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Update - 22nd August 2005

FUN FROM THE FIELD 6
Hallo Again,
Do you know one of the things I like most about Tigray is the dancing. Some of you know my rather strong leanings towards this type of exercise!!!! It is, however, rather difficult to do in our own western society, especially for a 72 year old (without totally embarrassing family and friends whenever I am in the vicinity of a dance floor). But here I can shuffle and twist to my hearts content because EVERYBODY dances - from little tots to doddering oldies. And it is usually accompanied with much enthusiasm and vigor. Great.

One of the other things I love is the form of greeting. Again EVERYBODY shakes hands. If you do not know the person it is a formal handshake. If the person is an old friend then wow it is shaking of the hand vigorously and the side to side touching of the cheek/head to head and often a big hug. It’s wonderful to have this unbridled show of warmth and affection. So unrestrained.

However if you are under the impression that I am spending my time dancing and shaking hands please let me assure you that we have been working - hard. I and my two colleagues/ counterparts have traveled extensively throughout Tigray visiting major towns and rural areas. We have been collecting information relating to the situation of people with disabilities in Tigray. This has taken the form (in technical jargon) of interviews with key informants, structured interviews, focus group discussions, administering questionnaires etc etc. In other words talking to as many individuals and groups about what they are doing and getting their views about the situation. We have met with tremendous cooperation and it has been quite a humbling experience to be able to meet and share experiences with so many incredible people. We have nearly completed compiling a 50 page document, which we are calling “A Profile on Disability and Development in Tigray”. This is purely descriptive and serves to form the basis for analysis e.g. what is being done-who, how etc, then to identify needs, gaps and set priorities and so on.

We have already had some significant ‘breakthroughs’ I feel. A decision has been made by the Tigray Health Bureau to upgrade the junior physiotherapist/rehabilitation assistants whom we had trained many years ago. A one year Diploma Course is being developed following our assessment of the situation to the Health Bureau.

Yesterday we had a meeting with the Program Manager of a large International Non-Government Organisation that implements many large Integrated Rural Development Programs. We were promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities into mainstream development programs. He was most interested and said “This is a new concept for us” “We have not thought of this before”. But give us more information and we will discuss with our staff and the people we work with in the rural areas. “We would be willing to try a pilot project”. Hallalujah. It’s a start.

As in many developing countries the whole question of disability is really not discussed or it is viewed as a welfare issue. We are trying to ‘get through’ that persons with a disability cannot be ‘lumped together’. There are those who have severe disabilities who can do extraordinary things e.g. blind persons farming; an amputee may need intermittent assistance for a period of time but is quite capable of employment. Kids with disabilities can go to school if they means of mobility/transport etc. are available. Of course there are the severely, multi-handicapped who will always need some form of care but again this can be managed in different ways. Changing attitudes can be quite challenging!!!!!

For those who may be interested in my dilemma in making a choice of having my hair cut. It was resolved. I cut it myself. I now have what I refer to as a ‘whimsy’ look - a Mia Farrow gamin look gone wrong. It is amazing what one can do with a pair of nail scissors!!!!

Until next time.
Chow. Helen
22nd August 2005