Brazil Trip- Jivan Saran

I was in Belem, Para, Brazil as a volunteer partner for Missouri- Para Partnership program of the Partners of the Americas. Most of my workshops/seminars were in Ergonomics/SHEP (Safety, Health & Environmental Protection.) My audience included industrialists/ managers, safety people, medical doctors and other health care professionals, university administrators, and students. My presentations were to industries and 3 universities. Comments on and evaluations of the presentations were excellent. Interviewed with 2 newspapers and a live radio station. Visited with the state secretary of social affairs, federal work ministry's state S&H officer and state ergonomist, Rector of the University of Amazonia, Director of the State University of Para, senior faculty and administrators of the Federal University of Para. Avenues of CMSU/ Para cooperation were explored- mostly recruitment and CMSU campus visits. Sight- seeing tours included the City of Belem (120K), 2 islands in Amazon river. I have not yet seen a river where you can not see the other bank. Some of the video clips can be shared with the general public and others may not be shared in mixed company.

My hosts were exceptionally hospitable and I hope we have developed a permanent relationship. Exchange of programs and ideas on a one to one basis and the dissemination of ideas strengthened durable MO-PA partnership with a human touch. My program was and is a "Masterpiece in Progress," "Continuous Process Improvement," and in a state of cotinuous "flux."

The participants were absorbing every word through an interpreter. Their quest for knowledge is heart warming. The infra structure needs improvement. I wish some of our students could be so attentive and appreciate the facilities and infra structure we have. I hope that we can make such presentations on SHEP and Ergonomics more frequent. They will improve the bottom line and the quality of life in Para. Para partners were very cooperative. Please allow me to thank my friends and partners-in-crime of Ergonomics and SHEP around the world and the partners in MO, Para, and DC for this wonderful experience in promoting the Partnership.