"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…