First Week in Meheba

We've been inside the refugee settlement for just about 1 week now. It's been a very dense week; much has been happening there.

First off.. we are really living well all things considered. We have our own electricity generator and water supply, a gated compound with armed guards, refrigerator, etc. How? There was a Japanese organization named AAR (Association to Aid Refugees) that was active in Meheba for a long time. They left the settlement in March and donated their facilities to the UNHCR, who has placed us there for summer. So anyone who had general concerns for me.. we really are doing quite ok.

So, you might ask, why did AAR pull out? Actually, many organizations are leaving the Meheba settlement. We are coming at a very unique time.. the majority of the refugees here were Angolans. Well.. there is now a peace treaty in place in Angola. So.. the refugees are gradually being repatriated to Angola. (Of course, not the Rwandans, Burundians, etc.) I actually got to witness and record one of the repatriation conveys that left a few days ago with about 800 refugees headed to Angola. I'm hoping to actually travel with a convey (these are UNHCR conveys) the whole way into Angola in about 2 weeks! This would be a 5 day trip taking refugees home. It's quite an exciting time here.

This does not, however, mean that the efforts of our group are going to waste. The high school we are working at will be hosting some refugees until they graduate, and all of the facilities will be remaining for the Zambians to use after the majority of the refugees leave. Also, many Angolans are feeling settled here now and are trying to become Zambians. So, everything we are working on will be useful to the local population.

Speaking of which.. people have been very friendly. The children are always trying to get their picture taken. Many other people enjoy it to, and only 1 person (who was somewhat drunk) has given me any real problem so far. One of our group dropped his wallet, and it was returned to him with money intact, so the environment here is overall quite pleasant. Also, the landscape is beautiful; the sky is amazing, and the weather has been quite nice here. I'm quite happy.

All of the students are making great headway with their projects. The whole settlement is excited for the library and sports facilities. The NGOs are excited about my documentary. People really seem to appreciate our presence here.

For thought.. the UNHCR supports 20 million people on a 1 billion dollar annual budget. So our activities here really can create an impact. I'm looking forward to seeing them through.

David