Outposts: Sign Language
Monday, May 12, 2008 - 03:38 PM
When you visit a country that is new to you, or in this case, a continent that is new to me, there are often a few aspects that stand out. For me it was signs. Jere are a few of Uganda's signs of the times.
Exhibit A
We've all read those snippy postings, in the ladies' bathrooms' anyway, that attempt to reprimand users into more appropriate bathroom cubicle manners - you know, 'do you think I want to clean up after you?' type of thing.
But I think really for bathroom scoldings this sign at Mukono University wins hands down, wherever your feet may be.
Despised, wrong and shameful! Thank you.
Exhibit B
There is now universal free primary education in Uganda which has been lauded by many. It's not without some critics, though. They cite hidden costs that very poor parents find difficult to bear, e.g. books, uniforms, etc. Education is held in high regard no matter how poverty stricken the environs may be. I saw this notice in Kamwokya, a slum area of Kampala.
Always come early to school
Exhibit C
Bicycles and wheelbarrows are the preferred method of transporting large materials (actually, 'preferred' is the wrong word, substitute 'only').
Wheelbarrow for hire 1500 (about a dollar)
And my personal favorite.....
Exhibit D
In case it's difficult to read - on giant billboards across Uganda - it says
'Would you let this man be with your teenage daughter? So why are you with his?'
It's a massive campaign to try and stop 'cross-generational sex' between young women and 'sugardaddies' as part of the HIV/AIDS prevention strategy.
I really noticed it, but one Ugandan said, 'if you want Ugandans to ignore something, put it on a billboard' -- so go figure!
Comments [3]
I loved the Sugar Daddy signs in Kampala. I like the version with the disapproving "community members"
Do you know if it ever "rains down in Africa"? Seriously, compelling stuff and highly enlightening.
Thanks!
I read your blog almost every day, good stuff.
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