Elsewhere, “Else-wise”

Hello everyone.  I am Emi Yamada  and I have just transferred to Juba, the capital of Southern Sudan, after working　for JEN in Pakistan.

In Pakistan, I used to wrap a scarf called the “dupatta” around my head, according to Islamic customs. I thought that in Juba I would be able to dress as I pleased, but the other day, there was an incident where a young woman wearing trousers was arrested. It turns out women living in Juba should wear long skirts . I guess I must give up fashion until I am back in Japan.

Living overseas, during work, what is always  in my mind is  the importance of showing respect to that country’s culture. It is important to readily accept different things and to try to understand and adjust to the culture.

I can’t help but express my surprise at the amount of dust, which is well over my expectations as well as the brown water that runs out of the faucets. But I am trying to gradually adapt myself to this environment and to   put my energy into the projects in Sudan together with all of our staff and I would like to  take this opportunity to request your continuous warm support.