Getting ready

I am using this site to share my experiences in Kenya over the next few weeks. 

Previously in Malawi ...

I have never written a blog before so bear with me, it is just the first of several new experiences I expect to have over the next few weeks.

First things first – what am I doing and why? (or rather, why now? and why this?)

I am going to Kenya to work for a few weeks at a school in Western Kenya, as a volunteer.

Last year I visited my son Chris, and his partner Hope, in Malawi, and as my friends and family know, they have both worked in Africa for some time, primarily in the NGO/charity sector. Hope mentioned having heard of an organisation that sent professional Accountants to assist charities and how she felt it would be helpful to her organisation. So, on my return home I did some research and found references to AfID via the CIMA website. It looked just what I was looking for – an opportunity to offer my professional skills to support the development grass-roots development work.  I contacted them a few months ago, and here I am ready to set off next Sunday.

Why now? I am nearing retirement but still looking for useful work to do. I am not looking for promotion nor thinking of re-training for a new career, (I did that 15 years ago) but I am always looking for new experiences and like to challenge my personal comfort zone.  I know it's a cliche but I wanted to give something back, make a contribution, support those less fortunate than myself.

Why this? I know from my own personal experience that bookkeeping and accountancy can appear like a “dark art” to the uninitiated but it is vital that charities and NGOs can keep good records and explain what they have done with the money that their donors have provided.  AfID are especially keen to stress the “capacity building” side of the support offered to organisations, and this chimes with my own passions.  I had a previous career as a teacher and believe strongly in lifelong teaching and learning.
Accountancy and business skills are in great demand in developing countries - and I hope to be able to be of real use to the school.

I still have so much to do -packing and tidying up at home, and tidying up loose ends at work - before I leave! So, that's all for now.