Today we presented the information we collected and our preliminary data analysis to the staff of the organization, most of whom were playing on their I-pods, cell phones, and laptops during our presentation. The director did not even show up. The only part they perked up for was the marketing section and client interest in potential new product offerings. They didn’t care to hear anything about poverty analysis, if they’re reaching the poor, impact, social metrics, nothing. Just marketing and retention. However, at the end they asked many questions, all of which were about the competition’s interest rates and products. Very frustrating considering the fact that we worked anywhere from 10-15 hours a day, 7 days a week on a development worker stipend. Also frustrating considering that this project was part of a 3 million dollar grant to expand operations and measure the impact of micro-finance. However, they had absolutely no interest in the study and allotted us $0 to work with, whereas two years ago the researchers (from a government agency which will remain unnamed) received $30,000. Hmph. This, coupled with me witnessing a drive-by shooting this afternoon, was certainly an interesting end to an amazing (but difficult as hell) experience.
To continue the ranting, I was procrastinating yesterday and made a nice long list of things I will NOT miss about my summer experience in Guatemala. Here are a few of them: Ranchero music, dangerous cities/constant fear of being kidnapped, chicken buses (see previous post photo- “this is how we travel”), cockroach-laden hotels, my immune system revolting against me, extreme climate changes on a daily basis, not eating all day until 7 pm at night, people trying to rip you off constantly, and getting stranded for hours on end on the side of the highway. However, there are many things that I actually will miss. These things require a bit more reflection—I promise the “How this experience changed my life” blog is coming shortly.
And finally, why are there so many damn hippies here, lounging around on the streets in their hemp and bare feet? I see the same ones day in and day out. And why are they always in the major tourist hubs with quintessential hippie luxuries like Thai curry and organic spinach? If you really want to be a hippie and reject western materialism, go live in some random mountainside community away from hordes of Americans and massive Japanese tour groups. Grow your own food, make your own jewelry, ride a bike, and walk around barefoot there. Honestly guys…
Happy Wednesday! : )
