This presentation provides the similarities and differences of the fire protection system installation between the United States and Djibouti in East Africa. Topics that will be addressed include: How would you install a sprinkler system without a reliable water source in East Africa? How could you maintain a functional fire alarm system with frequent power loss? Where would you find skillful workers in a third world country like Djibouti? How would you adapt to a culturally different work environment? Further discussion on the following topics will be facilitated: How to ship materials from the USA to Djibouti; How to overcome a primitive work environment in Djibouti; How to resolve a lack of local fire departments and security in a third world country.
Djibouti is located in East Africa where the average high temperature is 117 degrees Fahrenheit without humidity. (2) It is bordered by Eritrea in the north, Ethiopia in the west and south, and Somalia in the southeast. (1) Due to its location near equator, the people of Djibouti do not come out of their houses until at night. Foreigners should be very aware of the hot weather by bring light white clothes to keep themselves cool during day time.
The native languages in Djibouti are French and Arabic. Djiboutian people have a lot of influence by Middle East since it is located close to Middle East. It would be an excellent idea for American and other foreigners to know some basic French and Arabic since a lot of local people cannot speak English at all.
The main religion in Djibouti is Islam. Islam is very critical in the lives of Djiboutian people since the standard of living is low due to hot weather and lack of skillful workers. The religion gives many Djiboutian people hope to live and tolerates the harsh environment.
Djibouti has one University in the whole country. University of Djibouti is a liberal college where they don't have an engineering school. University of Djibouti has many visiting professors from other countries since the host University does not have adequate number of its professors.
