From: Jean Anglin
We have talked about lighter moments before. We had one of those this morning. How better to break the ice, tensions, suspicions and whatever else that has surrounded the revision of the Conditions of Service, known affectionately as the COS! There had been anticipation at every level on what’s in it, why is it, how will it be and when will it be! Now we would have it!
Unexpected it was –“role-ing” it out in a skit. Well thought it was, well presented it was, effective? Most definitely! Got the message across… time will tell, but it seemed so… well, we had a good chuckle.
What the players of the skit or role play – call it what you will – had done was to organize five or so players to be cleverly present those burning issues and potentially controversial elements of the COS in a reality TV type setting. For example, (and only the photos or a live footage could give you the staggering effect, sound and all) there was a narrator introducing the subject, this was picked up by several colleagues from the field depicting aspects of the COS: Family Leave, Temporary Accommodations, SIG, and a sleepy sounding help desk (it would appear, which was labeled COS). The roles were synchronized to full effect as each player chimed in smoothly, with the appropriate sound-bite and ‘mocked’ noises to accompany, for example, the sounds of a computer in use, arriving email, keyboard… I believe you’re getting the idea. Believe me it’s not easy writing reality TV, it’s meant to be seen!
That was a good laugh, but just as we had eased further into a more comfortable position in our chairs, hoping to prolong the moment, we had to now switch gears to the ‘real thing’: the management’s position and perspective on the COS. Both Ad and Andre had something to say. You’ll hear more about that in other channels, no doubt. Suffice to say the presentation though being a jerk back to reality complemented the skit and undoubtedly brought about clarity – don’t want to answer for everyone, or put words in people’s mouth! Just a personal opinion!
What followed was the Q and A session leading to our own little home team discussions. As usual we have a compilation of questions – not recommendations this time – so it’s another round of elements for clarity or as the French put it, “eclaircissement”! There seems to have been some “eclaircissement” – let’s use it again. Some things just won’t go away will they, and so these non-financial, such as security and accommodation as also LP and UNV status will be with us for a while. Any sticking points, you ask? Here are some - Training, DSA, VLA-SIG…
More sound bites from the corridors could be coming your way – wait and see!
No Digivote today but other fun things to do: tours, shopping, wine tasting and boat trip. Tomorrow is another Digivote day, perhaps!
By Jean Anglin
Programme Specialist
Africa Section
