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Anaïs Boufferet, Logistician in Pakistan

Published on Friday 24 October 2014
Anaïs BoufferetAnaïs spent 6 months on a mission in the Sindh province in Pakistan. She recalls her time there.

In view of the geopolitical context, did the presence of an international NGO pose any problems?

“In Sindh, the presence of an international NGO didn’t cause any problems. However, it’s a lot more complicated in the north. The Sindh province is a long way from the Afghan border, so there were very few security incidents. I was pretty apprehensive. I was expecting a closed culture, really strict about women’s rights – but actually we talked a lot and they were really inquisitive! Everyone is really welcoming and relaxed. In a way you are their “guest” and they like to share their region’s culture with you. It’s really a question of curiosity rather than aggressiveness: They ask: “What are you doing here?” “What are you doing?” “Where do you live?” They want to know how you live because their daily life is so different to ours and that leads to some interesting conversations.

What’s also noticeable with the Pakistanis, is that they always ask you the same question: “Do you like Pakistan?” This is because they’re aware that Pakistan is usually portrayed in a very negative light in the media. Along the lines of “there’s been another attack… lots of problems near the border…” Where we were in Sindh, they were sick of hearing this. They’re proud of their culture, and all they want is for you to discover their traditions, in a very open way. They’re frustrated about their reputation abroad and they want you to reassure them “But actually it’s ok here, isn’t it?”, “Yes, of course, it’s great here!”

In the villages, the women were really happy to meet a woman from another country. There wasn’t much contact with the men. As a woman, I could get to know them and meet them in their homes. Normally I couldn’t take another team member with me to translate, which gave rise to some odd situations – we couldn’t understand one another, but it was always good humoured and we laughed a lot! It didn’t stop us from talking “and bla bla bla, and bla bla bla”…! “But I didn’t really understand!” We just laughed. It’s funny when you know that with the best will in the world, you’re never going to understand what’s being said… All in all, we were working in a good environment! I’ve come back with some great memories, especially having found myself in some bizarre situations, and that’s pretty cool!

Which is your best memory of your mission?

One of my best moments in Pakistan was when a drinking water pumping and distribution network was first switched on. On the day of the 1st test, after months of construction, we went to the village to see it being switched on. The first half hour was very tense, because we had to wait for the pump to draw up the water and fill the tank. Finally, it worked! It was a very special moment, for us and the whole village. You could see all the children rushing towards the taps! The water was crystal clear, and came out of the taps just as we’d planned. This is what we are there for, when our work takes on its full importance! “

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