Heron on the Nile
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  Valentines Top Brass Tue 15 Feb 2005  

Tue 15 Feb

I was at the British Council last week when Jenny went from being - too busy to speak - to asking nicely if I'd do a job for her. Her meeting had just been postponed and as she was about to go on holiday so she asked me to do it for her. After a further cancellation the meeting has been finally arranged for today - I make my way into town and the British Council.

Apparently the British Government has put up some money to improve the English language of Sudanese officials who are likely to be in a "peace keeping" role. Or to be slightly more accurate - they are on a "Military Observers' course" so they can interact with all the foreigners expected to pile into Sudan in the name of peace-keeping.

My mission is simply to assess their current level of English so Jenny knows what course material to order. Today, there are 34 candidates; mostly colonels and above from the national army, but also some heads of police and the dreaded security service - I wonder if I'll recognise anyone?

Each candidate does a written multiple-choice comprehension test and gets a one-to-one oral interview from me. It is a scream and a privilege (for me that is). Of course I need to assess how well they can grasp a point, develop an idea, and cope with a change in focus or subject. I ask routine questions and the unexpected. Not surprisingly they are very mindful of Sudan's conflicts and as it turns out quite ready to express a personal opinion. Most think the implementation of the North/South peace agreement should proceed without delay (we've waited long enough) - rather than to try and include Darfur (sorry Jan Pronk). However, on more ephemeral matters they are divided on "which is better a circle or a square?"

Or try this…

Which is more important: sport, film or music?

Football?

"I used to play when I was a young man."

Where do you watch it? Do you ever go to a stadium?

"I used to go along to the stadium to check my colleagues were keeping control but I've not been for 10 years. These days I watch it on TV. My favourite teams are Sudan, and Manchester United."

Wed 16 Feb

The second day is quicker. I have 15 still to see but this time they are so efficient between one leaving and the next arriving I barely have time to deliberate on their grading, let alone sip on my coffee.

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