I finally got a chance to upload my pictures and they can be found on the side bar under the link that says "Click Me!" They are in the folder marked November 2008. Enjoy!
Also, side note: I found and killed my first scorpion in my room the other day. A little disconcerting because now that means that the little devils can get into my room....oh well, that's what a mosquito net is for...
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Girls Leadership Conference: Girl Power!
Earlier in the year, I interviewed eleven middle school girls for a scholarship to continue their studies in an effort to promote the education of girls. The scholarship was recently distributed to two of the eleven girls and they seemed happy, but reserved about their success.
Yesterday, one of the volunteers in my region organized an all-day conference for the nominees and winners of the scholarship in the surrounding areas. There were about 60 people all-in-all. It was a great day for women's empowerment, sharing stories, ideas, and a chance for the girls to gloat at their own success for being outstanding students.
When I first arrived in Thilogne, the city with the middle school, none of the girls were at the designated meeting place. Myself and Ashley, the other volunteer in my area, were a little nervous, but the girls slowly trickled in. We took a mini-bus to a city called Ourosouggui (sp?) and then started the conference extravaganza. We watched the film that was recently made by Senegal Peace Corps volunteers called "Elle Travaille, Elle Vit." It's a short film about five or six successful women and how they attained and manage their success. Then we had a story-sharing time with our three women panalists from the Matam region. For lunch, we sat with the girls and just talked about school, clothes, things that every young girl should get a chance to talk about. Then we went back for more sessions and before I knew it, it was the award ceremony and the girls were on the bus going home.
I think they all really enjoyed it. Even if they don't remember what we talked about in five years, they will remember that they were chosen and attended an event in a different city. It may be the only time they receive the proper recognition they deserve and I'm glad that we could facilitate that.
I did take a bunch of photos, but I forgot the camera cord...oh well. Next time!
Yesterday, one of the volunteers in my region organized an all-day conference for the nominees and winners of the scholarship in the surrounding areas. There were about 60 people all-in-all. It was a great day for women's empowerment, sharing stories, ideas, and a chance for the girls to gloat at their own success for being outstanding students.
When I first arrived in Thilogne, the city with the middle school, none of the girls were at the designated meeting place. Myself and Ashley, the other volunteer in my area, were a little nervous, but the girls slowly trickled in. We took a mini-bus to a city called Ourosouggui (sp?) and then started the conference extravaganza. We watched the film that was recently made by Senegal Peace Corps volunteers called "Elle Travaille, Elle Vit." It's a short film about five or six successful women and how they attained and manage their success. Then we had a story-sharing time with our three women panalists from the Matam region. For lunch, we sat with the girls and just talked about school, clothes, things that every young girl should get a chance to talk about. Then we went back for more sessions and before I knew it, it was the award ceremony and the girls were on the bus going home.
I think they all really enjoyed it. Even if they don't remember what we talked about in five years, they will remember that they were chosen and attended an event in a different city. It may be the only time they receive the proper recognition they deserve and I'm glad that we could facilitate that.
I did take a bunch of photos, but I forgot the camera cord...oh well. Next time!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Mish Mash
Yesterday, I noticed my host mother was wearing a brand new boubou. Two champagne flutes and a big bottle of champagne were patterned all over it in between small blue dots, which I found humorous because she is a devout Muslim. In fact, one of her two rules when I first arrived in my village was no alcohol.
Obamarama reached my small village in Northern Senegal last week with his win. I was hosting two study abroad students and had my dad call me at 4 AM to tell me the good news. I felt like my heart was going to burst with pride and excitement that my next President will be a young, intelligent, charismatic, no-nonsense man. Everyone has been congratulating me on his success. I am not that naïve to think that the country will change at the hands of one man. But, I do believe that he is a powerful symbol of change and an agent of change that is willing to listen. We, the average Americans, are the ones that can change this country and I think I’m doing a pretty good job re-establishing America’s good name here in Senegal.
Recently, I also hosted two CIEE study abroad students, which was great! They really made me fall in love with my village again. They also noticed how much I was respected in my village and how I was treated like a family member. It was also great for me because they couldn't speak any Pulaar, so it made my skills look like I was a native speaker! The two girls, I think, enjoyed their stay and when I go to Dakar in December they said they will take me out to ice cream! A win-win situation.
Now for the big news! I HAVE A CAMERA!!!!!!! Thanks to my wonderful, creative parents I now have a camera that was sent to me in a tampon box so as not to illicit attention. I will be updating my picture link (in the left hand margin) at the end of the month or as soon as I have enough time to sit down and upload my pictures! GET READY!
Obamarama reached my small village in Northern Senegal last week with his win. I was hosting two study abroad students and had my dad call me at 4 AM to tell me the good news. I felt like my heart was going to burst with pride and excitement that my next President will be a young, intelligent, charismatic, no-nonsense man. Everyone has been congratulating me on his success. I am not that naïve to think that the country will change at the hands of one man. But, I do believe that he is a powerful symbol of change and an agent of change that is willing to listen. We, the average Americans, are the ones that can change this country and I think I’m doing a pretty good job re-establishing America’s good name here in Senegal.
Recently, I also hosted two CIEE study abroad students, which was great! They really made me fall in love with my village again. They also noticed how much I was respected in my village and how I was treated like a family member. It was also great for me because they couldn't speak any Pulaar, so it made my skills look like I was a native speaker! The two girls, I think, enjoyed their stay and when I go to Dakar in December they said they will take me out to ice cream! A win-win situation.
Now for the big news! I HAVE A CAMERA!!!!!!! Thanks to my wonderful, creative parents I now have a camera that was sent to me in a tampon box so as not to illicit attention. I will be updating my picture link (in the left hand margin) at the end of the month or as soon as I have enough time to sit down and upload my pictures! GET READY!
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