Sorry its been quite some time since I last posted. Ive been feeling somewhat lazy lately, and didnt have much motivation to blog. I apologize...and here’s a recap of what I’ve been up to the past few weeks...
Baobab pool: A few weeks ago I was invited by another volunteer to help out at a swimming pool day for several OVCs. The Baobab National Primary school students invited several OVCs from several locations (Molepolole and Manyana) to come swim for the day at their school’s pool. I found out the principal and founder of the school was once a Peace Corps Volunteer in Botswana. There were about 8 other PCVs there and about 75+ kids. In a sense we were there as lifeguards. A lot of these children had never been in a pool before and most were slightly afraid to go swimming in the big pool. We all watched the kids for several hours and helped served lunch provided by Baobab. It was just a really nice day (especially since it was SO HOT and we got to go swimming too!!)
PSDN application: As I have mentioned before in several blogs, we have a Peer Support Diversity Network (PSDN) which is a group of volunteers chosen mainly by through the previous PSDN members and the Country Director to serve as peer mentors to the other volunteers in Botswana. During my first few months at site, I definitely depended on them for support and was so glad that we had this group in Botswana. Well...the time has come to select new PSDN members (from Bots9) to help our fellow Bots9ers as well as the new volunteers (Bots10) coming in April. So I have decided to apply...along with a lot of others in my group and I believe we will find out who has been selected on December 15th! Yay!
Abstinence clubs: So one of the projects that grabbed my interest, is working with the Abstinence Clubs at the two Junior Secondary Schools in my village. While I was doing my community assessment the first few months, I spoke to several teachers at the schools and discovered these clubs to be pretty non-existent. I initially reached out to an NGO and asked if they were doing any programs in the schools-and they said yes they had an in-school coordinator but when I asked for definite dates and times, they couldnt provide me with any. (So I took that as they werent doing much.) However I went back several weeks later and was invited to come with the in-school youth coordinator to the abstinence clubs (so it seems my little visit got her motivated and moving).
Unfortunately the school year is ending this week and wont be back in session till January. So I’m kind of bummed most of the stuff im interested in, will be put on a hold for a few months. But I went to 2 meetings at Matlala JSS. The first meeting we spoke about challenges youth face today. Needless to say, I was pretty surprised and disturbed by some of the things they were mentioning. Our 2nd (and last for this year) meeting, Mary and I screened a STEPS film. There are usually about 15 kids in the club; and I think a lot of the students saw that we were going to be showing some sort of movie or something, because there were about 50+ kids ready to watch. I mean...at least we had a big group for the discussion afterwards!!
We had planned to go to the Abstinence club meetings at Tlokweng JSS but the in-school youth coordinator canceled on me both times. So hopefully we’ll start up with them with a fresh new school year.
Visit to Mogobane/Otse: Last week I coordinated with two other PCVs to come day for a visit. I went down so that I could attend the Mogobane PLWDs Support group meeting; and so that I could see Camp Hill (school for people with disabilities). The Mogobane support group usually meet once a week; and the two other PCVs have helped them acquire a plot of land to start growing a garden for income generation. During this meeting, we discussed trying to find a water source and went into more detail about the possibility of finding the current (but hidden) bore hole close to the piece of land. I thought it was definitely interesting to see how the support group was working and how the PCVs were helping. My support group in Tlokweng is a bit non-existent at the moment, since the chair recently got a job. Its unfortunate since I know these people really are passionate and want to help; but at the same time it is a volunteer group and work for people’s livelihood’s come first. But I hope to help my support group here-Le Rona Re Teng.
I was also given the opportunity to get a tour around Camp Hill. Camp Hill is actually a world wide organization, and one of the sites is in Otse, Botswana. There are three parts to the site: a primary school, a life skills school, and an adult living/work area. The property was absolutely incredible and beautiful. They have some great facilities, carpenters workshop, garden, orchard, tea garden restaurant, and adult assisted living houses. It was amazing to see such a great organization and property set aside for people with disabilities. But at the same time, hard for me to see, since it is separate.
Im really interested in taking on some sort of secondary project with them; but Im just not sure what. It seems like the organization has things together and may not need much of my assistance. However, one thing I would be interested in; is helping to include the students/adults at Camp Hill into surrounding villages/towns (which is what the current PCV has definitely worked towards). For example, it seems as though the adult jobs and living situations are all on site. Although this is great; I would really love to see some sort of group home in nearby Lobatse or Gaborone. I dont really know yet...Im still trying to figure things out.
Wedding Party: I found out one of the volunteers I volunteer with at SOS recently got married! She is actually an American, who is here with her fiance (who is with the UPENN medical program) and due to some complicated paperwork/visa stuff; they got married here in Botswana. So I attended a small wedding party last Friday. It was also nice to meet some other non-PCV Americans in the area.
Commemoration Day for People Living with Disabilities: I found out last week that I would be helping out with this commemoration day (which is this Wednesday the 24th). Im mostly filling in for my DAC and supposed to be in charge of the “protocol” sub committee. This pretty much means I help send out invitation letters, help find the keynote speaker, and make the program. Aka Im pretty much only doing the program. Im interested to know exactly what this commemoration day is “commemorating.” Unfortunately, I see it more of a day of speeches all in Setswana and lunch at the end. But I am excited to use this opportunity as face time with several individuals, so that they can know who I am; and so that I can get to know them as well.
World AIDS Day: So we’re also getting ready for our big World AIDS Day Commemoration. The event will take place on December 1st. And again, it will be a day full of speeches in setswana and lunch at the end. More to come later...
Harassment/Men: So during my last post I mentioned the young girl who walked through the bus rank wearing a mini skirt; and was followed by about 100+ men hooting and hollering. There’s been a bit of an issue, Ive been meaning to address...and it deals in a sense-sexual harassment. And when I say that I mean...that on a regular basis I get called out to; proposed to; and told “I love you” when Ive just met the guy. I pretty much just ignore it and keep walking. But sometimes I’ll be walking down the street, and the guy is walking in the same direction you are; so there’s really no way of escaping him. Im thankful to Dara for getting me a ring for my going away present-because on more than one occasion, ive used it as an engagement/wedding ring. And although I ignore it; after repeatedly dealing with this; it starts to frustrate and annoy me.
Now, this isnt to say that ALL men in Botswana are like this; but I definitely deal with it regularly. Last week I received a call from a young man-who I didnt really know who it was (I have a feeling its this one person ive said hi to on occasion); he proceeded to tell me he loved me; and I asked him how he got my number. (Since I got here, Ive been very careful as to who I give my phone number to. I usually have to make up some story about how its a Peace Corps phone and Im not allowed to give the number.) When asked how he got my number; he said it didnt matter and than we should discuss what hes just told me( how he loves me). I said um...no. Im sorry I dont even know who this is, I want to know how you got my phone number, please dont call me again. I think he got the message-he hasnt called since.
I get easily frustrated with situations like this, because I truly want to make friends here in Botswana. But how can I even strike up a conversation with a man; when I know he’s immediately going to tell me he loves me? Again, not to say all men are like this...but it definitely puts a damper on how I foresee men here. Heres hoping to finding ONE guy who doesnt fit this already tampered view on Motswana men.
Lastly...GUESS Whos Moving in next door?? Yup thats right folks...my counterpart! A brand new challenge is knocking on my door...literally.
Oh and a random story:
Random Young man: "tell me, do you have these kinds of batteries in stock at your store? (While pointing to his phone battery)
Me: "Oh if only I had a store. Because you see, Im American; NOT Chinese. Therefore, I do not own a china shop." (All said with a smile on my face)
And on the same day--
My Counterpart: "Whats wrong with your face?" (First words spoken to me)
Me: "Umm..I wasnt aware there was something wrong."
My Counterpart: "Oh yes...you need to wear a hat."
Up Next: This weekend I’ll be heading to Otse to spend Thanksgiving with 30 other PCVs (even though Im sad I wont actually get to celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday...but have no doubt-brocoli casserole will be made :)); Dec 11-19th Ill be heading to New Xade to help another PCV with a life skills workshop; Christmas eve will be spent with a TON of volunteers eating indian food; Christmas day will be spent poolside at a nearby hotel pool; and Dec 29th-Jan 5th Im heading to MOZAMBIQUE!!! SUPER Excited!!!!
Happy Early Thanksgiving to everyone at home!! Unfortunately I wont be celebrating till Saturday; but I'll be dreaming of mashed potatoes, brocoli casserole, apple pie, and turkey on Thursday!!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
When theres something strange in your neighborhood....WHO you gonna call??
The week I got back from Cape Town was definitely a busy one!!! On Monday, I had my first STEPS screening to the Form 2 classes (14-16 year olds) at the Tlokweng Junior Secondary School. Mary, a fellow PCV, and I decided to do the STEPS screenings together, so she came to my village on Monday and Tuesday. We screened a film called “Thinking About It" which was a film created by youth; for youth. It touched upon topics including condom use, abstinence, transactional sex, peer pressure, etc to 1 class on Monday and 1 class on Tuesday. The film was about 15 minutes and than we had about a 15 minute conversation and ended with the students filling out a feedback form. The students told us they liked being able to openly talk about sex and we had some good discussions. They brought up points regarding condoms (if they encourage/discourage people to have sex, proper usage), and peer pressure (especially from a person’s partner-a student asked what if they threaten you with a gun--Mary and I were pretty caught off guard but tried to explain to the students that they should really be openly talking to their partner about sex and to make sure they both agree about if and when they will have sex and are on the same page together from the BEGINNING). Overall both screenings went really well and Mary and I are looking forward to doing more!
Unfortunately two of our scheduled days for screenings got messed up. Friday of that week I was set to go to Kumakwane (Marys village) to screen a Form 3 class. I showed up and Mary found out the students had to clean and get ready for their exams-so that block of time was not going to be open. And I found out that my office’s big Evidence Based Planning retreat was going to be from Oct. 31-Nov.5th; and I had scheduled to screen 3 classes on Nov 2nd-so that didn’t happen.
However, since I did still go to Marys village on Friday, I ended up staying there until Saturday. We helped 2 of Marys students make a study schedule chart and ended up talking to them for a bit. It was really refreshing for me to talk to students and for once I felt like I was really doing something (even though I was really just there for moral support ha). On Saturday, we went to an OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) Center that another PCV works at. Barclays (a local bank) provided a meal and came to plant some trees, help out in the garden, and paint the playground. We helped prepare the meal in the morning and hung out for a bit until lunch was served.
Last week was pretty uneventful. I pretty much just split my time between the office and various organizations. However, the past couple of days (starting Friday) have been eventful-and not in a good way.
On Friday I spent my morning at the Kindergarten and while holding one of the little babies. I was lucky enough to get some poop leakage on my shorts from her diaper. Yay...lucky me. I went back to my office for a few hours, and while I was at Choppies (grocery store) getting lunch, I noticed I was missing a big chunk of money. I went back to my office and explained what had happened and that I needed to go home to see if it was there. Unfortunately it wasn’t. I traced back my steps-On Thursday I took out Money from the ATM, did some grocery shopping, took the combi home, and was at the home that entire night. Friday morning I was at SOS and than went to my office-which is when I noticed my money was missing.
Clearly the only time something could have happened was when I was at the kindergarten. I usually put my bag up on a shelf in my classroom-high enough so the kids cant reach it. When I first starting volunteering there, I was much more cautious; but now that Ive been there for some time, I think I’ve managed to put my guard down a bit. So I think someone might have taken it while I was at the kindergarten.
I ended up calling Peace Corps and the Safety and Security Officer told me I should report it to the police; so he met me at the Tlokweng Police Station. I had explained to him that I was weary of reporting it because SOS was a place I was volunteering and I didn’t want to go in there pointing fingers and accusing people. He explained that to the police; and pretty much I could either not report it or report it and let the police do their job. Unfortunately if I wanted any reimbursement back from Peace Corps, I had to report it. So I did; and I filled out several forms, gave them my statement, and now I wait to hear from them. I don’t think they’re going to find anyone-but at least I’ll get reimbursed and now I’ll definitely be more cautious.
On Saturday, another PCV was hosting a big Halloween party in Kanye. So I met up with some other volunteers first and headed down to Kanye. While I was waiting on the bus; all of a sudden we heard shouting, hooting and hollering. I asked the girl next to me what was going on. She thought it was a fight and we saw a big crowd of people. But she told me it wasn’t a fight-there were 2 girls wearing mini-skirts and there were like a HUNDRED men following her through the bus rank harassing her!! I couldn’t believe it!!
Four of us decided to be the GHOSTBUSTERS for Halloween and we made an entrance into the party with a dance to the theme song!! We were in full white jump suits, with 2 ghostbuster logo patches and name tags,. back packs with a hose coming out of them, and head lamps. I though it was pretty funny because the uniform store we bought the jump suits from either had REALLY big ones or really small ones. And all the other girls had the really big ones, and I had a fitted one that barely allowed me to bend down. There was a costume contest and WE WON!!! Second place went to a PCV male that was a baby in a diaper; and 3rd place went to a male PCV who was an Africaaner. There were over 40+ PCVs there and it was definitely fun...until I got sick!!
We’re not really sure what happened, but my guess would be it was some sort of food poisoning/dehydration or just got some sick bug (not the literal bug-apparently another volunteer experienced something similar on Friday). But starting around 11am, I was throwing up about once every hour until 3:30am’ and than some more later (sorry, trying to spare you all the details). I could tell I was loosing a lot of water especially since I was SOOO thirsty!!! I called the PC medical officer in the morning and she told me to mix the re-hydration packets with water and drink only that. I was feeling better but still not myself. However I was worried because I was supposed to be heading to Lobatse, so that my counterpart could pick me up to take me to Metlojane for our big retreat. I had decided to still go because I figured I could rest in my room Sunday and Monday and still be able to attend the rest of the retreat.
I eventually did make it to Lobatse; and Metlojane; however I got really upset while I was there. I was told I could eat a little something (as it was around 4pm by this time) and I did; but I think the car ride down to Metlojane caused me to throw up again. We got to the lodge and all I wanted to do was rest. My counterpart was running late (and she had my bag because I left it with her so that I didn’t have to carry it to Kanye) and first they were trying to make me share a room. I told them I had been sick and was not going to share a room. So I finally got my own room-but it was full of mosquitoes (and no net or bug repellant), no toilet paper, a towel the size of my head, the entire hotel was run by a generator and all power was going out at 10pm and it was HOT as heck. I sat there crying; wishing I could just be in my bed at home. The room probably wasn’t that bad...but it wasn’t going to help me relax or feel better. Once my counterpart got there; I made the decision that I was going to go home. At that moment, I needed to be taking care of myself and not pushing myself just to be there at this retreat. So my driver took me halfway to Lobatse; and than the PC security officer picked me up and drove me back to Gaborone. I ended up staying at the lodge right near the PC office because the PC medical officer wanted to see me in the morning. So now I’ll be resting and if I feel well enough; I’ll probably head back down to the retreat on Wednesday or Thursday.
Up Next: On a much happier note...plans for the holidays are starting to form!! Not quite sure what I'll be doing for Thanksgiving yet-but no doubt I'll be around friends. I"ll be heading to help out a fellow PCV with a Life Skills Workshop for OCVs in New Xade Dec. 13-18th!! Christmas Eve/Day will be spent eating Indian food (very traditional right?) and in good company. And HOPEFULLY for New Years I'll be heading to Mozambique for a little more than a week!!!
Unfortunately two of our scheduled days for screenings got messed up. Friday of that week I was set to go to Kumakwane (Marys village) to screen a Form 3 class. I showed up and Mary found out the students had to clean and get ready for their exams-so that block of time was not going to be open. And I found out that my office’s big Evidence Based Planning retreat was going to be from Oct. 31-Nov.5th; and I had scheduled to screen 3 classes on Nov 2nd-so that didn’t happen.
However, since I did still go to Marys village on Friday, I ended up staying there until Saturday. We helped 2 of Marys students make a study schedule chart and ended up talking to them for a bit. It was really refreshing for me to talk to students and for once I felt like I was really doing something (even though I was really just there for moral support ha). On Saturday, we went to an OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children) Center that another PCV works at. Barclays (a local bank) provided a meal and came to plant some trees, help out in the garden, and paint the playground. We helped prepare the meal in the morning and hung out for a bit until lunch was served.
Last week was pretty uneventful. I pretty much just split my time between the office and various organizations. However, the past couple of days (starting Friday) have been eventful-and not in a good way.
On Friday I spent my morning at the Kindergarten and while holding one of the little babies. I was lucky enough to get some poop leakage on my shorts from her diaper. Yay...lucky me. I went back to my office for a few hours, and while I was at Choppies (grocery store) getting lunch, I noticed I was missing a big chunk of money. I went back to my office and explained what had happened and that I needed to go home to see if it was there. Unfortunately it wasn’t. I traced back my steps-On Thursday I took out Money from the ATM, did some grocery shopping, took the combi home, and was at the home that entire night. Friday morning I was at SOS and than went to my office-which is when I noticed my money was missing.
Clearly the only time something could have happened was when I was at the kindergarten. I usually put my bag up on a shelf in my classroom-high enough so the kids cant reach it. When I first starting volunteering there, I was much more cautious; but now that Ive been there for some time, I think I’ve managed to put my guard down a bit. So I think someone might have taken it while I was at the kindergarten.
I ended up calling Peace Corps and the Safety and Security Officer told me I should report it to the police; so he met me at the Tlokweng Police Station. I had explained to him that I was weary of reporting it because SOS was a place I was volunteering and I didn’t want to go in there pointing fingers and accusing people. He explained that to the police; and pretty much I could either not report it or report it and let the police do their job. Unfortunately if I wanted any reimbursement back from Peace Corps, I had to report it. So I did; and I filled out several forms, gave them my statement, and now I wait to hear from them. I don’t think they’re going to find anyone-but at least I’ll get reimbursed and now I’ll definitely be more cautious.
On Saturday, another PCV was hosting a big Halloween party in Kanye. So I met up with some other volunteers first and headed down to Kanye. While I was waiting on the bus; all of a sudden we heard shouting, hooting and hollering. I asked the girl next to me what was going on. She thought it was a fight and we saw a big crowd of people. But she told me it wasn’t a fight-there were 2 girls wearing mini-skirts and there were like a HUNDRED men following her through the bus rank harassing her!! I couldn’t believe it!!
Four of us decided to be the GHOSTBUSTERS for Halloween and we made an entrance into the party with a dance to the theme song!! We were in full white jump suits, with 2 ghostbuster logo patches and name tags,. back packs with a hose coming out of them, and head lamps. I though it was pretty funny because the uniform store we bought the jump suits from either had REALLY big ones or really small ones. And all the other girls had the really big ones, and I had a fitted one that barely allowed me to bend down. There was a costume contest and WE WON!!! Second place went to a PCV male that was a baby in a diaper; and 3rd place went to a male PCV who was an Africaaner. There were over 40+ PCVs there and it was definitely fun...until I got sick!!
We’re not really sure what happened, but my guess would be it was some sort of food poisoning/dehydration or just got some sick bug (not the literal bug-apparently another volunteer experienced something similar on Friday). But starting around 11am, I was throwing up about once every hour until 3:30am’ and than some more later (sorry, trying to spare you all the details). I could tell I was loosing a lot of water especially since I was SOOO thirsty!!! I called the PC medical officer in the morning and she told me to mix the re-hydration packets with water and drink only that. I was feeling better but still not myself. However I was worried because I was supposed to be heading to Lobatse, so that my counterpart could pick me up to take me to Metlojane for our big retreat. I had decided to still go because I figured I could rest in my room Sunday and Monday and still be able to attend the rest of the retreat.
I eventually did make it to Lobatse; and Metlojane; however I got really upset while I was there. I was told I could eat a little something (as it was around 4pm by this time) and I did; but I think the car ride down to Metlojane caused me to throw up again. We got to the lodge and all I wanted to do was rest. My counterpart was running late (and she had my bag because I left it with her so that I didn’t have to carry it to Kanye) and first they were trying to make me share a room. I told them I had been sick and was not going to share a room. So I finally got my own room-but it was full of mosquitoes (and no net or bug repellant), no toilet paper, a towel the size of my head, the entire hotel was run by a generator and all power was going out at 10pm and it was HOT as heck. I sat there crying; wishing I could just be in my bed at home. The room probably wasn’t that bad...but it wasn’t going to help me relax or feel better. Once my counterpart got there; I made the decision that I was going to go home. At that moment, I needed to be taking care of myself and not pushing myself just to be there at this retreat. So my driver took me halfway to Lobatse; and than the PC security officer picked me up and drove me back to Gaborone. I ended up staying at the lodge right near the PC office because the PC medical officer wanted to see me in the morning. So now I’ll be resting and if I feel well enough; I’ll probably head back down to the retreat on Wednesday or Thursday.
Up Next: On a much happier note...plans for the holidays are starting to form!! Not quite sure what I'll be doing for Thanksgiving yet-but no doubt I'll be around friends. I"ll be heading to help out a fellow PCV with a Life Skills Workshop for OCVs in New Xade Dec. 13-18th!! Christmas Eve/Day will be spent eating Indian food (very traditional right?) and in good company. And HOPEFULLY for New Years I'll be heading to Mozambique for a little more than a week!!!
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