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However, an hour later we get called back. Being so young, 3 months, is cause for concern, would we go to the Mexican flu barracks at hospital Leiderdorp. Fine, no harm in this, it is our child after all. Get seen by consultant, who consults with pediatrician in LUMC. He's borderline, due to his age, perhaps better to play it safe, sends us to LUMC emergencies. I park the car in the normal parking lot, its not such an emergency after all. Long story short, at 01:15 we are seen, our situation being not too critical. After a urine test, blood test and spitum test, we are sent home at 03:00. Kiddie seems fine, apart from high temperature, no outward signs of Mexican flu, but probably a viral infection of some sorts.

Now at this point in time one could be fuming, all of this for nothing. I'm a zombie, thankfully I don't have to work the next day.  But it is my child after all, and if they deem it necessary for all of these tests to happen, I'd rather have it performed than not.

Not the end of story. 9:30 this morning get woken up (yes I slept in after getting in bed at 03:30) to say, just as a precaution, since he is so young, faxed a copy of Tamilflu to our pharmacy, to be picked up this morning. Start with medication, until results of tests show conclusively whether he is or is not infected.

At this point I protest. His fever is down. But I see their point. We collect the medicine, but I don't start with it. We get a phone call at 16:30. The results are negative. No Mexican flu, just a viral infection. Keep an eye on him, and contact us if the situation deteriorates.
I counted four interventions from various personnel, to stay on the safe side.  Whether this is good medical practice, I don't know, but it showed me that the system has a lot of checks and control points to ensure a epidemic like the Mexican flu does not get out of control. I congratulate the Dutch medical authorities on this point.
]]> http://first2third.webs.com/index.htm?blogentryid=4539625#topBox http://first2third.webs.com/index.htm?blogentryid=4539625 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:09:00 +0100 http://first2third.webs.com/index.htm?blogentryid=4538963
Imagine if you will, being told that a deposit on a house, which is required, as per the purchase contract, will earn, a certain percentage. As the buyer, one is on the one hand required to deposit the money, but on the other hand promised (on paper) a certain return for the weeks or months from the signing of the contract until transfer is concluded, that the money is not in one's own investment vehicle. Imagine then when a quick calculation shows an almost 35% lower return than promised (8% to 5.2%). What would you do? Have the odacity to confront the conveyance lawyer and ask for a) a reason for this and then even having the gall, to propose that b) it is set right by means of reimbursing for lost income?

Well you'd be the little star if you said that would be exactly the course of action indebted to take.  Imagine then being told by our favourite lawyer that a) this means nothing - the written quote of interest that would be earned, and b) being promised to take a look at the statements which never does, and after numerous emails and calls c) being shouted at for persuing this little inconsequential matter?  Well, its true, all of it. 

It happens in South Africa, and I'm sure it is still happening.
]]> http://first2third.webs.com/index.htm?blogentryid=4538963#topBox http://first2third.webs.com/index.htm?blogentryid=4538963 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:45:00 +0100 http://first2third.webs.com/index.htm?blogentryid=4536787
As it were, South Africa is a land of contrasts, and Dutchieland, well, its a land of grass, canal, cow, grass, windmill, repeat. In SA, one cannot but be saddened by millions of people living in the harsh reality of poverty, children who have to grow up with much less than you bring yourself to imagine in this country. Children who have one set of clothes, and not a whole black bag full of clothes to give away after 3 months of its life. Children who don't have the option to choose between Mexx or Friendz designer clothes. Parents who work hard or don't work, despair over how they will provide for their children. And then pitched against that, the ever-eagerness of children, the earnestness in eyes, despite circumstances, at least this is what I've seen, when giving a child some kind of opportunity, even if only an afternoon of fun, games and something to eat. And yet the biggest mistake you can make is to "feel sorry".  What we should feel "sorry" about are missed opportunities. 

Once, a few years ago, in Diepsloot at Akani centre, where hundreds of kids get the opportunity to play and learn under the supervision of volunteers, I was approached by two kids, a girl and a boy. I think they were about 12-13. They wanted to make a movie about life in Diepsloot, as they saw it. They were going to interview people, and wanted to capture it on film. They came to me. They asked me to help them make it. I didn't have a digital camera at the time - t was just before it really took off. I made some excuse, told them to go back and think about it. They went home and never came back to me.  I regret that I missed the opportunity to help them realise their idea, for my laziness of not asking one of my well-to-do friends if I could borrow their video camera.  I'll never remember the boy, he was not tall, but strong, and seemed to be the natural leader of the group.  A year or two later he was too old to attend Akani. He later remarked to me, the way a teenager does, that no-one ever listens. I tried to write it off as puberty, but I knew he was referring to that time.

I put that situation behind me, but kept it stored as a reminder to recognise an opportunity if I stumble over it again. Fast forward a number of years to the Netherlands.   To my very surprised self, found people who care, and who have, out of own pocket, provided help to communities in South Africa. (There's a whole argument against giving "aid" to people who come to rely and expect it, this is not the "help" I'm talking about). And typical Dutchman-like, they don't do hand outs, no, they try to make structural improvements to the situation.  And as I had the random chat to mrs. Wuyk (she tries to help aids orphans in Ubombo, KwaZulu Natal), in the waiting room of the South African Consulate in the Hague, I realised the list was getting so long, it warranted a blog.

Unfortunately, its not always a nice, sugar-coated, gift-wrapped story that is told. Tales of welfare officials who turn a blind eye to neglected children, child welfare grants being awarded to aunties who care nothing for a niece or nephew, poor schooling, aid money pilfered away - disappearing into helpers' pockets - fouling the reputation of the honest. And then, the biggest frustration, the government itself. Rules and regulations which are not transparent, and governmental organisations which do not function the way they should to help NGO's that want to help. 

A great need exists for a body or forum here in the Netherlands for organisations who do volunteer work in South Africa to share information on how to wind their way through the web of intrigue, which is the social welfare, tax, and court systems. And tips about getting results, without untoward methods.

Get in touch with me if you want to start such a body, I'm in.
]]> http://first2third.webs.com/index.htm?blogentryid=4536787#topBox http://first2third.webs.com/index.htm?blogentryid=4536787 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:45:00 +0100