Daily Life Struggles

An exciting day! After a long summer break, today I will meet again with the group of mothers of last year. I am anxious to see them again and find out how they are. At the same time I wonder whether they will show up and whether they are still keen to proceed with this project. Even considering “African time” – a concept which indicates punctuality is not to be expected- the mothers are late. At half past twelve, only a handful have arrived. The greetings are warm and kind, yet we all wonder where the rest might be. Eventually Nompu arrives and explains. As she has functioned as an informal leader, other mothers have phoned or texted her to let her know they won’t be making it to the project. The reasons for their absence are exemplary for the struggles they face daily. It resembles the scientific literature found on mothers living in poverty. Asanda has trouble finding a babysitter for her child; Nobu can’t afford transport to come to our sessions; Sari is expected to attend a course for her work on Saturdays or she will face lay-off; Nodende’s mother is in hospital; and Tobi, Noku and Bonda all have to care for their disabled child as they got sick over the holidays.

Life happens they say, yet for these women the seemingly common life events may mean the difference between barely getting by and not being able to provide for basic needs. Attendance of an action research project in this case, or other government, parastatal or NGO projects can be severely compromised as mothers try to balance the care for their disabled child and the rest of their responsibilities. I am grateful for their determination to attend and to start making small changes.

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