Marich: Building Memorial Bridge, 1 February 2012

            Because of the success of last year’s bridge, we decided to build another one this year. To make the bridge even more special and to raise more funds, we dedicated this bridge to Sharon and Margaux Brown. Mr. Brown donated a large sum of money from his memorial fund so we needed to raise the remaining funds. We did this by organizing the golf tournament, selling raffle tickets, holding a quiz night, receiving various donations from people and organizations and organizing other fundraising projects. We are still raising funds for the bridge as well as other future and past projects through fundraising events such as the upcoming Friends of Marich Concert.

            This year’s bridge was much bigger than the bridge from last year so it required more work. However, the people from the nearby villages assisted greatly so the bridge was built faster than we had expected. All the people who had been on the trip before and Nick, who is part of Friends of Marich, went out to the bridge site for at least a day and helped build the bridge. I went on the second day and helped with setting up the safety wires. It was great to see how much some of the men from the community helped us with building the bridge. While we were taking a break for lunch they continued to work and they finished the bridge before we could go and help again.

            To fully enjoy the beautiful area of the bridge site we went up and down the river to find some deep swimming pools. In one of these pools we discovered some thick clay so we decided to cover ourselves with it. I covered myself fully with it and left it on me to dry as I continued to walk through the river. It was very amusing to see the local people laugh at me as I walked past and it was only till later that we found out what was so hilarious about me being covered in mud. Later someone told us that they had laughed so much because being covered in mud usually means that the covered person would later be circumcised. It was easy to understand then why I had been such a laughing stock for them. But this whole experience helped me realize how good-hearted these people are and that they welcome us without fuss to their land.

            This welcome was also evident at the opening ceremony of the bridge. There were many speeches by the elders of the community and by the DC and other important people. Harmon and Mr. Brown also gave a few speeches. It was clear that they were thankful and it was very impressive to see the respect that the community has for their elders. However, I also noticed some unpleasant things through the speeches. As the elders were talking it became clear that instead of focusing on the bridge and the use of it, they started asking for other things and explaining their need, such as hospitals and water pumps. It was only when the DC started talking that he explained the use of the bridge and how grateful the community was to have it.

I was shocked to realize the reliance of these people on foreigners. I fully understand that they need hospitals and other materials but they seemed to believe that we could and would bring everything ourselves to the community. It was a shock to realize that these people did not believe that they themselves could make something happen. They seemed to believe that we were the only ones that could do anything for them. I realize that they do not have the same opportunities as we do to make things happen and raise funds, but it seemed like they have become too dependent on foreign aid. This reliance on foreign aid showed me the immense impact of the Marich Field Study Centre on the community. This centre is the only place that foreigners can sleep in the region. Without this centre, foreigners would not have been able to see the needs of the community and we would not have known that we as a school can do a lot to help such communities.

The speeches by the elders and the DC also lay bare the impact of tradition on such communities. Part of the DC’s speech was about the need to stop female circumcision and during his speech it was clear through the expressions and reactions of the community and especially the elders that this was a touchy topic and that some would not tolerate these changes. It was clear however that it was mainly only the oldest elders that did not agree. The younger community seemed to be willing to follow these changes and this expressed the impact of modern cultures on older traditions and the loss of old ways.

Therefore, this ceremony truly revealed a great deal about the community and how the present world is changing. It also revealed truths about disparities in the world today and it is these kinds of moments that make one truly realize their position on Earth and the unfairness of the distribution of privilege and opportunity.