|
Lily
United Kingdom
422 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Apr 2015 : 22:38:04
|
Hello Friends,
I am just back from another visit which was very mixed for me. My usual place was closed because of the poor tourist season and so I stayed elsewhere and was made very welcome.
People are resilient - quite remarkable really. Everything is more expensive but the main concern this time (for me) was the rising price of health care - even prices in the pharmacy are beyond most people's grasp - so, even if they see a doctor, they can't afford the medicines needed to treat the problem. One little girl I know was close to fever from standing on a nail - the family couldn't afford the antibiotics or tetanus injection needed. I know it was always the way but ~I always live in hope that things will change and they are not.
Education costs in private schools (which, although I hate to say it, usually provided better education) soar and transport costs are rising.
Exchange rates were high for me (managing as much as 74.25 to the £) but of course the knock on effect of currency rises, poor tourist season and general poor governance is continued hardship.
On a brighter note - a lot of work is going on to train primary teachers to teach the younger ones using local languages. This seems to be working and is a great initiative which, hopefully, will help children learn.
I won't be going back until the end of the year but am in constant touch with the families I know. How I respect them all.
Best wishes to you all here on Bantaba.
|
|
Return -
