The other weekend myself along with 6 other volunteers had a meeting in Kaya, a larger city an hour north of me. The topic: Camp GLOW.
Camp GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) was established by Peace Corps Volunteers in Romania 15 years ago. Since 1995, volunteers in 60 countries have established similar programs to promote the empowerment of women and girls. This year PC Burkina Faso is taking on the challenge the difference for us is we have decided to included boys as well and not just hold one camp but 2. One in Kaya and the other will be in the South-West. Myself along with these 6 other volunteers are in charge of all aspects of the camp including recruitment, training of trainers, finding funding, publicity and of course holding the camp itself. One week for girls and the next for boys. We are still in the early stages being that the camp will take place in June but I am VERY excited and will keep you all updated on the progress!
For more info check out this video or this link about Camp GLOW Macedonia
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
A Nazara Christmas
Hi all! I hope everyone had an amazing holiday, mine as I'm sure you all suspect was nothing like any I've had in the past...
Like I said in my last post I was out of village for most of the month of December so when I had to decide what my plans were going to be for Christmas I knew I should spend it in village. Also, my village is largely Christian so there were plenty of parties to go to.
I arrived back in village from Koupela on the 23rd just in time for all the celebrations. The 24th wasn't too crazy there were a few parties but for the most part I just went from house to house announcing my return from my extra long vacation and saying happy holidays. That night a few members of my courtyard biked into Ziniare for midnight mass, I decided to stay home and rest. It had been my first night alone in almost a month and some quiet time was well needed. The morning of the 25th I woke up extra early and biked to church with my sister and her daughter (to the right of me in the bottom photo). The church, of course, was packed with everyone in their new complets specifically made for the holidays. The service was a couple of hours and afterword we biked back to the marqui (bar) that my family owns, spent some time with family, had a few drinks, took some photos, etc. The rest of the day was like most others here, I hung around my house, had visitors, and helped my family prepare dinner. I wanted to make them something "American" as a Christmas treat but due to lack of time, funds, and overall motivation I instead just made a huge pot of spaghetti. Which on top of all the food my family made was more than enough to feed all of us...twice.
I was a little nervous to spend time in village for Christmas, don't get me wrong I love my family here but the holidays can be a rough time to be away from home and I was unsure about how I would feel. Come to find out I handled it quite well and for a matter of fact I had a great time. My favorite part of the entire day came at the very end of the night when I was just about to go get ready for bed. It was around 9pm and for about an hour I had heard music and singing not far from my house. I wasn't too sure what was going on but I knew that my village likes to take advantage of a holiday and party as much as the can so I figured they were all just celebrating at a house down the way. Soon enough the music was getting louder and before I knew it I had a group of about 50 in my front yard dancing, singing, and playing music. All in the best of moods partly because of all the dolo (local beer) they had been drinking (all day) but mostly just because they were happy to be with friends and loved ones. I of course stopped whatever I was doing and went out to join them. It was pitch dark out and of course I couldn't see a thing but everyone could see me (my white skin is not too hard to see in the dark, go figure). Together we were dancing singing and laughing, well mostly laughing at me while I attempted to play one of their tradition instruments. It was once of my best experiences here. The night was beautiful, cool, very little bugs, and more stars in the sky than you can even imagine. I was afraid to be away from family for the holidays but I had forgotten that I now have a whole new family here. My village. And lucky enough for me this night they were all here with me in my front yard.
*Most of the kids who live next to me, sitting around the Christmas tree
*Family photos at the marqis
NEW YEARS
New Years here in Zinare is a bit different. Being that we are so close to Ouaga everyone, seriously everyone, goes to the capital for a night of dancing. I originally was just going to stay in village but a fellow volunteer was having a group of people head up to his site, it was fairly easy for me to get to his site so I changed my mind and decided to do that instead. So about 10 of us decided to meet up in Yako. It was nice to be able to spend the new years with Americans and also with a group that I don't see all that often. Overall New Years was like it would be in the states, we went out to dinner, bought more drinks then we probably should have, and went out to a dance club. I've never been much a fan of clubs, especially here because you get plennnnty of stares when a group of 10 white people walk in. Well I mean it's not something you see everyday here, admittedly I even stare when I see a white person. :) Anyways we all had a great time at the bar/dance club and ended up going back to the house at some early morning hour.
The next day I was on a bus back to my village.
In a few weeks I'll be back in Ouaga and Koudougou (Jan. 17th - Jan 28th) for some more Peace Corps training where I'll get to celebrate my birthday! I'll talk to you all again then!!
All my love!
(Oh and GO STEELERS!!!!! I'll be up late here watching.)
Like I said in my last post I was out of village for most of the month of December so when I had to decide what my plans were going to be for Christmas I knew I should spend it in village. Also, my village is largely Christian so there were plenty of parties to go to.
I arrived back in village from Koupela on the 23rd just in time for all the celebrations. The 24th wasn't too crazy there were a few parties but for the most part I just went from house to house announcing my return from my extra long vacation and saying happy holidays. That night a few members of my courtyard biked into Ziniare for midnight mass, I decided to stay home and rest. It had been my first night alone in almost a month and some quiet time was well needed. The morning of the 25th I woke up extra early and biked to church with my sister and her daughter (to the right of me in the bottom photo). The church, of course, was packed with everyone in their new complets specifically made for the holidays. The service was a couple of hours and afterword we biked back to the marqui (bar) that my family owns, spent some time with family, had a few drinks, took some photos, etc. The rest of the day was like most others here, I hung around my house, had visitors, and helped my family prepare dinner. I wanted to make them something "American" as a Christmas treat but due to lack of time, funds, and overall motivation I instead just made a huge pot of spaghetti. Which on top of all the food my family made was more than enough to feed all of us...twice.
I was a little nervous to spend time in village for Christmas, don't get me wrong I love my family here but the holidays can be a rough time to be away from home and I was unsure about how I would feel. Come to find out I handled it quite well and for a matter of fact I had a great time. My favorite part of the entire day came at the very end of the night when I was just about to go get ready for bed. It was around 9pm and for about an hour I had heard music and singing not far from my house. I wasn't too sure what was going on but I knew that my village likes to take advantage of a holiday and party as much as the can so I figured they were all just celebrating at a house down the way. Soon enough the music was getting louder and before I knew it I had a group of about 50 in my front yard dancing, singing, and playing music. All in the best of moods partly because of all the dolo (local beer) they had been drinking (all day) but mostly just because they were happy to be with friends and loved ones. I of course stopped whatever I was doing and went out to join them. It was pitch dark out and of course I couldn't see a thing but everyone could see me (my white skin is not too hard to see in the dark, go figure). Together we were dancing singing and laughing, well mostly laughing at me while I attempted to play one of their tradition instruments. It was once of my best experiences here. The night was beautiful, cool, very little bugs, and more stars in the sky than you can even imagine. I was afraid to be away from family for the holidays but I had forgotten that I now have a whole new family here. My village. And lucky enough for me this night they were all here with me in my front yard.
*Most of the kids who live next to me, sitting around the Christmas tree
*Family photos at the marqis
NEW YEARS
New Years here in Zinare is a bit different. Being that we are so close to Ouaga everyone, seriously everyone, goes to the capital for a night of dancing. I originally was just going to stay in village but a fellow volunteer was having a group of people head up to his site, it was fairly easy for me to get to his site so I changed my mind and decided to do that instead. So about 10 of us decided to meet up in Yako. It was nice to be able to spend the new years with Americans and also with a group that I don't see all that often. Overall New Years was like it would be in the states, we went out to dinner, bought more drinks then we probably should have, and went out to a dance club. I've never been much a fan of clubs, especially here because you get plennnnty of stares when a group of 10 white people walk in. Well I mean it's not something you see everyday here, admittedly I even stare when I see a white person. :) Anyways we all had a great time at the bar/dance club and ended up going back to the house at some early morning hour.
The next day I was on a bus back to my village.
In a few weeks I'll be back in Ouaga and Koudougou (Jan. 17th - Jan 28th) for some more Peace Corps training where I'll get to celebrate my birthday! I'll talk to you all again then!!
All my love!
(Oh and GO STEELERS!!!!! I'll be up late here watching.)
Thursday, December 23, 2010
6 Months in!
December has thus far been the most exciting month for me here in Burkina. Today is officially my 6th month anniversary! In some ways it feels like I have been here for that long but in many other it does not. I have only really been on my own at my site for around 3 months so I still have a lot more integrating to do.
Like I said December has been quite the hectic month, I have been gone from my site from the 2nd or so of December. For the first part of the month I was in Bobo (South-West Burkina) with a group of other volunteers for International volunteer day (which ultimately ended up being canceled) and to march in Burkina’s 50th Anniversary parade. The first 2 days a group of 15 or so of us gardened with a group of men and women who are affected by HIV/AIDS the following week was devoted to the parade. 25 of us marched and for 5 days we had to show up at the parade route and “practice” marching. Basically we just had to be there at 6am stand around until 10am and then walk the 2 mile parade route once. Standing around in the sun was a pain in the ass butt all in all we had a really good time. It was nice to be able to spend so much time with other volunteers that were not in my sector and being that we were the only white group we received quite a bit of attention. On the day of the parade we all had to wear matching pagne outfits with heard wraps and the most uncomfortable shoes imaginable. The parade was incredible though, if you really want to call in a parade it was more of a military march with tons of military personal and zero candy! The day of there were thousands of people standing on the side of the road and a grandstand with the President, First Lady and tons of influential members of West Africa. The parade was definitely an experience and now I can say I marched (military style :) ) in Burkina Faso’s 50th Anniversary Independence parade.
Immediately after Bobo I made my way to Koupela for my regional language training. Me, 4 other volunteers who live in my area, plus our lang tutor spent 8 days 6 hours each day studying Moore.
Today I’m heading back to village to spend Christmas with my courtyard family, being that ive been gone for so long its nice to be able to spend the holidays with them. I’m really sad that I’m not back in the states for the holidays so enjoy the snow, even though I know it can be a pain in the ass (its 99 degrees here today) and enjoy time with loved ones. I miss you all and hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Peace Corps Burkina Faso Website
Our new and improved website. Everything you need to know to keep up to date on the volunteer projects in Burkina.
Check it out
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