Approved!

Finally today I went to see the secretary of the research ethics committee, and the chairwoman of the ethics committee happened to be there. I handed in my corrected papers… (yesterday I received the feedback, which stated that I was required to only draft a budget, and provide an information sheet with contact details for all participants, and then my proposal would be approved)…And I was asked to first wait in another office.

At the same time came another girl from England who was there for the exact same reason, and together we waited and exchanged our stories of frustration, anticipation and stress concerning the ethical approval of our projects. We had both at approximately the same time been calling the poor secretary almost everyday, only to be told to call the next day or the following afternoon.

Then the secretary, a very kind and friendly lady, entered the office where we were seated, and she handed each of us a signed letter announcing that our projects were approved ethically.

We were both so happy that we almost danced out of the university building and agreed to meet up again on friday to celebrate.

I sent a text message to all my friends, and to some important contacts in Finland and right now I’m sitting in this here internet cafe, perched victoriously on a high chair, having just conquered my nemesis, ‘bureaucracy’.

And now, the hard work is going to start.

Health tip: Oh I can’t think of a bloody health tip at this point…

P.s. the botswana trip went well. Spent one night in Gaborone, and spent altogether at least three days traveling on these wretched african busses. below are some pictures of the Kazungula border, and the crossing of the Zambezi river.