Wadja: Saudi Arabia

Wadjda: The Film

This is the trailer for the movie, Wadjda, about a girl who lives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It shows how she struggles in her every day life due to gender related rules. She dreams to one day have a bike, however it is frowned upon by the community. She tries to earn cash threw selling items that are banned from her school, as well as joining a Koran club to compete in a competition for 1000 riyals. (Enough to get a bike) It showed her struggle against unfair rules and overcoming these challenges. It think it is an amazing film and I seriously recommend watching it.

Mobilize Me: My Week with Alex

Visit to Alex

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               Recently I visited Zambia to meet Alex. Alex is a mechanic as well as a farmer. He works hard to provide for his family and loves what he does. I really enjoyed the visit I with Alex. He lives close by to Ethel, who seems to be the "matriarch" of the village. When I first got there, I rested, had some traditional foods. After that, we went to bed, and woke up to the sun. By then, Ethel was off to school, and Alex was off farming.  On the three days following, I spent time playing soccer with the kids in the village. They were all nice, and extremely humble. They didn't ask for much and they just loved being there and playing with their friends. After that, I went to get some experience with Alex and helped fix bikes. We repaired around a total of 25 bikes, working hard in the beating sun. We even got to fix Ethel's bike! She was really nice and was very thankful.  Repairing those bikes took 2 days, as people lived in many different areas and it took time for them to come to us or us to go to them. On the last two days, Alex showed me the ropes of farming, and it was a really interesting hobby. When I get home off this plane, I plan to start my own farm with the same fruits and vegetables, just like him. I am really glad I got to go, and feel honored that he'd let me spend time with him.

If you're interested more about him, check this video out!

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Playing soccer

Alex showing me the tools

Alex showing me how to repair a wheel

Ethel riding her repaired bike

Mobilize Me: Zambia Language & Currency

The language is Bemba.

"Mwatandala shani?" = How is your day going?

“You are welcome” = Awe, cilifye, mukwai

“Follow me” = Nkonka

“I’m really tired so I’m going to rest.” = “Ninaka sana. Naya ntusheko.”

“Happy Birthday” = “Sefyeni ubushiku mwafyelwe”

Brother = Ndume

Sister = Nkashi

​Friend = Munandi

Grandfather = Shikul

Grandmother = Mama

Currency Converter from US dollars to Zambian Kwacha

$1 = 5.51 Kwacha
$5 = 27.51 Kwacha
$10 = 55.07 Kwacha
$20 = 110.13 Kwacha
$100 = 550.66 Kwacha

Mobilize Me: Meet Alex

Alex is a hard working farmer and field mechanic. He is proud of what he does and works hard to provide for his family. I want to go visit him because he is just so proud of his work which is really inspiring. He has a smile on his face all the time, and seems like an excellent man!

Mobilize Me: Chibombo

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Chibombo is a wonderful place which I really enjoyed being at and spending time with Alex there.

Mobilize Me: The Film

This is the film Mobilize Me. I met George and it inspired me to spend a week in Zambia.