Monthly Archives: November 2009

On being broke, being poor, and being glad that I have the luxury of saving

By theresa | Published: November 25, 2009
I hate the end of the year in Benin. Everybody turns into a liar. “I’ll pay you tomorrow.” “I’ll call you this evening.” “Stop by at the end of the week.” “Let’s make an appointment for 4:00.” Nobody calls, and we constantly show up to empty offices. It’s more socially acceptable (and easier) to lie [...]
Posted in Development | 4 Comments

Did you know the sky is blue? Obvious and less-obvious in ICT4D conversations

By theresa | Published: November 14, 2009
I have a confession to make. I’m not a development worker. I work with ICTs in the developing world, but I am driven by profit. This is both a luxury and a burden. It’s cool that people think I have something to say about ICT4D. I don’t. I have a lot to say about ICTs in the [...]
Posted in Development, IT in Africa | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

On Freedom of the Press in Benin, and the New Lack Thereof

By theresa | Published: November 7, 2009
Freedom of the press and the right to say what I want, when I want, is something I take for granted. Despite the many problems that plague American media, our right to free speech is well protected. The press, while beholden to its corporate interests, does not fear jail or sanctions for telling the truth, [...]
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