It’s a good day!…something very different; something that has never occurred in the history of our visits to Gwagwada happened today….on arrival all the women are seated, awaiting our arrival! What’s more, they seem more than pleased to see us ’cos as our vehicle approaches, they all stand up and begin to dance in three straight lines. Dressed in their Sunday’s best, the parade is a welcome befitting to royalty so we are highly honoured. After pleasantries are exchanged Binta expresses our appreciation and congratulates the women on their early turn out; which for us is a good indicator that they are ready to take advantage of every opportunity this project offers; starting today.
We go into the agenda for the day which is teaching the women how to use mobile phones. As we bring out the phone, it’s obvious these women are excited. The singer starts a praise song and all the women chorus out loudly and enthusiastically. After two minutes, Binta reminds them of the benefits of the club owning a phone; she tells them how useful it is in getting useful farming tips from other farmers, government representatives, agricultural extension workers, colleagues from other markets and of course, the radio station. She further proposes that the club use the phone as a means to generate income by placing a charge on received and dialed calls. All the women agree to this suggestion by nodding and saying “eh” which means “yes”.
Binta removes the phone from its wrap and carries the women through the stages of fixing the sim card and battery. The phone is switched on and a few women assist in the explanations. Unfortunately, the antenna has not been purchased so we are unable to receive any network signal. However, the antenna which will be purchased by the sole administrator will be handed over to the president in the course of the week so that come Sunday, everyone can practice using the phone; so we tell the women.
After the short training, the phone is handed to the president of the club, whose name is Asibi; in whose custody it will be kept.
We inform the women of an election of new officials in 2 months in order to give everyone a chance at leadership and recognition of efforts. The women thank us and after bowls of “fura da nono” (yogurt and gruel) we depart.
Today went so well; I must say that it felt like “Christmas or Salah”. Binta and I were in one accord…we always work together but today, we were in accordance with the women of Gwagwada and we all worked together in the spirit of oneness towards making today fulfilling. The unity of spirit with which we worked gave me a lil something to think about. Initially I was worried about being marked out for activity with minimal results but today I got the insight that it is the activities and efforts of time past that has brought us this far; never again will I take activity for granted. See you next week!
Reported by Seember
