October 8, 2008
Creating a Positive Future: in Zimbabwe, 2008
Lavinia Hall
Mediator and Conflict Consultant
Minutes of the Fourth Meeting of the 67th Year
President George Hanson convened the fourth meeting of the Old Guard in its 67th year at the Friend Center promptly at 10:15 AM. He led the gathered approximately 100 members and guests in the singing of the prayer of invocation. Charles West read the minutes of the last meeting’s talk by Robert Hutchings on A National Security Strategy for the New President. Perry Morgan introduced our guest, his wife, Liz Morgan.
Kenneth Gould introduced new member Michael Kaplan. Joseph Giordmaine introduced new member John Timoney.
Rosemary O’Brien introduced the speaker, Lavinia Hall-Heckscher who spoke about her mission to help in Creating a Positive Future for Zimbabwe 2008. Ms Hall brings to this daunting task a professional background as a lawyer, mediator, conflict resolution negotiator and lecturer at Africa University, a privately supported institution, created by the United Methodist Church, in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital. Harare was formerly Salisbury but was renamed in 1982 on the second anniversary of the revolution led by President Mugabe, still acclaimed by many as their liberation hero.
Lavinia’s early discoveries set the easel and framed the canvas for a picture of her stay in Harare. There were no international flights to this capital city, except occasionally from Johannesburg or Nairobi. When she finally arrived, her baggage was lost. In spite of embassy advice to the contrary she was denied entry until another visa could be negotiated. Money management was a challenge due to soaring inflation. When she left in June the exchange rate was 20 million ZWD (Zimbabwe dollars) to one US dollar. Mush of the city has no electricity, running water or internet access. The “unity” government with President Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai had collapsed. A successor “transition” government is struggling. Many have emigrated. Into all this steps a person who doubtless shared a question that many of us might be asking. What in the world can one do in a situation like this? On the canvas there begins to emerge a portrait of heroic commitment, patience, persistence and quiet courage.
Her students at Africa University were “terrific” she says, well read and in touch with their surroundings. Some were government officials, others veterans, and many from other countries. Those fro Zimbabwe knew their heritage where colonialism in Rhodesia was mixed with 77% literacy and relative stability. They also remember the terror of the war for liberation including the torture of 100s and homes being set on fire. Yet, still, Zimbabwe has a higher level of education than most of its neighbors. Cricket also survives.
Lavinia’s research for the University’s Institute for Peace and Leadership Governance involves a network of “natural” peacemakers such as leaders of the NGO’s, people working with street children or adults with HIV, government officials. All these showed great interest in the practices of conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation.
Sadly, the situation deteriorates. Many more farmers are leaving. Food is in short supply, even for the military. A serious famine is anticipated by December. Further shortages in electricity and water are daily occurrences. There are no more schools open for children or older young people except for private universities. Churches are, for the most part, supporters of reform. Only the Anglicans support Mugabe. Yet over and over Lavinia was touched by a palpable faith to endure among those with whom she worked.
Good questions followed and the meeting was adjourned. I turned to Professor Charles West next to me and asked him a question. “Charlie,” I said, “what good did she do?” he replied instantly, “She did a lot of good. Just think of the hope for a better future she helped them express to each other. Just think of what it means to them to know that others out there beyond their borders care about them and what happens in Zimbabwe. She did a great deal, Nick. She did a lot of good.”
Respectfully submitted,
Nicholas B. Van Dyck
Kenneth Gould introduced new member Michael Kaplan. Joseph Giordmaine introduced new member John Timoney.
Rosemary O’Brien introduced the speaker, Lavinia Hall-Heckscher who spoke about her mission to help in Creating a Positive Future for Zimbabwe 2008. Ms Hall brings to this daunting task a professional background as a lawyer, mediator, conflict resolution negotiator and lecturer at Africa University, a privately supported institution, created by the United Methodist Church, in Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital. Harare was formerly Salisbury but was renamed in 1982 on the second anniversary of the revolution led by President Mugabe, still acclaimed by many as their liberation hero.
Lavinia’s early discoveries set the easel and framed the canvas for a picture of her stay in Harare. There were no international flights to this capital city, except occasionally from Johannesburg or Nairobi. When she finally arrived, her baggage was lost. In spite of embassy advice to the contrary she was denied entry until another visa could be negotiated. Money management was a challenge due to soaring inflation. When she left in June the exchange rate was 20 million ZWD (Zimbabwe dollars) to one US dollar. Mush of the city has no electricity, running water or internet access. The “unity” government with President Mugabe and Morgan Tsvangirai had collapsed. A successor “transition” government is struggling. Many have emigrated. Into all this steps a person who doubtless shared a question that many of us might be asking. What in the world can one do in a situation like this? On the canvas there begins to emerge a portrait of heroic commitment, patience, persistence and quiet courage.
Her students at Africa University were “terrific” she says, well read and in touch with their surroundings. Some were government officials, others veterans, and many from other countries. Those fro Zimbabwe knew their heritage where colonialism in Rhodesia was mixed with 77% literacy and relative stability. They also remember the terror of the war for liberation including the torture of 100s and homes being set on fire. Yet, still, Zimbabwe has a higher level of education than most of its neighbors. Cricket also survives.
Lavinia’s research for the University’s Institute for Peace and Leadership Governance involves a network of “natural” peacemakers such as leaders of the NGO’s, people working with street children or adults with HIV, government officials. All these showed great interest in the practices of conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation.
Sadly, the situation deteriorates. Many more farmers are leaving. Food is in short supply, even for the military. A serious famine is anticipated by December. Further shortages in electricity and water are daily occurrences. There are no more schools open for children or older young people except for private universities. Churches are, for the most part, supporters of reform. Only the Anglicans support Mugabe. Yet over and over Lavinia was touched by a palpable faith to endure among those with whom she worked.
Good questions followed and the meeting was adjourned. I turned to Professor Charles West next to me and asked him a question. “Charlie,” I said, “what good did she do?” he replied instantly, “She did a lot of good. Just think of the hope for a better future she helped them express to each other. Just think of what it means to them to know that others out there beyond their borders care about them and what happens in Zimbabwe. She did a great deal, Nick. She did a lot of good.”
Respectfully submitted,
Nicholas B. Van Dyck