Working in Selam

On Monday morning, I took an overview of the available lab materials. Surprisingly, there is extremely good material that is perfect for training. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of defective material that should actually be sorted out. Initial discussions with the responsible people and planning of the next steps, always according to KAIZEN and the 5S / 5A principles. Interacting with the locals is an interesting challenge; simple solutions must be sought to bring about improvements, but this only works if the Habesha accepts them. I am overqualified to sort out the defective material; I just point it out. However, I will be active and organize a cable board to sort the lab cables. Further improvements, especially in the storage and preservation of sensitive materials, are also being pursued. These tasks will occupy me all week, alongside classroom visits and many discussions with the instructors.

On Monday, I had an initial contact regarding the water pump, which needs to be newly procured and optimized. The borehole is about 127 m deep, and I am gaining new insights into geology, water extraction, and pump technology. Conversations and emails with specialists will also keep me busy on Tuesday. The pump technology, how much and where can be pumped, depends mainly on the performance of the aquifer, the condition of the borehole, and, of course, the depth. Discovering these figures and weighing them is an interesting occupation. I am now waiting for the requested quotes.

The condition and availability of tools🛠️ is, of course, always a challenge and burdens Swiss 🕰️ work planning 🤣🤣🤣

It is already Thursday, and I am waiting for my ordered materials; in the meantime, I have time to write a blog post. I could write so much about pump technology, water extraction 🚿, tools, measuring devices, lab materials, teaching didactics, methodological competencies, and other side issues, but somehow I will refrain from that in the above article and almost feel guilty for boring you with too much text.

Until my next blog post, I wish you good luck with your work.