JOCV 50th year anniversary

Name: Hiroaki Maruyama
Batch: FY1993-1 (Jul 1993 - Jul 1995)
Technical Field: Woodwork
Host Organization: Mzuzu Technical College
Hometown in Japan: Nagano

A Piece of Memory: "Memory of Woodworking in Malawi"

It has been almost 30 years now, and I am amazed at how fast time has flown by. I think the sparse trees, vermilion earth, and intoxicatingly blue skies are still the same today. At the time when I was dispatched, the country was in a period of political instability with the president changing or not, and the value of the currency falling and unstable.

Once, in the city of Mzuzu, where I was assigned, I was surrounded by soldiers and had to flee with the locals amidst the sound of guns being shot. I managed to make it through the situation by rushing home and not going out for three days. However, that was the extent of the danger, and I usually led a very easygoing life.

I taught woodworking at the school (college). The students who came to the university (college) were relatively wealthy and elite people in Malawi. I was often confused and frustrated by the differences in customs, techniques, and tools from those in Japan, and I was often angry with them because I was so immature. Thirty years later, I now think I could have done better.

The 20 or so students were seriously engaged in the assignments and classroom learning at Malawi's pace. Some students were dexterous and could handle anything, others were not, and I remember racking my brains over the difficulty of teaching things to others. However, after two years, everyone was able to use the tools to a certain extent. Nevertheless, I was worried about how difficult it would be for them to buy expensive tools and machines on their own once they graduated. I would like to see what kind of path they have taken now that they are middle-aged.

Evening practical training at Mzuzu University of Technology

The school has a long break at the end of the semester. I have fond memories of traveling around Malawi by hired car with other JOCV members who were dispatched around the same time. However, during my normal days off, I would usually travel around Malawi by bus by myself, visiting woodworking workshops and schools. I would go to as many major towns as possible throughout Malawi, ask the craftsmen to let me know the species of wood they were working with, obtain sample pieces, and if possible, take pictures of standing trees. I felt that such research was necessary because by looking at the trees that would be used as materials, I would be able to understand their properties and how to use them appropriately. I compiled this information and submitted it to JICA.

During my two years in Malawi, I received many gifts. I think the biggest thing was getting to know the JOCV members who were deployed around the same time. They helped me a lot after I started my own workshop. I am grateful for that. On the contrary, I am not confident about what I could have done for Malawi. I am also worried about the recent flooding in Malawi. I would like to express my condolences to the victims and wish for a speedy recovery.

The next issue will be a piece of memory of Mr. Masakatsu Fukumaru, a legendary fencer who was very active in the Blantyre Kendo Club, and a JOCV member (electrical work) of Batch FY1991-2.