Working for DFID in 1999 – The Accommodation Officer

A recent announcement that the UK Foreign office and DFID are to merge will hopefully offer better value for money for the British tax payer. As a trailing expat spouse, opportunities to work locally in Africa are dependent on procuring a costly work permit, however there is a loophole, work at an embassy in a…

The Reluctant Camper in Africa

The concept of camping has always sent chills down Claire’s spine. Having recently moved to Africa and deeply shocked by the cost of living (even though the majority purportedly survive on less than a dollar-a-day), Claire realises that camping may well be the only option for a cost effective trip out of town with the…

The Foreign Correspondent in Africa

Jeremy stands in a down-at-heel part of an African capital with local camera man Isaiah. He clears his throat and smooths his hair in order to be camera ready, weighing up whether to don the bullet proof flak jacket and riot helmet that lie at his feet. Looking around at a scene of relative peace…

The Gap Year Student

Saving Africa in 6 months #nottrained Tom spends all of two hours figuring out what the highlight of his Gap year will be. The answer comes quickly in the form of ‘Gaptastic Tours’ a slick looking website offering six week volunteering trips to rural East Africa for 18–25 year olds, just a snip at £4,000…