10 things I learned in Africa (via the ONE blog)

Before leaving Africa I asked ONE if I could do anything else for the organization while still on the continent. They said that writing a story on the top 10 things I had learned during my time in Africa would be great :) I wrote it and they published the post on the ONE blog recently. You can read it all below or on the ONE website.

Tzviatko Chiderov is a ONE volunteer from Chicago and has been a member since 2007. He is currently on assignment in Zimbabwe with Voluntary Services Overseas. Keep on the lookout for more posts like these in the series “Z for Zimbabwe.”

I was in Africa for the past eight and a half months. I left a few days ago, and as I reflect on this experience I am convinced that it was the most amazing time of my life. It seems I did so much, saw so much and most importantly, I was able to learn so very much. So, as a final blog in this series, here is a list of the top 10 things I learned while in Africa:

1. Africans are amazing people. I was only there for a short while but I was able to make a ton of friends. It seems most Africans by nature are extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful people. I think this is what I will miss the most — the warm and good-natured Africans.

2. Living in most of Africa is very safe. People are always concerned about westerners who travel or live in that part of the world. They shouldn’t be. Most of Africa is almost as safe as any other place… in fact I am convinced that living in Chicago could be much more dangerous than living in Harare 

3. Africa is beautiful. Some of the most amazing sights I have seen in my life have been there. The magnificent Victoria Falls thundering with all its might as it sprays water a mile away. Huge yet completely harmless whale sharks, swimming peacefully near the coast of Mozambique. Stones, the size of cars, in odd shapes balancing perfectly on top of each other, sprinkled throughout the countryside of Zimbabwe. Large, maze-like structures built entirely with stones and no mortar forming the main settlement of an old Shona kingdom. A family of elephants crossing the road undisturbed near Lake Kariba. Even zebras at a park in Zambia lovingly embraced in a hug…

4. People in Africa don’t need much to be happy. In fact, some of the happiest people I’ve met have been there. Many families in the countryside live with nothing but a plot of land and a small mud hut. Yet they manage just fine and appear to have very strong family bond and incredible relationships, much better than what I normally see in modern-day America.

5. There is a lot of talent in Africa and there is so much potential. Just in Zimbabwe, I’ve met some wonderful musicians, other amazing artists, and even great web developers. I will miss the lively drumming of Blessing Chimanga, the guitar of Andy Brown, the fun performances of chikwata 263, and talking Drupal with the young Chiko Mukwenha (and learning from him). I am truly excited about these people. The potential is so encouraging and their drive for success is inspiring.

6. “There’s no hurry in Africa, we’re always hours ahead of London!” A friend of mine from work would always tell me that. It’s no secret that many things in the developing world take time … and usually, a long time. Bureaucracy could get frustrating at times for someone used to the efficient business processes in the US. At the end of the day however, because of this more relaxed and laid-back lifestyle, people appear to lead lives with much less stress than ours in the West.

7. Africa has huge business potential. In fact, I think this is where we as individuals and our governments should be investing a lot more of our time. Some of the fastest growing economies in the world currently are in Africa. This potential is not to be underestimated, especially during a global economic crisis. It appears investing in Africa could be much more rewarding, both in terms of financial gains but also as development assistance, than almost any other place on earth nowadays.

8. World media often gives wrong perception. What I thought of Zimbabwe from reading the international media before going into the country was that it was a dangerous place, where if given the chance, no one in their right mind would like to live. After spending just a few days in the country I was able to start forming my own perception of things … and it was completely different than what I had read. Completely.

9. People don’t want you to feel sorry for them. Most Africans I’ve met are very proud of their culture and heritage. They are aware of what the international media tends to focus on when covering Africa and most don’t enjoy being grouped together into one sad, dark story of misery. Africa is much larger than the US and Europe combined. It’s a big place with many different kinds of people leading very different lives. Grouping them into one is unfair and completely inaccurate. If we want to help we must understand the different groups of people and their unique struggles.

10. If working in Africa, exploring on your own is critical. Many foreigners that I met there, live and work in a protective bubble, unable to truly experience and appreciate the real Africa. It’s great that organizations are concerned about their people’s safety but in my opinion the dangers are ofter strongly exaggerated. I am convinced that foreigners would be much more effective in their work and would grow to enjoy the place much more if they could bring themselves closer to the lives of the local population, or even their local counterparts. Safety comes with getting to know the locals. I’ve constantly experienced my local friends’ concern for my well-being.

This is my last blog in the “Z for Zimbabwe” series. Thanks for reading and take care.

-Tzviatko Chiderov, ONE member