Life in Burkina’s capital
Now it is the end of week one and I have a good grasp of life in Ouagadougou. There is a huge disparity between the wealthy and the rest of the city. Rue 2000 is the block where all the “rich houses” are and when you pass by the huge walls with 20 guards you feel like you are in a completely different country. It is amazing. Where a block away there are streets filled with shanty’s and children selling peanuts.
Yet I heve seen so many offices of different NGO’s and development groups here, so it is very good that there is a lot of aide here. The people are also very thankful and welcome NGO’s, I was suprised when I found out from many people that they still see the United Nations in a good light. They also explained that after the assasination of their last President, things here have been going downhill. (Blaise Compaore-Current President) Has not contributed anything to development and not respected by most in the country. When I asked why he had so many votes they explained to me that it is all the people in the small villages and in the fields that vote because they are given a bag of rice or a t-shirt in exchange for their vote. Most of the people in the cities don’t vote because they don’t believe their government will ever do anything for them. Which in the last 20 years has been the reality.
So I learn more and more each day about the challeges of life here and why Foreign Aid has been unsuccesful….
TBC
darla said,
September 15, 2007 @ 1:28 pm
Hi, Nicole
your mom forwarded your blog to me and it is great to read about your journey. you are amazing and I can already see it will such a wonderful and rewarding experience. Looking forward to more interesting reading on your blog. Take care
Darla
Lynne Paradis said,
September 16, 2007 @ 4:36 am
Hi Nicole,
So proud of you…… I am sure you have many adventures ahead of you. Keep us posted. Sounds like there are Catholics around — what is that like? You spoke of a convent— is Catholic faith predominant where you are? So good to hear you are using your French. Happy adventures!
Ryan Comeau said,
September 18, 2007 @ 12:22 am
Nicole miss you tons bud, africa must definately be a change, anyways this bolg thing is awesome and a great way to track your adventures,
take care of yourself,
Ryan.