Desk Project!

https://donate.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=donate.contribute.projDetail&projdesc=14-693-008 Please help a good cause! I'm raising money to get desks built for a local school in my village. Above is the link! Thanks everyone!

“Let them drink and forget their poverty”

This quote was said to me one day... I can’t remember who said it or when, but I liked it.  I don’t know if it describes the locals or PCVs better...

So, it’s been awhile...

Many things have been happening since my last post over a month ago.  But in brief:

School:

To greve or not to greve? ...

It’s been such a struggle this school year trying to get any work done because of the inconsistent constant striking.  Obviously teaching in itself poses a problem, but also an irregular school schedule means difficulty starting clubs, and just motivating students and teachers in general is increasingly difficult.  Normally it’s just the “state-paid” teachers who don’t show up, and all the volunteer teachers still hold classes, at least in my village.  But one week the government shut down all schools and not even state paid teachers were allowed to work.  The irony: after all the striking the government decided not only to NOT increase the pay of teachers but also to subtract from their pay the days of school they missed.  At my school we got through “devoirs” (midterms) finally and the plan is to have regional “compositions” (final exams) two weeks after holiday break.  But we shall see if the school years commences again or not. 

I teach, shadow the other English teachers, create and grade exams… and hopefully the clubs will start up well in January! My life as an English teacher in Francophone Africa has definitely been quite the experience thus far and I’m sure there will be plenty more stories to uncover before I leave.       

We had a parent/teachers meeting last week.  Most of the meeting was in Moba and I was zoned out, but then it came time for me to ask whether the association would like a replacement volunteer when my two years is up here (I’m done in September 2014).  I have to ask because Peace Corps Togo started mandating (with my group being the first) that all communities receiving education volunteers have to pay for the housing- whether it be an unoccupied house or two rooms with some family, housing must be community donated.  One of the parents stood and talked for a bit in Moba and when the translation came I was angered by the first few words but flattered by the last few.  So far the parents do not want to pay the housing for a new volunteer to come, but they say that I can stay for another 5 or so years because they like me here and appreciate the work I’ve done.  I have had several parents come up to me after and reinstate that opinion.  So I don’t know what to tell my APCD? Should I request a replacement? I don’t think, finally speaking, I can afford to stay more time.

Clinic Work:

I’m still showing up on Mondays to help with baby-weighing and vaccinations.  There’s a “Tour of Savanes” bike tour for infant health that is under construction at the moment.  There will be two “tours” and Tami is in the second, so I plan to ride out on the second wave.  We will ride our bicycles around the region, spending two days in selected villages to give trainings on infant/child nutrition and how to prevent and improve malnutrition.  The program is modeled after the FARN nutrition program, if anyone is familiar with that.  The work partner that the Major assigned me is really awesome and I’m pretty excited to work with him when the time comes.    

I also help sometimes as an assistant nurse when necessary.  I’m still kind of in training but they give me easy enough tasks, such as filling out the reports/paperwork, prepping instruments, etc.  At the clinic, there is one “head” nurse (Major), one general nurse, one new nurse, one midwife (Matrone), and one bookkeeper/pharmacist (Girent).  All of them work during normal day hours and then they each take turns being “on-call” for a week at a time.  During this week, whenever a sick or injured person or woman in labor comes, no matter the hour, they must take them.  On the weekends sometimes, when I’m in village; and the person is by him or herself, I will assist.         

Shadowing:

I hosted two new PCVs at my house for two days and then spent two days in each of their villages as well.  When in my village, they were able to sit in a class while I taught, then I had each of them lead a game with my class.  We then went into each class and greeted them in English and let the students ask questions.  We then walked to the clinic, greeted them, and on the way back greeted the two high school classes as well.  We walked around the market, got drinks and played cards (they learned the Togolese card game from me).  I don’t know if they were just being nice but they both seemed to be impressed by my village cuisine.   

Next, I went to Timbou with Andrew and spent two days there.  Unfortunately, the government closed the schools the day we arrived, so I couldn’t see him teach but we still had a good time.  We got to walk around and greet some of his work partners.  And we got to spend a good amount of time with one guy who sells (and gave us some) awesome citron juice, and then later we got Tchakpa with another counterpart.  And some other guy gifted us two live pigeons... His one counterpart came the next day and cooked them up for us and then left! The meat was interesting, kind of a mixture between rabbit and duck. 

After Timbou, I made my way to Bogou, to shadow Heather.  After the two “bush taxis” I was pretty beat but after a quick bite to eat and some rehydration I was good to go.  The people of Bogou were super inviting and accommodating.  And her host parents are adorable! Her host dad can be a bit confusing but sweet.  We did a tour of her market, drank some of the local brew, met up with Matt and went for a hike, and met some of her work partners. 

Both Heather and Andrew are pretty chill people and I’m glad they were the two placed next to me.  And I hope to work with them on a project soon!

Plan Togo Work Partner:

Just about two weeks ago, I was at my house after teaching and was called back to the school with no given reason except that the headmaster wanted to see me.  I sped over on my bike and was greeted by an unplanned meeting.  Turns out that I was finally given that new work partner that my APCD told me all education volunteers were to receive.  I had been told for weeks that I was to gain a Togolese version of a Peace Corps Volunteer to work with; and now I have him! He’s super cool so far and I’m excited to start working with him after the break.  So far, he has just shadowed me in class, at the hospital, the nursery school, and any other place I go.  He’s from Tsevié, down South near Lomé, and is a graduate from university.  And he’s catching on to Moba pretty quick (much quicker than me at least).  It’s pretty sweet to be a mentor and teach a Togolese person about my community… It’s kind of empowering actually.  

 

Other work projects:

The Spelling Bee is still on, but after a visit with the inspectors, we decided to cut down the amount of invitees.  I want to now include the 4 schools in my teaching group, all EGE PCVs (and one non-EGE who teaches) and the few selected schools in Mango.  The funding can’t be done until February because I have a first year PCV doing the funding (because I already have a funded project open under my name). 

The Odyssey of the Mind Competition may not happen.  I sent out an email inquiring about interest in co-organizing and interest in general, and the feedback was not very enthusiastic.  But I will be doing a session on Odyssey at the PDM training so maybe next year PCVs can get the competition rolling.  I can’t do it on my own with all the other projects and work I have going on. 

I will be a trainer for the EGE sector at the upcoming PDM (the in-service training where all PCVs bring a counterpart with them).  We have started brainstorming ideas already, but the training is not until the end of February.

Doctor Stephanie is coming back and doing a program on public health in January! She has invited 4 of the most motivated women from my women’s group to be bused into Dapaong to attend the program. 

We have had a few womens group meetings and things seem to be going well.  A few women are near finished with repayment of their microloans! And we continue to do liquid soap in order to fund the learning of new AGRs.

I am now one of the two Dapaong Workstation managers! The old manager moved to a site further away and asked if another PCV and I would take up the responsibilities until the new stage takes over in September.  I have been manager of the Post Office Box since September too.  It’s nice to have another person to co-manage with, because we both live a little far.  It’s a new appointment, so not too much to detail yet.

The PCPP application for the funding of desks for the primary school is done and sent in.  I got feedback emailed to me with corrections the other week and resent the application with edits a few days after.  So now we wait.  Hopefully it goes through; Tami could really use the desk and sitting space!

Health:

Been worse and been better...

One day, I was boiling my water filter candle to clean it and when I went to grab it out of the hot water with a towel the water ran down my hand and burned me pretty well.  It was the day before the official school reopening and I couldn’t move my right hand.  Luckily I had aloe gel that helped a lot and then put some blue liquid on it.  The blue liquid.... I don’t what it is but it’s a miracle healer.  It makes wounds dry and heal faster.  It also helps keeps flies out of the wound, which is a huge problem for healing here (because they land on, eat and infect the wound—in droves).  And now it’s healed over and you can’t even tell that there was once a festering wound there.

And just the other day, I was on the back of someone’s moto (motorcycle) and we hit some sand and fell sideways.  Luckily no one was seriously injured; I only have this long scratch on my left leg and he only had a scratch on his left elbow.  My wound is already all healed and now just a light scar remains on my left calf.

BF:

We’re still together and happy.  Sometimes the cultural and lingual differences can be too much but most of the time, il n’y a pas de probleme.  He came down to Lomé with me to pick up Gretchen and Mark when they land.  He also had errands to run here for himself and family members, so it worked out that I didn’t have to come down alone.  I’ve been going to church with his family and him on Sundays and his mom is convinced that I’m going to convert to Catholicism… His uncle here in Lomé wants me to convert to Islam… Why can’t I just attend all places and not commit to one?? I learn a lot from him actually; not just about Togo and its culture but also how to more flexible and open to cross-cultural experiences.  It’s too easy to get upset and take things personally here (or when you’re a foreigner anywhere) but you really just gotta breathe and take it easy.  People here seem to anger fast but it’s just their way of reacting and communicating… They also forgive and get over it pretty fast too! I, personally, get defensive when people raise their voices at me, because it’s a natural reaction; just at when some people get the slightest bit frustrated, they raise their voice in emphasis.  No two people are the same.  And sometimes getting angry with one person can make a volunteer angry at the host country as a whole but that’s not cool.  The same can happen between “stages” (groups of volunteers based on when you came in to country).  I had an incident a bit ago where one “first year” was being a prick at a holiday party and then the next day I had a slight disagreement with another “first year” and asked aloud why all people from their “stage” were so sensitive and mean… Yea I’m an ass ;) But I got over it and hope they did too! I have too much to worry about than to put my energy into worrying about drunken arguments and misunderstandings.  ANYWAY, in summary, grouping people and generalizations about a group based upon one person or interaction isn’t cool.  Sorry for the rant but it’s my blog and I’ll rant if I want to ;) …

Visitors:

Gretchen and Mark get here in two days! They will spend one week here in Togo and then we will all go over to Ghana and spend a week there.  They’ve been shot up, gotten visas, made itineraries and are ready for adventure =) My whole village knows about their arrival and are excited that they will be with us for the big fete of “Bonne Année” (New Years).  If anyone remembers from last year’s post, New Years is actually celebrated on the 1^st of January, not the 31^st of December.  My biggest worry is how much meat Gretchen (a vegetarian) will be offered while here (even though I made sure to spread the word that she doesn’t eat meat).  Here in Togo, the proper way to receive a guest is through alcohol (usually Tchakpa up North) and meat… So we’ll see!

So that about sums up life here at the moment… If I missed something please forgive me, but it’s been awhile and there is a lot going on! Time is flying by and there is much more work opportunities this year than my first year.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season! And for those of you back home, please make and throw a snowball in my honor?

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

A week in Tami through Photos



So given that Iùve been able to keep Matts camera for longer, I thought I would detail my week through photos!

 

 

Photo project under construction

 

MAC Photo Project, finished product

 

Tami Clinic workers, photo board and me

 

 School cleanup day

 

 Simane: head commander during school cleanup

 

Director Ayeva with some parents

 

 Pounding the shells off the harvested and dried beans

 

Baby Larba and momma Rachel

 

Lovely Market momma selling Tchakpa

 

Innodation... Theres been some flooding at my house

 Tchakpa!

 

Fatima is back from Ghana!

And thus concludes my few weeks with a camera.  And now back to taking mental pictures, like a true writer.

"Monday Madness" at the Tami Clinic & the calm before the "Rentree Storm" at the CEG

27^th Sept. 2013

A good way to judge the heat is by how much the locals are sweating...

So, after only 2 weeks, I find myself back in Dapaong and writing up a blog post once again.  There were many reasons to come back, one of which was to print the photos for my newest projects: MAC photo project.

Dispenseur (health work):

With all the work I’ve been doing with my local clinic, one might think that I’ve converted from EGE to CHAP... But, hey they seem to appreciate the help and I’m happy to be learning something in my free time until the school year starts.

What could I be doing at a clinic? Good question.

It all started with that MAC (malaria action committee) photo project.  I walked around 18^th with one of the nurses, taking polls to a survey (that Winter and I created) and taking photos of people in the community with their bed-nets.  The goal of this was to promote bed-net usage and malaria awareness in general.  My survey results were quite positive due to the fact that the PCV before me did a similar survey and causery during her service.  Also, the “major” at the clinic seems to do a great job with causeries when people come in.  I talked to the “menusier” (wood craftsman) in my village about making a board to post the photos at the clinic and the board was done before dinner time that day.  So now I just have to put the pictures that I printed yesterday up on that “cadre” board, display it at the clinic and then do a causery. 

So then on the 20^th, on my way back from the apprentices function (later discussed in this post) at the EPP, I stopped in at the clinic just to greet them and keep up a friendly work appearance.  Well, the Major was thrilled and walked me around, showed me the solar panel system that was donated, the fridge for vaccinations and meds, all the family planning supplies, and the posters on the walls displaying various health messages (malaria, family planning, vaccination reminders, etc.).  I was there until my stomach needed to be refilled, with him in a half rant/ half recruitment mode.  I was then invited to come that following Monday to help with the Monday Madness.  Every Monday, all of the new pregnant women come in for consults, the newborns/babies/children/mothers for shots and weight measurements, and then whomever walks in because it’s market day.  He had originally planned on me to do a causery on malaria but I created a general health survey instead (as a good PCV would do before starting any work), and he wasn’t having that on Monday Madness day.  So I ended up helping with baby-weighing, the ppw along with it, and the ppw for vaccinations (which are all now free the first year of age here in Togo).  There were dozens of women and not enough seating room, but according to everyone, that was “nothing”. 

So then I was invited back Thursday to help out (however I could).  I followed the new nurse guy, Albert, around for a bit- watching him give injections and such.  Then I helped in the pregnancy checkups.  The first few, I got close and watched and was aided in how to fill out the charts/ppw; then I was filling everything out myself while he did exams; and then he let me do parts of the exam! I was able to measure bellies, and listen to heartbeats (through something that looks like a foghorn).  We finished all the women and were ready to head out, when a man came in bleeding from a moto-accident.  Albert cleaned him and did the ppw and then it was time for the Tetanus shot... He made me do it! Since I had been shadowing him for hours, he thought I was worthy.  It was pretty cool, and the guy didn’t even flinch.  He was the second injection that I’ve given in Togo; the first was a sick baby goat. 

I’m scheduled to come in and help this Monday with the Madness once again, and we’ll see where my status at the clinic stands once school madness starts.   

MAC Photo Survey

My "Major" at the Tami Clinic, showing some family planning methods

Apprentices:

As I wrote in an earlier blog, I sent 4 apprentices to camp Unite Apprentices weeks (2 boys, 2 girls).  After that they all collaborated on a joint meeting/causery for all other apprentices and their “matrones” and “patrones”.  Well the week of Sept 16-21, they had their exams! Each type of apprentice spends 3 years learning and practicing the trade before they are allowed to start on their own and if they don’t pass the exam, they are to spend another year following.  I also learned that when the government took over testing they put an age minimum to eligible apprentices in an attempt to keep kids in school as long as possible.  So on the 20^th, I paid a visit to EPP where the exam week was taking place, sat in on the oral testing day, took a few photos (with the camera that matt let me use for the MAC project), and posed a few questions.  I was also able to see the final project of their visual test.  There was a model shirt sent in for the seamstress apprentices to replicate with a set limit of resources.  I went through the shirts and compared “good grades” to lower grade examples.  On the day of the 21^st, I went back to sit on causery sessions, revealing of grades, and final ceremony.  I was official photographer because of that handy camera, but thank goodness I was only asked to take a few group shots and not single shots of EVERY single girl (because that’s what usually happens when you pull a camera out here).

The Tami Apprentice graduates of 2013

(sporting their final projects!)

Gobine’s Bday:

On the 21^st, after the apprentice ceremony, I hopped on my bicycle and rode over to NakiOuest by request of the original Emanuel (the guy who helps me with the women’s group- not the bf Emmanuel).  There was a huge “Gobine” (that’s his faimly name) fete going on! There was free Tchakpa, dancing, a drawing stations and games.  It was a blast! I made sure to have a few Calabashes before hitting the dance floor (the entrance to his boutique), and when I finally did, everyone went wild! I was part of several Moba-shaking circles, was applauded and thanked, hugged, some old lady kept fanning me (it was god awful hot that day), and someone was filming on their cellphone.  I’m pretty sure that video went Togo viral, or at least Naki-Ouest/Tami viral.  And Gobine Emanuel’s sister made us fries and grilled chicken for dinner.  Oh and there was a jump rope competition too!

A Gobine Bday

**************PS: Emanuel Gobine is looking for American hosts for 2014.  I am helping him get his American visa and so the date isn't set yet, but if you're interested, please let me know! He's worked with over 7 PCVs in the past and speaks pretty decent English.  Also he can help you with your French (and Moba if your daring).  He would just need somewhere to stay for his first few days in the States before visiting his own friends.  His dream destination is Philadelphia. *****************

Random thoughts and tid-bits:

It’s not that I don’t miss home, it’s just that I’m forgetting what it’s like.  Living back in the States feels almost surreal, like another life.  I’ve got a year to go, but I know there is going to be some reverse culture shock whenever I do get back. 

Things with wing that I hate: flies (quite possibly the #1 reason I would consider ET’ing; too many, all over, flesh eating and disease carrying), mosquitoes (they buzz in your ear as you sleep, spread disease, and multiple bites itch madly), and bats (they make a weird noises at night, fly super close to one’s head- scaring the wind out of you, and have a high potential for carrying rabies).    

How does one begin to teach someone/group of adults about health and development when: A) you don’t speak the same language; B) the participants/target audience can’t read or write...? This is just one question PCVs all over the world have to face and conquer on a regular basis.  Any method of note-taking is out of the question and our norm to proper presenting with props is reduced to mainly pictures (or French with someone who generously translates for you).  I’ve come to find that working with adults is just as rewarding as children but it’s almost more difficult, for me at least.

I’m an “ancien” (old/2^nd yr PCV) now... That’s weird.  The newest Savamily editions are asking questions and I know answers (most of the time).  I like the new guys; they’re cool, so far.  Savanes seems to luck out with some of the chillest/mellow people in the PCV Togo pool. 

So before I was too sick to go running, then for the first week or so at post it was too hot (“petit chaleur”), and now every morning it likes to rain between the hours of 4-6 (my target running time of day).  Gretchen and Mark sent me a “speed rope” to get fit, along with a plan-thing, so I plan to start that up now.  And maybe get a run or two in every now and then?

I also have these white spots on my shoulders that I thought may be skin cancer... Turns out it’s just a fungus, yay! The med unit gave me a tube of cream that apparently will also cure my [non-existent] jock itch.

Lately, after being sick and talking a lot about health at MST and the dispenseur, I’ve been on this cleanliness/health freak streak.  I don’t think my host family is a fan of the new streak but they will appreciate it one day... I’ve kind of been preaching to them recently, a lot... I went to eat a meal with them and when they “washed” their hands, not one person used soap and every one of them just dipped their hands in the same water (didn’t even pour it over!).  I had to take a separate bowl and spoon, I can’t risk being sick again.  After eating I asked them about it and let em hear it, because there is ALWAYS someone sick in my household.  Good thing my host dad is the town pharmacist; otherwise they’d be outta luck.  The little kids especially play in the dirt and such and then stick their tiny little hands in the same food bowl... AH! Fingers crossed that I see behavior change SOON!

I have come up with an idea for all the camp participants to use what they learned at camp in the Tami community: they will be my club and jeune (youth) leaders for all projects this school year.  It will be them that decide the club types, meeting times, etc, and them who help choose the bureaus in each.  I also want them to do a few minor projects like making hand washing stations (modeled after the ones they saw at Pagala), and to help me start the school garden (after the dry season, of course).  Next summer, after I send more kids to camp, I would like to hold a fete (party) and have all students who have ever done a Peace Corps event present something.  I would also like our cultural week to include a presentation from each club this year. 

I’m no longer considered a “la grosse” (fat person), but now referred to as “petit soeur” (little sister), by many people.  This is due to the weight loss and hair growth.  I’m not sure which term is better? I will, however, always get called white person (in however many dialects/languages there are here); can’t change that, dangit. 

I found out that I’m teaching 5ieme (7^th grade) English this year.  Fingers crossed, classroom management is easier at this level; or else I may return to the States will a full head of white hair!     

I did major house cleaning over the time I was in village as well.  I went through ALL of my ppw (from all sector trainings), my old lesson plans, camp handouts, etc, and organized everything into binders and folders.  I feel so much more prepared now, just in general and especially for the school year starting. 

There have also been a few changes in the Tami educational population, as of late.  One of our teachers was “affecte’ed” (sent to another location) and will be replaced by someone new; the director of the EPP was also “affecte’ed” and sent to a dapaong elementary; my English teaching homologue got accepted into a teaching program in Atakpame and will be there for 8 months, then be sent to a (unknown at this moment) location after, as a paid State employed teacher (finally, after 7 years as a volunteer teacher); and we’re waiting to hear back if the science teacher, Simane, passed his medical entrance exam to begin nurse training.  So, I will be working with possibly 2-3 new faces this school year... I hope they’re as cool as the other guys. 

School “clean-up” day is Monday, so at 7am all students are to report to the CEG to sweep, dust and arrange the classrooms, and to hoe and cleanup the schoolyard. 

Next weekend is a mandatory Dapaong house meeting, so I will be heading right back on Friday.  After that, it’s school time!

Hope school is starting well in the states (and wherever else my blog is read) and that everyone’s health is tip-top. 

Host fam trying out some new American-sent toys

=)

1 yr in Togo & 1/4 century old!

13 Septembre 2013

So, it’s been quite some time since my last post… Sorry!

Last time I wrote my rough summer schedule outline, well…

What my schedule actually was:

July 16 - 20: Camp Unite training of trainers (Pagala)

July 20 - 22: Chef du voyage Unite (went to Dapaong and back to get participants)

July 22 - 27: Camp Unite Girls (Pagala)

July 30 - August 5: Sick in village (Tami)

August 7 - 9: New PCVs Swear-In Ceremony (Lomé)

August 14 - 24 : Camp Etoiles Du Nord (Mango)

August 26 - 30: Mid-Service Training (Pagala)

August 31- September 3: B-day festivities and beach! (Lomé)

September 4 - 11: Camp Scientifille (Pagala)

September 12: B-day festivities for 3 friends (Kara)

Now: In Dapaong until maybe Sunday (the 15^th)

… In other words, I have spent VERY little time in my village since June (when I was there for most the month), after returning from South Africa.

Health:

That statement I made about heating water… Well, I was doing that one day in village and burned some of the skin off the top of my right foot.  Not only was I not able to wear shoes for a few days, but it hurt (a lot).  It’s now just another great scar to my collection, haha. 

Also, I struggled with Giardias for awhile.  And by awhile I mean pretty much for the whole month of August, due to technical difficulties with the PC med unit.  I had a rough week between Unite and swear-in, where my host family was nervous and thought I was crazy for waiting until the “Lomé Limo” to go down to Lomé (but it was a free ride and I’m tough).  Upside: I’ve gotten complimented a lot on how good I’m looking (I lost about 12 lbs through it all).  It’s not the healthiest (or intentional) weight loss plan ever, but ca va aller.  And I’m back to “normal” now and don’t feel nauseous every time I eat, yay!    

And luckily I am still Malaria free =)

Camp Unite (Girl student week):

Such a great experience.  This camp taught me a lot on good session prepping and performing.  I presented sessions on “The Importance of Girls Education” and “Time and Money Management”.  I was also “chef du jour” with the one-and-only Kelsey Miller and we were responsible for ice-breakers, the day motivation-keeping, snack prep, hand-washing-station upkeep, and time-keeping for the day and for all sessions.  There was an AGR (income generating activity) fair, where I did popcorn making and understanding profit (revenue – expenses = profit).  And there was a “mock election” where the girls were able to vote for the meal they wanted to eat the last dinner.  I was the Togolese dish of “Akpan” (which no PCV likes to eat) and I put up a good fight, and even came up with an Akpan dance (and luckily I didn’t win).  The last day, the girls were shuttled over to a local community where we put on a “causerie parade” and they pre-coordinated dances and sketched to show and share what they learned in camp.  We also did a women’s panel, where myself and several other women (Togolese and American) were invited to share our stories, motivate the girls and give them a chance to ask questions.  The “candle ceremony” made me tear up on the evening before our departure… during the lighting of the candles (every person held one and we passed the “light” from one person to us all) a few of us shared what we learned/appreciated during the camp, and one girl said that my session of “The Importance of Girls Education” made her want to go back to school (apparently she had just abandoned her studies this past year).  I remember being told in the beginning of my service that it is highly unlikely to see direct benefit from our work while in PC service, that normally with development work it takes years to show/see impact… but in that moment, during the girl’s confession in the candle ceremony, I felt it: my impact in Togo.      

Camp Etoiles Du Nord (stars of the North):

What a two weeks! This camp tested many boundaries for me but I’m really happy we made it through.  There was a significant change in some of the girls towards the end of camp and everyone’s effort was appreciated greatly.  I got to work with some dandy PCVs and met some great Togolese work partners.  I presented sessions on: “The importance of girls education” and “puberty, adolescence and reproduction”.  I was also “chef du jour” one day and responsible for starting games/ activities, keeping girls motivated, and keeping time in sessions.  During this camp we also had the chance to go on 2 field trips: to the local hospital, and to a local radio station.  The goal of this was to give the girls examples of great professions in their community.  This camp was a combination of the Unite Camp and “Take Our Daughters to Work” program; both of which promote girls education and gender equity.  I helped out a lot with organizing during the formation and so I’ve also been invited to be an organizer for Etoiles du Nord 2014.       

Mid Service Conference (MSC):

I learned a lot about Food Security during this training.  I got lots of info on Moringa, the super plant that grows fast and provides many vital (and lacking) nutrients in the Togolese diet.  I hope to use this with my women’s group and with my school clubs as well.  I learned how to make several different types of gardens (raised/sunken beds, plastic sack, Voltic bottle, and old tire), and we even made a few there at the center.  I hope to start a school garden to help feed students who come from far away to attend school (some students ride their bikes 45 min’s each way to attend school in Tami).  That way, if they can eat lunch at the school, they can stay for after-school programs!    

I joined the GAD committee, as the new coordinator of funding.  GAD (Gender And Development) is a group that raises money to donate to projects promoting gender and education in Togo.  I get the chance to brainstorm and put into action ideas to raise said money.  So far, I helped run the auction at MSC and have already started some other projects/event planning with my fellow GAD gals (there are 3 of us).  Emily is in charge of communications and causeries, and Julie is our grant gal (head of reviewing grant applications received and dispersing of funds).

I picked up a new project from the MAC (Malaria Action Committee) to do in village to help spread awareness about malaria.  I’m teaming up with another PCV and going around taking photos of people in our communities with their bed nets (one of the most effective ways to prevent malaria) and asking basic questions on Malaria.  After that, we will print the photos and post them on a board to hang up in the local clinics and we will do joint causeries (including a pre and post test to see if there was any change/impact after the program).

I also did a session, myself, on Soy milk: how to make it, the benefits, and possible work ideas to use in village. 

Camp Scientifille:

By the time I started this camp, I was kind of “camped out” but still managed to get a lot out of the experience.  I was able to have 3 girls and 1 science teacher from Tami to come and learn with us! The way the camp is set up is they have teams of 3 girls and 1 teacher come from about 10-11 villages around Togo, that way when they go back, the goal is to have them work on setting up their own “Scientifille” club.  I presented a few sessions during the week: Clubs (why do, how to start, and ideas to animate them- session for professors only), MAP x2 (this was to help promote gender equality by making male advocates in society- session for professors only), and Natural Disasters (discussed and showed through experiments various disasters around the world and then brought it back to Togolese issues- session for all participants).  There was also a science fair, where all formateurs did different experiments to make science fun.  I did a Density demo with 2 other PCVs and we showed the density difference of several liquids and solids (and made a pretty layered display with each of the 5 groups/teams).  Other sessions included Astronomy, microbiology and ecology (to name a few).  Each session making sure to make science and math as fun as possible, to help motivate the young girls to finish their studies and to possibly seek careers in math/science realm!     

HCN bf: Official and happy, with the occasional communication issues… And that’s all you get to know!  =)

And thanks to everyone for all the birthday love! I have received packages from Bev, Gretchen/Mark, and Alyssa… I feel so loved! I spent my actual b-day day on the beach with Emmanuel, eating pizza and drinking champagne…  It was a nice way to ring in a “quarter of a century” of life on Earth.

So, I’ve got some GAD work to do, my MAC survey/photo project to start, my VRF (volunteer reporting form) to complete and then I’m off to village! The date for the start of school is tentatively October 7^th (but one never really knows in this country with all the strikes …), so I’ve got to start lesson planning soon too! I’m not sure which level I will be teaching, but hopefully I will find out when I get back? Also, I have to “shadow” and “be shadowed” by two new EGE PCVs in my area.  I can’t do that until school starts though because my APCD wants us to have part of the shadowing be focused on the classroom.  I hope I can get in a women’s group and school club meeting for them too!

Oh, and Gretchen and Mark (my sister in NM and her bf) are officially coming to visit in Togo, starting December 26^th (the tickets were purchased)! So an itinerary is in the making; can’t wait!

Hope all is well with everyone! Can’t believe there’s only one year left to go…

Yendou, Tuo Goutah

05 July 2013

Yendou, TuoGoutah (Dieu, On attends la pluie)

And then the rains finally came…

Life is back to [well, village life] normal.  It feels like I never left the country, to be honest.  It feels like ages ago that Alyssa was here with me, and yet only just a month in actuality.

While I was gone in South Africa, two things happened: one of the dogs was put down (no worries, not Rocko); and Rachel had her baby (finally)! The new little girl’s name is Larba Jeanne (aka petite Larba), and she was born at 23:18 on the 29^th of May 2013.

Books:

“Stubborn Twig” by Lauren Kessler.  Sent to me via snail mail by Bev.  It is a great chronicle of the struggle of Japanese immigrants and people of Japanese decent before, during, and after WWII, when they were forced into internment camps on the West Coast.  I honestly had no idea the intense amount of racism that people faced, especially Japanese-Americans who were born in the USA and couldn’t even speak Japanese!

“The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Diaz.  This book was more contemporary than I’m used to reading, but I thought it was a pretty touching piece.  The language was a bit rough and he used a lot of Spanish words (I have no way of translating in village)… It felt like I could hear the author speaking aloud as I read.  Someone actually gave to me another novel by this author, “This is how you lose her,” which I just started and also like thus far. 

“Little Bee” by Chris Cleave.  I was in tears by page 43, enough said. 

The happenings:

I’ve been running more! I even ran once with my school director, Mr Ayeva.  I haven’t run with him since because during the vacation he spends most of his time in Dapaong, and I’m virtually always in village. Rocko has been my loyal running buddy every single time I quit the house at 5am.  One day he proved his worth when there was this man on a bicycle that slowed down next to me, as I ran, to bother me.  Rocko barked harder than normal and nipped at his feet and the man pedaled much faster away from me than he had approached.

I cut my own hair =) After seeing pictures of myself in South Africa, I decided that I had too much shag in the back.  So, I set up a little parlor for myself outside and cut until it felt even through my fingertips.  I can’t see it ever so didn’t care really, but everyone says it looks really good.  

The week I got back, I was handed my stack of exams to grade.  It took me one afternoon, with the help of my little brother Mamba, and then the next day I had the report cards filled out by lunchtime.  The following Saturday, I came back from Dapaong for an early morning 3^rd quarter “consul” meeting.  After the meeting, all the teachers came to my host dad’s bar for a drink and I made a ton of popcorn (so they were all thrilled).  After that I was free for the summer break, kinda.

There’s this rooster (as in male chicken) in my compound that is the “mother” of a flock of baby “pentades” (guinea fowl).  It’s adorable! They put the eggs under him one night and he’s been caretaker since.  The pentades are getting big now and still following the “cock” around like mama bird.  I’m surprised they haven’t learned how to “crow” like mama rooster yet.

I’ve gotten to know “chateau” water man more and I’ve come to appreciate his friendship.  That one angry run-in wasn’t the best of impressions, but we are both over it.  He comes by when he gets a chance to grab a drink and we usually argue about who gets to pay, like Americans… I’ve found out that he likes to draw portraits and play guiter; but he’s ALWAYS working so doesn’t get much time to do either.  Before PCV Sam left back to the States (she finished her 2 years here), she left me some drawing charcoal, and so I gifted that to him.  Hopefully he can get some use of them.

I have a new “friend” Emanuel in my life… That makes 2Eman’s, lucky me =) He’s super sweet and I found out that his mom is the owner of all the PCV’s favorite place to eat in Dapaong! He’s come to visit me a few times now in village too (the host fam loves him) and toughs it out quite well.  I met him at Sam and Maggie’s going away party a few weeks ago.  I also met this wonderful woman named Sandra (who’s Togolese but lives in France), and her French friend Angelique (who loves to dance- more than me). 

I’ve been busy off and on with random organizing and paperwork of various events that I’ve sent/am sending people to.  I had a follow-up questionnaire from the Women’s Conference for Rachel to fill out.  I had a meeting with all the “apprentices” that went to Camp Unite (and they are doing sensibilizations now!).  And I’m in the midst of not only being a counselor at 2 camps, but sending 7 more students to various Peace Corps Togo sponsored camps (I have to give reminders, find transport to dapaong and meet with each upon returning). 

I am the proud “Big Sister” of a new Peace Corps Trainee!Her name is Alison, she’s from FL, and she’s a “CHAP” (health) Volunteer.  The new trainees arrived in Togo in early June and are getting ready to do their “post visits” soon! Sadly I will be at Camp Unite Girls the entire week that the new guys are visiting their posts but I’m hoping to make it to the joint Kara-Savannes Post Visit Party July 27^th.  My Little Sis is posted pretty far South (and as you all know, I’m one of the furthest North PCVs), so we are no where near each other, but I hope to still be great support for her.  So far, I sent her a welcome card and book to read if she gets bored in “stage”.

There have been two functions recently… I thought both were going to be small meetings but they both turned into huge events.  The first was a visit from the Minister of Agriculture.  He came as a “cutting of the ribbon” ceremony for the new water tower that’s almost done.  There were SO many people present, many of whom came from as far as Lomé! There was even a hired DJ and teams of traditional Moba dancers.  The other event was political… I had no idea until I showed up and was slightly uncomfortable when I found out, but I toughed it out.  The minister of something showed up from Lomé and there were a dozen candidates running for various offices giving presentations.  Whenever there are “étrangers” around I’m always so much more popular than usual (it’s usually when I feel most like I belong here).

Women’s Group:

We had a meeting my 2^nd week back and it was quite long but productive.  At one point there was some miscommunication between my work partner and me but it was ironed out by the end.  2 new women were able to receive the 10,000 Franc sum, using the money that the other 10 women having been giving each market day.  It’s been rough for all the ladies lately because of all the rain- rain means every one is in the fields, and the market days are more “dead” than usual.  But they are hard working ladies! I had to fill out new paperwork for the original 8 (the sheets only hold 4 months on them), and did calculations to figure out how much more each owes.  Emmanuel was impressed with my record-keeping skills.  Oh, and the other day he came by so that we could fill out the 4 month report to give to our two “sponsors”.  We wrote the one if French together and then I translated that into English (because 1 of the 2 is American and doesn’t speak French).  We plan on continuing the liquid soap and doing other health/ income-generating activities this summer (when I’m actually in village- I will be traveling quite a bit). 

New Project!

I was invited to do a sensibilization on liquid soap at the Spanish Missionaries place.  They had a group of about 18 people and were all super cool and interested in what was going on.  I’ve been invited back to do other AGR/health projects.  The missionaries live not too far (about 5km maybe) and they do great work for the community.  They have many acres of land, 2 water towers, and electricity… And they teach local people improved farming techniques! Their land is absolutely beautiful and well kept.  And I love the one missionary with white hair, not just because he gave me free homemade jam, but also because he’s super sweet (he reminds me of my Uncle Bob in NY). 

Random Thoughts: Life au Village:

Flip-flops are the ultimate bug-killing weapons(I had a fly killing competition one day with the kids).

For some reason kids like my sweaty gross baseball cap (emphasis on the sweaty).

I used to run to make up for social insecurities/pressures, and now when I run I’m more social?

The main road in Tami looks a war zone because of the water lines being run.

3-week-old chickens look like baby dinosaurs.

Heating water in a kettle and adding it to your bucket-bath-water makes you feel like a princess… Or at least more clean.

There’s a running “joke” of how long I will stay here… The range is 3 to 10 years.  When my two years is up and I head back to the States, there are going to be some pretty disappointed Togolese people…

Rough outline of my summer schedule:

July 16 - 20: Camp Unite training of trainers (Pagala)

July 22- 27: Camp Unite Girls (Pagala)

July 27: Kara/Savanes Post Visit Party (Kara)

August 7 - 9: New PCVs Swear-In Ceremony (Lomé)

August 24– 25: WWEC Regional Coordinators meeting (Pagala)

August 26 – 30: Mid-Service Training (Pagala)

August 31: Tamar and Sarah’s bday party(Tchamba)

September 1 – 11: Camp Scientifille (Pagala)

Á PLUS TARD (catch ya later)!