So as time dwindles down, my stress starts to build...
I've been fortunate to find the Botswana 9(we're the 9th group entering Botswana since PC re-established their connection with Botswana) facebook group...and boy did I hit the jackpot!! There is TONS of information, but at the same time, it can be a bit overwhelming! I wrote down most of the packing suggestions...but lets be serious, ALL of it isn't going to fit into 2 bags under 50 lbs!! I bought a large rolling duffel today and I have a good size(but not too big) backpack for my carry on...I'm still trying to figure out what my 2nd check-in bag will be!
With all that said, I wanted to give some updates regarding my staging event and pre-service orientation!!
My staging event date has changed from April 7th to April 10th! I will be leaving at 8am from National to head to Philadelphia. We have orientation from noon-7pm. We get to stay overnight(kinda), but we have to be checked out by 2am, so that we can board a bus heading to JFK! We fly out from JFK at 11:15am and fly straight to Johannesburg, South Africa. Next, we have a pretty long layover and take a short flight to Gaborone. I'll be in Gaborone, Botswana around 6pm(their time) on Monday! We then have 4 days of orientation at a nearby hotel, in which we will find out our host family placements. Then we get to meet our host families, and begin our pre-service training. *A warning, during this time I've been told I wont have much access to phones or internet-so you probably wont hear from me for about 2-3 months!* I'll be with my host family for about 8.5 weeks!! Assuming all goes well, I will officially become a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) and will find out my site placement!! And then...my two years of service begins!!!!
I can't explain the emotions I've been experiencing lately, but it's been a combination of excited, nervous, panic, sadness, happiness, and stress. But as I read what current Botswana volunteers have written on the facebook group, I find myself dreaming of what the next two years could be like. Talk about making dreams a reality...I'm really doing it and I am absolutely ecstatic about it!!!!
This will probably be my last post for awhile, but please know I will miss everyone in the states SOOO much and appreciate you taking the time to read my blog!! Please keep me posted with anything new as I would LOVE to hear from you all!! I'll try my best to post, but no promises!!!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
More specific, yet general information...
Here is some general information about Botswana….I took most of this from my information packet…And these will probably be my longest posts
History of the Program- Peace Corps entered Botswana in 1966, two months after it achieved independence from the United Kingdom. Botswana’s emergence as an independent nation and the coinciding need for trained human resources led the Peace Corps to initiate a program geared toward enhancing the country’s workforce. During the next 31 years, over 2,000 Peace Corps Volunteers served in Botswana. From 1966 to 1997, Peace Corps Volunteers worked in projects that touched nearly all aspects of Botswana’s development.
Since independence, Botswana has experienced remarkable growth. It has gone from one of the world’s poorest nations to achieving the statues of a middle-income country. As its per capita income grew, life expectancy grew from 48 to over 60. At the same time, formal sector employment grew from 14,000 to 120,000. In light of Botswana’s success, Peace Corps made a decision to pull out in 1997.
In 2000, the idea of a return to Botswana was brought about by the severity of the AIDS epidemic in the region, and most significantly, the potential of the epidemic to reverse the prolific development gain made in Botswana. Botswana has the 2nd highest prevalence rates of HIV in the world. Peace Corps sent in an assessment team out to the country in April 2002. And in March 2003, the first set of volunteers arrived and completed their service in 2005.
Several project initiatives were added including a Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) program and a Home Based Care and Orphan Care Program (HBC/OC). These programs have been combined into the Community Capacity Building for HIV/AIDS program. Another initiative was added in 2005, with volunteers assigned to work in the area of Non-Governmental Organization(NGO) building. And in 2007-2008, a Life Skills program was introduced, where volunteers work in three districts with the Ministry of Education to introduce this program to primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools.
Living Conditions-
Food: Basic food can be bought in all communities, with a wide variety of shopping available in the larger town centers. Access to fruits, vegetables, chocolate, even Betty Crocker cake mix will be easy for most DAC-office volunteers. (My information packet really stated that.) Like I said…I’ll be cooking gourmet meals on a hot plate, in no time! Traditional diet usually consists of meat and staples of millet, sorghum, maize and beans; and combined with tomato, greens, potato, cabbage, etc.
Housing: Housing conditions will vary according to the village, but most volunteers in the DAC program will be provided with a small one or two bedroom house with modest furnishings, often with other government workers in a compound but sometimes, private quarters on a private family compound. Most, but not all houses have electricity and running water. In cases where water is not piped into the house, a water tap will be within walking distance. I will receive a small settling-in allowance that will allow me to purchase necessary house ware materials like kitchenware and cleaning materials.
Climate: The summer months (Nov-April) are HOT. The winters tend to get cold for up to 3 months (except in the North). In many areas of the country, you will need a warm coat, sweater, or sweatshirts to keep you warm on winter days and nights-as houses are not insulated. As long as there aren’t three blizzards in a row, I think I’ll survive their winters!!! Rainfall is moderate from Nov-March with occasional June and July drizzles. The remainder of the year is dry and rarely rains.
Transportation: Common forms of public transportation include buses and private taxis. Buses run to all major points in Botswana and are fairly regular and reliable. In conducting your job your transportation will usually be by foot or local public transport.
Medical Care: Health conditions in Botswana are quite good. The most common health problems amongst volunteers are related to the climate, that at times is very hot and dry.
Most villages have health posts or clinics, with hospitals in districts and sub-district centers. Hospitals in the capital city have good facilities Peace Corps Botswana maintains two full-time Peace Corps Medical Officers who serve to keep you healthy.
Safety and Security: You must be prepared to take responsibility for your own safety. You are the best person to make yourself less of a target, to ensure your house is secure, and to develop relations in your community that will make you an unlikely victim of crime. These relationships are based on respect and integration with the Batswana culture. In coming to Botswana, do what you would do if you moved to a new place in the States: be cautious, check things out, ask questions, learn about your neighborhood, know where the more risky locations are, use common sense, and be aware. You will reduce your vulnerability to crime by integrating into your community, learning the language, acting responsibly, and abiding by PC policies and procedures. Serving safely will require you to accept some restrictions to your current lifestyle.
Your safety is a key focus for PC Botswana staff. We’re committed to helping you develop and implementing strategies that will reduce the likelihood of injury to yourself. However, please note: It will be your responsibility to practice preventative measures and by agreeing to serve in Botswana, you are accepting higher safety and security risk than you would be exposed to at home.
Diversity Issues: The people of Botswana have a good understanding of the United States as a diverse society. Yet, in many areas it may be common for Americans to be viewed as a homogeneous group.
Asian Americans may be assumed to be Chinese and asked if they know Kung-Fu. This is a result of the ninja/kung fu movies. Many Botswana have no knowledge of any other Asian nationality or ethic group than Chinese. Explanation may be difficult at times.
Working Conditions-
Location: I will most likely be placed in a small town, or village; with a few volunteers in larger towns. Sites range in distance from the capitol, Gaborone, running from being in Gaborone to being more than 10 hours away.
The PC staff will make the final decision about my particular DAC placement after reviewing my skills and corresponding needs of our Batswana partners-during my Pre-Service Training.
Work Hours: Peace Corps is 24/7. As a cultural ambassador, my off-hours are free time still carry with them the burden and blessing of your commitment to service. I will be expected to work the formal hours of my institution, which is generally 7;30am-4:30pm Monday through Friday. However the most important community work occurs after hours and outside the formal working structure.
Dress Code: The people of Botswana are generally conservative in professional and casual attire. The way you dress is seen as an expression of the respect you have for those around you. It will be important to dress in a manner appropriate to the community in which you work and live if you want to be accepted. Because of this, the following are not recommended: shorts and short skirts, dirt clothes or clothes in disrepair, and provocative or strategically slit or zippered clothing. It should be noted that strappy and spaghetti strap tops are unacceptable for women in most public places.
Women should wear pants only as dictated by the norms of their host country (usually ok in urban areas, but not rural). It is recommended that woman wear clothes that are loose fitting and not provocative. Longer skirts and dresses for women are often shown as examples set by co-workers.
Training-
Im about to embark on a 81/2 weeks of Pre-Service Training in Botswana. It is very much community based, and during this time I will live with a host family and begin immersion in Batswana culture.
Language: I will be provided with a solid foundation in the grammar and structure of Setswana!! There will be a focus on oral communication skills and I will have an opportunity to discuss my individual needs and language learning style with the Cross-Cultural instructors.
Cross-Culture: The idea behind this training is to provide information from Botswana informants, as well as an opportunity for the trainee to practice appropriate behaviors and to develop the necessary coping skills.
Technical: This training will provide me with country specific information and skills related to my job assignment. In addition to providing me with the latest information concerning the HIV/AIDS epidemic, you will be introduced to potential resources, monitoring and evaluation methods, evidence based planning, behavior change and life skill models, tools of participatory development, facilitation skills, and PC approaches to development.
Ok I think that’s it for now…I am expecting another whole packet of information on Botswana and details about my staging event. I hope to keep you all posted, and please feel free to comment or email me if you have any questions!!!
History of the Program- Peace Corps entered Botswana in 1966, two months after it achieved independence from the United Kingdom. Botswana’s emergence as an independent nation and the coinciding need for trained human resources led the Peace Corps to initiate a program geared toward enhancing the country’s workforce. During the next 31 years, over 2,000 Peace Corps Volunteers served in Botswana. From 1966 to 1997, Peace Corps Volunteers worked in projects that touched nearly all aspects of Botswana’s development.
Since independence, Botswana has experienced remarkable growth. It has gone from one of the world’s poorest nations to achieving the statues of a middle-income country. As its per capita income grew, life expectancy grew from 48 to over 60. At the same time, formal sector employment grew from 14,000 to 120,000. In light of Botswana’s success, Peace Corps made a decision to pull out in 1997.
In 2000, the idea of a return to Botswana was brought about by the severity of the AIDS epidemic in the region, and most significantly, the potential of the epidemic to reverse the prolific development gain made in Botswana. Botswana has the 2nd highest prevalence rates of HIV in the world. Peace Corps sent in an assessment team out to the country in April 2002. And in March 2003, the first set of volunteers arrived and completed their service in 2005.
Several project initiatives were added including a Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) program and a Home Based Care and Orphan Care Program (HBC/OC). These programs have been combined into the Community Capacity Building for HIV/AIDS program. Another initiative was added in 2005, with volunteers assigned to work in the area of Non-Governmental Organization(NGO) building. And in 2007-2008, a Life Skills program was introduced, where volunteers work in three districts with the Ministry of Education to introduce this program to primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools.
Living Conditions-
Food: Basic food can be bought in all communities, with a wide variety of shopping available in the larger town centers. Access to fruits, vegetables, chocolate, even Betty Crocker cake mix will be easy for most DAC-office volunteers. (My information packet really stated that.) Like I said…I’ll be cooking gourmet meals on a hot plate, in no time! Traditional diet usually consists of meat and staples of millet, sorghum, maize and beans; and combined with tomato, greens, potato, cabbage, etc.
Housing: Housing conditions will vary according to the village, but most volunteers in the DAC program will be provided with a small one or two bedroom house with modest furnishings, often with other government workers in a compound but sometimes, private quarters on a private family compound. Most, but not all houses have electricity and running water. In cases where water is not piped into the house, a water tap will be within walking distance. I will receive a small settling-in allowance that will allow me to purchase necessary house ware materials like kitchenware and cleaning materials.
Climate: The summer months (Nov-April) are HOT. The winters tend to get cold for up to 3 months (except in the North). In many areas of the country, you will need a warm coat, sweater, or sweatshirts to keep you warm on winter days and nights-as houses are not insulated. As long as there aren’t three blizzards in a row, I think I’ll survive their winters!!! Rainfall is moderate from Nov-March with occasional June and July drizzles. The remainder of the year is dry and rarely rains.
Transportation: Common forms of public transportation include buses and private taxis. Buses run to all major points in Botswana and are fairly regular and reliable. In conducting your job your transportation will usually be by foot or local public transport.
Medical Care: Health conditions in Botswana are quite good. The most common health problems amongst volunteers are related to the climate, that at times is very hot and dry.
Most villages have health posts or clinics, with hospitals in districts and sub-district centers. Hospitals in the capital city have good facilities Peace Corps Botswana maintains two full-time Peace Corps Medical Officers who serve to keep you healthy.
Safety and Security: You must be prepared to take responsibility for your own safety. You are the best person to make yourself less of a target, to ensure your house is secure, and to develop relations in your community that will make you an unlikely victim of crime. These relationships are based on respect and integration with the Batswana culture. In coming to Botswana, do what you would do if you moved to a new place in the States: be cautious, check things out, ask questions, learn about your neighborhood, know where the more risky locations are, use common sense, and be aware. You will reduce your vulnerability to crime by integrating into your community, learning the language, acting responsibly, and abiding by PC policies and procedures. Serving safely will require you to accept some restrictions to your current lifestyle.
Your safety is a key focus for PC Botswana staff. We’re committed to helping you develop and implementing strategies that will reduce the likelihood of injury to yourself. However, please note: It will be your responsibility to practice preventative measures and by agreeing to serve in Botswana, you are accepting higher safety and security risk than you would be exposed to at home.
Diversity Issues: The people of Botswana have a good understanding of the United States as a diverse society. Yet, in many areas it may be common for Americans to be viewed as a homogeneous group.
Asian Americans may be assumed to be Chinese and asked if they know Kung-Fu. This is a result of the ninja/kung fu movies. Many Botswana have no knowledge of any other Asian nationality or ethic group than Chinese. Explanation may be difficult at times.
Working Conditions-
Location: I will most likely be placed in a small town, or village; with a few volunteers in larger towns. Sites range in distance from the capitol, Gaborone, running from being in Gaborone to being more than 10 hours away.
The PC staff will make the final decision about my particular DAC placement after reviewing my skills and corresponding needs of our Batswana partners-during my Pre-Service Training.
Work Hours: Peace Corps is 24/7. As a cultural ambassador, my off-hours are free time still carry with them the burden and blessing of your commitment to service. I will be expected to work the formal hours of my institution, which is generally 7;30am-4:30pm Monday through Friday. However the most important community work occurs after hours and outside the formal working structure.
Dress Code: The people of Botswana are generally conservative in professional and casual attire. The way you dress is seen as an expression of the respect you have for those around you. It will be important to dress in a manner appropriate to the community in which you work and live if you want to be accepted. Because of this, the following are not recommended: shorts and short skirts, dirt clothes or clothes in disrepair, and provocative or strategically slit or zippered clothing. It should be noted that strappy and spaghetti strap tops are unacceptable for women in most public places.
Women should wear pants only as dictated by the norms of their host country (usually ok in urban areas, but not rural). It is recommended that woman wear clothes that are loose fitting and not provocative. Longer skirts and dresses for women are often shown as examples set by co-workers.
Training-
Im about to embark on a 81/2 weeks of Pre-Service Training in Botswana. It is very much community based, and during this time I will live with a host family and begin immersion in Batswana culture.
Language: I will be provided with a solid foundation in the grammar and structure of Setswana!! There will be a focus on oral communication skills and I will have an opportunity to discuss my individual needs and language learning style with the Cross-Cultural instructors.
Cross-Culture: The idea behind this training is to provide information from Botswana informants, as well as an opportunity for the trainee to practice appropriate behaviors and to develop the necessary coping skills.
Technical: This training will provide me with country specific information and skills related to my job assignment. In addition to providing me with the latest information concerning the HIV/AIDS epidemic, you will be introduced to potential resources, monitoring and evaluation methods, evidence based planning, behavior change and life skill models, tools of participatory development, facilitation skills, and PC approaches to development.
Ok I think that’s it for now…I am expecting another whole packet of information on Botswana and details about my staging event. I hope to keep you all posted, and please feel free to comment or email me if you have any questions!!!
Peace Corps Invitation
Then, 9 months after being nominated, and 4 months after receiving my medical and dental clearance...I received my invitation!!!
On February 22nd I got a call from the Peace Corps!!! I was expecting a call about updates...but instead I received information about an open position for a District AIDS Coordinator that would be leaving at the end of April for sub-sahara Africa. I told them I was interested, and the informed me that a packet of information with my formal invitation would be in the mail in the next 2-3 days. And boy did I receive a packet...
I officially accepted my invitation on Friday, Feb. 26th. Heres a quick snap-shot of my assignment:
Country: Botswana
Program: HIV/AIDS Capacity Building Project
Dates of Service: 6/10/2010-6/10/2012
Orientation Dates in the US: 4/7/2010-4/8/2010
Pre-Service Training: 4/9/2010-6/9/2010
Primary Duties: I will be the 9th group of PC Volunteers to enter Botswana since the PC re-opened in Botswana in 2003. I will be placed in a District AIDS Coordinator (DAC) Office, but am not a DAC myself. Even though the District AIDS Coordinator office based-volunteer role is the longest-running position in Peace Corps Botswana's new phase, I will still need to be flexible as the role is constantly shifting, partly due to the DAC office setting's evolution, as well as the very nature of PC work. Be forewarned this is not a stereotypical PC assignment. It is more urban based and high administrative. DAC Volunteers work in offices that feel very Western on the surface, but that function in a wholly Botswana way.
Volunteers in the DAC program are placed at te District and Sub-District level in the office of the DAC. Sizes of DAC offices range from 3-10 persons. The DAC office in Botswana is relatively new, with the first staf being posted only since 2003. There are currently 28 DAC's throughout Botswana. Housed under the Ministry of Local Government, and reporting to the AIDS Coordination Unit (ACU), the District AIDS Coordinators play a critical role in helping the government meet the goals and objectives stated in the National Strategic AIDS plan. DAC's offices and staff are responsible for the following:
-Facilitating the district plans for HIV/AIDS mainstreaming and implementation of related programs (i.e. all government-sponsored development programs are expected to include HIV/AIDS training and education for the workforce and recipient community).
-Providing assistance to the District Multi-Sectoral AIDS Committees for the development of multi-sectoral, district-wide responses to HIV/AIDS, including the development of Village Multi-Sectoral AIDS committees, programs for the support of People Living with AIDS, programs for orphans, service programs for non-governmental organizations, educational programs for the general public and other AIDS related initiatives.
-Monitoring, evaluating, and documenting district HIV/AIDS programming and its impacts.
-Promoting strategic partnerships with traditional leaders, goverment and non-governmental organizations and the private sector.
-Promoting the increased use of government sponsored HIV/AIDS programs and resources (e.g. Voluntary Counselig and Testing Centers, the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission, the Anti-retroviral Program, etc.).
While the general mandate of every Volunteer in the program is the same, individual work plans are likely to vary greatly from placement to placement in order to meet the needs of the specific communities, offices, and their needs. My work plans will be drawn up in collaboration with the partner DAC and members of the District Multi-Sectoral AIDS committee. As such they will reflect the strengths, challenges, and priorities of the DAC and the district they serve.
In all cases, volunteers will be involved in some or all of the following:
1. Support of the DAC-In an effort to increase the ability of the DAC's to provide job coverage in all assigned areas of responsibility, the Volunteer will assume reasonable duties and tasks as definied by the DAC. In some cases, the DAC will delegate work. In others, the DAC and the Volunteer will partner. It is important to note that the DAC job includes some very exciting elements of program design, monitoring, and evaluation, conferencing, and networking. At the same time, there is a significant amount of administration and paperwork. Volunteers should come prepared to do both.
2. Capacity Building-Some DAC are new in their jobs and others have been in the position for several years. Most of them have been promoted from positions as government social workers, nurses, or teachers. This change in position has required the DAC's to learn a range of new job skills with little to no guidance. Most volunteers bring a set of specific skills and work experience that, if transferred to the DAC and members of the District Multi-Sectoral AIDS Committee(DMSAC), would increase the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programming in Botswana. In such cases, the volunteer may take on a role of capacity builder. There are 5 broad capacity areas currently being built by volunteers in the field. These include:
--Conceptual Capacity: working with knowledge and information in order to plan, organize, forecase, make comparisons, and synthesize data.
--Social Capacity: building and maintaining effective relationships, negotiating and managing conflict, and dealing with emotive issues.
--Technical Capacity: how to design, plan and implement activities, setting up systems and using technology (esp. computers).
--Organization Capactity: mobilizing, organizing and establishing groups, teams and organizations to work toward the Botswana national vision of "no new HIV infections by 2016"
--Informational Capacity: recognizing what information is needed, how to find it, store it, and where to share it.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation-As the National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA) and the AIDS Coordinating Unit begin to implement a new system of monitoring and evaluation, volunteers have been ask to play an active role in the roll out. This involved helping in the training of people at the village and district levels. In addition, it involves the provision of support for the collection, collation, and reporting of findings. Computer training needed for the M&E at the district level will be supported by the volunteers, as well.
Stay tuned for more information on the history of the program, working conditions, living conditions, and training...
On February 22nd I got a call from the Peace Corps!!! I was expecting a call about updates...but instead I received information about an open position for a District AIDS Coordinator that would be leaving at the end of April for sub-sahara Africa. I told them I was interested, and the informed me that a packet of information with my formal invitation would be in the mail in the next 2-3 days. And boy did I receive a packet...
I officially accepted my invitation on Friday, Feb. 26th. Heres a quick snap-shot of my assignment:
Country: Botswana
Program: HIV/AIDS Capacity Building Project
Dates of Service: 6/10/2010-6/10/2012
Orientation Dates in the US: 4/7/2010-4/8/2010
Pre-Service Training: 4/9/2010-6/9/2010
Primary Duties: I will be the 9th group of PC Volunteers to enter Botswana since the PC re-opened in Botswana in 2003. I will be placed in a District AIDS Coordinator (DAC) Office, but am not a DAC myself. Even though the District AIDS Coordinator office based-volunteer role is the longest-running position in Peace Corps Botswana's new phase, I will still need to be flexible as the role is constantly shifting, partly due to the DAC office setting's evolution, as well as the very nature of PC work. Be forewarned this is not a stereotypical PC assignment. It is more urban based and high administrative. DAC Volunteers work in offices that feel very Western on the surface, but that function in a wholly Botswana way.
Volunteers in the DAC program are placed at te District and Sub-District level in the office of the DAC. Sizes of DAC offices range from 3-10 persons. The DAC office in Botswana is relatively new, with the first staf being posted only since 2003. There are currently 28 DAC's throughout Botswana. Housed under the Ministry of Local Government, and reporting to the AIDS Coordination Unit (ACU), the District AIDS Coordinators play a critical role in helping the government meet the goals and objectives stated in the National Strategic AIDS plan. DAC's offices and staff are responsible for the following:
-Facilitating the district plans for HIV/AIDS mainstreaming and implementation of related programs (i.e. all government-sponsored development programs are expected to include HIV/AIDS training and education for the workforce and recipient community).
-Providing assistance to the District Multi-Sectoral AIDS Committees for the development of multi-sectoral, district-wide responses to HIV/AIDS, including the development of Village Multi-Sectoral AIDS committees, programs for the support of People Living with AIDS, programs for orphans, service programs for non-governmental organizations, educational programs for the general public and other AIDS related initiatives.
-Monitoring, evaluating, and documenting district HIV/AIDS programming and its impacts.
-Promoting strategic partnerships with traditional leaders, goverment and non-governmental organizations and the private sector.
-Promoting the increased use of government sponsored HIV/AIDS programs and resources (e.g. Voluntary Counselig and Testing Centers, the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission, the Anti-retroviral Program, etc.).
While the general mandate of every Volunteer in the program is the same, individual work plans are likely to vary greatly from placement to placement in order to meet the needs of the specific communities, offices, and their needs. My work plans will be drawn up in collaboration with the partner DAC and members of the District Multi-Sectoral AIDS committee. As such they will reflect the strengths, challenges, and priorities of the DAC and the district they serve.
In all cases, volunteers will be involved in some or all of the following:
1. Support of the DAC-In an effort to increase the ability of the DAC's to provide job coverage in all assigned areas of responsibility, the Volunteer will assume reasonable duties and tasks as definied by the DAC. In some cases, the DAC will delegate work. In others, the DAC and the Volunteer will partner. It is important to note that the DAC job includes some very exciting elements of program design, monitoring, and evaluation, conferencing, and networking. At the same time, there is a significant amount of administration and paperwork. Volunteers should come prepared to do both.
2. Capacity Building-Some DAC are new in their jobs and others have been in the position for several years. Most of them have been promoted from positions as government social workers, nurses, or teachers. This change in position has required the DAC's to learn a range of new job skills with little to no guidance. Most volunteers bring a set of specific skills and work experience that, if transferred to the DAC and members of the District Multi-Sectoral AIDS Committee(DMSAC), would increase the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programming in Botswana. In such cases, the volunteer may take on a role of capacity builder. There are 5 broad capacity areas currently being built by volunteers in the field. These include:
--Conceptual Capacity: working with knowledge and information in order to plan, organize, forecase, make comparisons, and synthesize data.
--Social Capacity: building and maintaining effective relationships, negotiating and managing conflict, and dealing with emotive issues.
--Technical Capacity: how to design, plan and implement activities, setting up systems and using technology (esp. computers).
--Organization Capactity: mobilizing, organizing and establishing groups, teams and organizations to work toward the Botswana national vision of "no new HIV infections by 2016"
--Informational Capacity: recognizing what information is needed, how to find it, store it, and where to share it.
3. Monitoring and Evaluation-As the National AIDS Coordinating Agency (NACA) and the AIDS Coordinating Unit begin to implement a new system of monitoring and evaluation, volunteers have been ask to play an active role in the roll out. This involved helping in the training of people at the village and district levels. In addition, it involves the provision of support for the collection, collation, and reporting of findings. Computer training needed for the M&E at the district level will be supported by the volunteers, as well.
Stay tuned for more information on the history of the program, working conditions, living conditions, and training...
Where it all began...
During my senior year of college, I decided I wanted to take some time off after graduation and volunteer abroad. I wasn't really sure what kind of organization I wanted to go oversees with...and after tons of reading during Christmas vacation, I decided the Peace Corps was the best fit for me!
I started my application in December, and finally finished it in April 2009. I had an interview with my recruitment officer on May 14, 2009. Apparently it went really well, since she called me as I was pulling out of the parking lot to nominate me! I was nominated for a Public Health Extension program in sub-Sahara Africa. I received my medical and dental clearance packet in May, but since I was in Iowa for the summer...I didn't touch it until August!
Finally, after appointments, paperwork, shots, a root canal, oral surgery, and a brand new crown...I was medically and dentally cleared in October. Then the waiting began...
I started my application in December, and finally finished it in April 2009. I had an interview with my recruitment officer on May 14, 2009. Apparently it went really well, since she called me as I was pulling out of the parking lot to nominate me! I was nominated for a Public Health Extension program in sub-Sahara Africa. I received my medical and dental clearance packet in May, but since I was in Iowa for the summer...I didn't touch it until August!
Finally, after appointments, paperwork, shots, a root canal, oral surgery, and a brand new crown...I was medically and dentally cleared in October. Then the waiting began...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
