forward to a visit to endorse the Skills Centre and accredit it for exams. The teachers, headmaster and other adults were involved. Football for Water more people were involved.

3.7.5 Community
There was greater interest and participation at various levels. The church and school were excited and eager to do more during contact. The meal is always a hit with community as that is a contact point of relationship building for them.

4. DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROJECT
Due to the input and adjustments advised by  technical adviser from Profeeds and implementation of some bio-security matters, the brooding section of the chicken run will be done and the first back will be done with the aid of Mr. Mdluli, someone who has run similar projects in the rural area of Mbembezi on the way from Harare. The monkeys are still a threat but the advice was better to start than wait to deal with them. Someone will be on site to keep them at bay. The fish pond developed a leak which was repaired and yet to be tested again before proceeding with fish stock from Simango of Aquaculture education and engineering. What would be left is the completion of the pig pen, the natural fish pond which was not started due to the nature of the major contractor work still needed before participants step in.

5. LESSONS LEARNED
Communication is key. Daily feedback is vital for progress. Delegation of certain assignments. Following through what you had delegated. Team work is important. This project was more intact in terms of unity. The grace and love shown through Jan’s leadership and the heart of all participants especially leaders made everyone feel important and willing to be a beacon. Good meals, good fellowship, interesting lessons of Dutch and some local language as well as great time of fellowship and worship.