We started with a brain storming about what we think we'll get out of the project, how it will affect us and so on. Answers ranged from 'hard work' and 'fun' to 'coping with heart-breaking situations we can't do anything about'.
Health and safety on African building sites isn't a high priority and it was emphasised that for our own safety as well as that of the African workmen, this must be thought through and acted upon ... a daily survey of the site to pick up wood with nails sticking out, covering or filling of holes, checking the scaffolding planks are as safe as we can manage, and for our own safety, making sure we have hard hats on at all times, and proper boots, and that we use goggles and face masks in dusty work. Sun-hats are also an essential, as is plenty of water to drink ... we'll be working in HEAT !!
We then read a summary of an imaginery first aid disaster, and how we could deal with it. Having our mobile phones in working order and charged up at all times is another essential.
We went on to deal with cultural issues ... what to wear, how to treat members of the opposite sex, how not to offend if asked out late at night (!), drink, smoking, sex ... (that's DEFINITELY a no-no !)
Finally we talked through how to survive four weeks of living and working as a group, and how not to get involved in conflict with each other ... and we decided we need to set out house rules about how we share out tasks, how we deal with any problems.
I've come home with a piece of 'homework' ... to research, write and then present a short talk on health care in Kenya ...
... so I'd better get to it !
The sort of local transport we are told NOT to use !
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