Per request of my brother in law I will make a post only in Haiku's. Nate I hope you enjoy and bear with me this is spur of the moment.
Senegal is hot
But when it rains it gets cool
I sweat day and night
There are lots of flies
they like to swarm on new cuts
like mosquito bites
my dad the mayor
has plush new couches and chairs
i lay on them now
Mosquito nets work
but they dont work well if
you both are inside
Guy like to dance here
they dance better than girls do
it is lots of fun
Work is slow right now
The trees are all planted
I hope they dont die
Vitamins are good
they make you feel much better
when you eat just rice
Soccer is huge here
team mission just won first place
this weeks new highlight
Send your requests here
I'll write what you want me to
this websites for you
Until the next time
Enjoy the cool weather there
Jump in the leaves too!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
ATTENTION!!!
Attention to All!
New photos have been posted! A HUGE HUGE thank you to all who generously donated to my net distribution campaign. The pictures in the new album show the distribution that occurred mid-july with the help of a number of community members and fellow Peace Corps volunteers! Maleme Niani and neighboring communities received 1,150 nets to help eradicate the effects of malaria in the area! I will keep you updated on the effects of this campaign and how you helped to make a huge impact on the health and happiness of people I live with! I can't say thank you enough! New posting will be coming soon!
New photos have been posted! A HUGE HUGE thank you to all who generously donated to my net distribution campaign. The pictures in the new album show the distribution that occurred mid-july with the help of a number of community members and fellow Peace Corps volunteers! Maleme Niani and neighboring communities received 1,150 nets to help eradicate the effects of malaria in the area! I will keep you updated on the effects of this campaign and how you helped to make a huge impact on the health and happiness of people I live with! I can't say thank you enough! New posting will be coming soon!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
A crack in my methodology
Well I am going to stray from the structure of my previous postings in order to at least get something out there for y'all to read. The photo posted is just one of my beautiful sister who is newly married to my new bro-in-law Nate! The wedding was fantastic, meaningful, and lots and lots of fun and now the two are living in Buffalo NY. Im sure any other info you can get from either one of them!
I am currently sitting in a hotel in Tambacounda, the main city in my region. I am here for the next couple of days working with other peace corps volunteers, typing up random reports and documents, and getting together things i can only do in places that have electricity and internet access. I didnt have the time to put together something like I have in the past but hope this suffices for those who like to keep updated.
I've stayed busy the two weeks I have been back at site. It is the rainy season here so every couple of days we have at least a little bit of rain and often times get rain every day. It is the time of outplanting all the trees i have been growing and watching over alongside of people in my community. I have outplanted a live fence that helps to keep from having to replace dead wood fences every year as well as random spots to plant trees in prominent community places, schools, for shade, etc. That has pretty muched wrapped up and now I am in the process of finishing all the detail work for the mosquito net distribution that happened before i left for America (pictures to com soon).
Along with staying busy it is a really important time for the muslim community here in Senegal because they are celebrating the holiday of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month long experience of fasting of food and water during the times when the sun is out. Family members wake up at 5am to take their breakfasts and then do not eat or drink until around 7:30 pm when the sun begins to set. It is a really special time i have found that brings family members together and really creates a feeling of community and bonding between people. I have been taking part and am really finding it to be something that i have appreciated and learned to take a lot of things from the times I wish i had a glass of water or something to eat to reflect and think about all that I do have and where it comes from! I have also had a wonderful time experiencing this with my family here, being able to connect with them in a different way than i have previously since being in Senegal. Ramadan ends with the next cycle of the moon (around September 21) with a big feast called Korite. Often this will be celebrated with the slaughter of a sheep or goat and a big meal that the family eats during the day and finally breaks the fast!
I wanted to get something out to you to let you know i am trying not to neglect my blogging duties! It was so good to see some of you all when i was in the states! All the best from Senegal and the Toubab times will hopefully begin again in the next post!
much love and happy fasting!
Jessica
I am currently sitting in a hotel in Tambacounda, the main city in my region. I am here for the next couple of days working with other peace corps volunteers, typing up random reports and documents, and getting together things i can only do in places that have electricity and internet access. I didnt have the time to put together something like I have in the past but hope this suffices for those who like to keep updated.
I've stayed busy the two weeks I have been back at site. It is the rainy season here so every couple of days we have at least a little bit of rain and often times get rain every day. It is the time of outplanting all the trees i have been growing and watching over alongside of people in my community. I have outplanted a live fence that helps to keep from having to replace dead wood fences every year as well as random spots to plant trees in prominent community places, schools, for shade, etc. That has pretty muched wrapped up and now I am in the process of finishing all the detail work for the mosquito net distribution that happened before i left for America (pictures to com soon).
Along with staying busy it is a really important time for the muslim community here in Senegal because they are celebrating the holiday of Ramadan. Ramadan is a month long experience of fasting of food and water during the times when the sun is out. Family members wake up at 5am to take their breakfasts and then do not eat or drink until around 7:30 pm when the sun begins to set. It is a really special time i have found that brings family members together and really creates a feeling of community and bonding between people. I have been taking part and am really finding it to be something that i have appreciated and learned to take a lot of things from the times I wish i had a glass of water or something to eat to reflect and think about all that I do have and where it comes from! I have also had a wonderful time experiencing this with my family here, being able to connect with them in a different way than i have previously since being in Senegal. Ramadan ends with the next cycle of the moon (around September 21) with a big feast called Korite. Often this will be celebrated with the slaughter of a sheep or goat and a big meal that the family eats during the day and finally breaks the fast!
I wanted to get something out to you to let you know i am trying not to neglect my blogging duties! It was so good to see some of you all when i was in the states! All the best from Senegal and the Toubab times will hopefully begin again in the next post!
much love and happy fasting!
Jessica
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Toubab Times
Second Edition, August 13, 2009
Editor and Writer: Mane Gory aka Jessica Scates
Letter From the Editor
I apologize profusely to my readers because of my lack of communication since around May. I have been busy this “summer” and not taken the time to update you all so I hope this edition will give youa few updates on my life and what I am doing right now. This last june I had the opportunity to go to Brasil for a family reunion! It was fabulous and I got to see my immediate family and many members of my dad’s family. (not to mention the whole getting to be in brasil thing) After my trip to brasil I had about a month left in Senegal before my next trip…my sister’s wedding. Amanda got married on August 8 in Michigan and I went to be present, help how I could, and see her off on her way to be a wife! After I met up with some friends in the chicagoland area and now I am sitting in Ohare waiting for my flight to NYC to make it to Senegal by tomorrow morning. Through all of this I have tried to get as much work done as possible, stay as healthy as possible (update below), all the while going back and forth from place to place. So my apologies to you all and happy reading!
This is a horrible segway into a different time but I am now currently in Senegal, made it safely as you probably can see (i did post a blog) and going back to village tomorrow. I'm happy to be back and hope to see some trees alive and planted when i return to ville. I got the opportunity to welcome some really wonderful new volunteers to Senegal. There are a total of 52 here and all of them are doing very well so far and will be soon adjusted to the Senegalese lifestyle! Miss my american friends and family but enjoying everything I am doing! Keep me updated when you can!
TOP STORY: PCV Jessica Scates Village Father Inducted as Adjunct Mayor
Reported by: Jessica Scates
Mane Gory’s father was elected as adjunct mayor of Malem Niani. The victory occurred with nothing less than a little drama and huge celebration (as the Senegalese always do) and her family is on its way to becoming patron!! PCV’s father is technically the second mayor in command but the representative who is living in Malem Niani. His family and friends are very proud of his accomplishment and excited for the opportunities this will bring them in the near future. PCV Mane is also very excited for the inside look and connection she may have with the government and the possible effects that might have on her service experience. Updates will continue on his term and how he is dealing with responsibilities that are new to him and his family.
FINANACE: Mosquito Net Distribution
Reported by: Jessica Scates
PCV Mane Gory spent a weekend with the help of other PCV’s (Binta, Ida, Aissatou, and Sanu). The distribution was stressful but went as well as could be expected. Malem Niani habitants and individuals living in neighboring communities all received nets from this distribution and another distribution that covered women and children of the community. Mane wants to send a HUGE thank you to her family and friends who helped her raise the money to buy these nets for her neighbors and friends. It will make a huge impact on the health and safety of the people of her village. 1150 nets were provided for the area which means $2300 was raised to support the effort. Thanks to all who helped and the ways in which you have improved the lives of so many people Mane interacts with everyday.
FORECAST
Hot.
Rain continues through October.
WHATS IN YOUR HUT??
(What’s on your bedstand)
Finding our Way Again
By Brian McLaren
-I just started this book by recommendation of my newly married sister!
USA in AFRICA
-Weekly Sighting-
Senegalese Sledding. Senegalese children craftily cut up plastic water carriers, using them as toboggans, and slid down a dirt hill outside of Maleme Niani.
SALYMATOU’s Senesations
(Senegalese Mama’s Recipe)
Previous Recipe: Cheb O Jen
Current Recipe: Maffe/Durango coming soon
UPCOMING EVENTS:
PCV Continues work with Local Eaux et Foret agency. Around 30,000 tree sacks have been filled with earth by community members and seeding has begun. Outplanting began on August 1st and will continue as PCV returns to her community at the beginning of this week.
PCV to meet with president of community rural of Kouca Gaydi, town 25 km from Maleme Niani to speak about AGFO technologies and PCV’s presence in that community.
PCV’s work with Environmental club at the local college continues. Event was held to begin outplanting while PCV was in the USofA with members of the community. Outplanting will continue through the rainy season.
Tomatoes planted at the local Eaux et Foret. More veggies to follow after rainy season ends.
Scholarship process completed. Papers sent to Dakar and scholarship recipients will be announced within the next month.
PCV beginning process to put together orchard/garden site in her village for the 8+ womens groups to grow and sell produce. She hopes to use currently available space to make a test site for the upcoming cold season. Hopes for veggies galore are bright for her future.
PCV to help with new trainees arriving on August 13th. PCV may be flying with trainees on their flight from JFK and then will help for the first few days they are at the Thies training center.
*Please Send questions and comments to the blog site. Editor will respond when needed. Thank You for your Time! Please glance at the short list of items always accepted by PCV in the country of Senegal through the postal service in the top left hand corner of this blog! J
Second Edition, August 13, 2009
Editor and Writer: Mane Gory aka Jessica Scates
Letter From the Editor
I apologize profusely to my readers because of my lack of communication since around May. I have been busy this “summer” and not taken the time to update you all so I hope this edition will give youa few updates on my life and what I am doing right now. This last june I had the opportunity to go to Brasil for a family reunion! It was fabulous and I got to see my immediate family and many members of my dad’s family. (not to mention the whole getting to be in brasil thing) After my trip to brasil I had about a month left in Senegal before my next trip…my sister’s wedding. Amanda got married on August 8 in Michigan and I went to be present, help how I could, and see her off on her way to be a wife! After I met up with some friends in the chicagoland area and now I am sitting in Ohare waiting for my flight to NYC to make it to Senegal by tomorrow morning. Through all of this I have tried to get as much work done as possible, stay as healthy as possible (update below), all the while going back and forth from place to place. So my apologies to you all and happy reading!
This is a horrible segway into a different time but I am now currently in Senegal, made it safely as you probably can see (i did post a blog) and going back to village tomorrow. I'm happy to be back and hope to see some trees alive and planted when i return to ville. I got the opportunity to welcome some really wonderful new volunteers to Senegal. There are a total of 52 here and all of them are doing very well so far and will be soon adjusted to the Senegalese lifestyle! Miss my american friends and family but enjoying everything I am doing! Keep me updated when you can!
TOP STORY: PCV Jessica Scates Village Father Inducted as Adjunct Mayor
Reported by: Jessica Scates
Mane Gory’s father was elected as adjunct mayor of Malem Niani. The victory occurred with nothing less than a little drama and huge celebration (as the Senegalese always do) and her family is on its way to becoming patron!! PCV’s father is technically the second mayor in command but the representative who is living in Malem Niani. His family and friends are very proud of his accomplishment and excited for the opportunities this will bring them in the near future. PCV Mane is also very excited for the inside look and connection she may have with the government and the possible effects that might have on her service experience. Updates will continue on his term and how he is dealing with responsibilities that are new to him and his family.
FINANACE: Mosquito Net Distribution
Reported by: Jessica Scates
PCV Mane Gory spent a weekend with the help of other PCV’s (Binta, Ida, Aissatou, and Sanu). The distribution was stressful but went as well as could be expected. Malem Niani habitants and individuals living in neighboring communities all received nets from this distribution and another distribution that covered women and children of the community. Mane wants to send a HUGE thank you to her family and friends who helped her raise the money to buy these nets for her neighbors and friends. It will make a huge impact on the health and safety of the people of her village. 1150 nets were provided for the area which means $2300 was raised to support the effort. Thanks to all who helped and the ways in which you have improved the lives of so many people Mane interacts with everyday.
FORECAST
Hot.
Rain continues through October.
WHATS IN YOUR HUT??
(What’s on your bedstand)
Finding our Way Again
By Brian McLaren
-I just started this book by recommendation of my newly married sister!
USA in AFRICA
-Weekly Sighting-
Senegalese Sledding. Senegalese children craftily cut up plastic water carriers, using them as toboggans, and slid down a dirt hill outside of Maleme Niani.
SALYMATOU’s Senesations
(Senegalese Mama’s Recipe)
Previous Recipe: Cheb O Jen
Current Recipe: Maffe/Durango coming soon
UPCOMING EVENTS:
PCV Continues work with Local Eaux et Foret agency. Around 30,000 tree sacks have been filled with earth by community members and seeding has begun. Outplanting began on August 1st and will continue as PCV returns to her community at the beginning of this week.
PCV to meet with president of community rural of Kouca Gaydi, town 25 km from Maleme Niani to speak about AGFO technologies and PCV’s presence in that community.
PCV’s work with Environmental club at the local college continues. Event was held to begin outplanting while PCV was in the USofA with members of the community. Outplanting will continue through the rainy season.
Tomatoes planted at the local Eaux et Foret. More veggies to follow after rainy season ends.
Scholarship process completed. Papers sent to Dakar and scholarship recipients will be announced within the next month.
PCV beginning process to put together orchard/garden site in her village for the 8+ womens groups to grow and sell produce. She hopes to use currently available space to make a test site for the upcoming cold season. Hopes for veggies galore are bright for her future.
PCV to help with new trainees arriving on August 13th. PCV may be flying with trainees on their flight from JFK and then will help for the first few days they are at the Thies training center.
*Please Send questions and comments to the blog site. Editor will respond when needed. Thank You for your Time! Please glance at the short list of items always accepted by PCV in the country of Senegal through the postal service in the top left hand corner of this blog! J
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Toubab Times
The Toubab Times
Premier Edition
Editor and Writer: Mane Gory aka Jessica Scates
Letter From the Editor
Dear Readers,
I am pleased to present you with the premier edition of the Toubab Times. For those unaware toubab is what is screamed at white people by children and unfortunately at times by adults when they see a white person. Depending on your mood it can be funny or really annoying. I thought it was fitting for my writings here. The Toubab Times has been established for a number of reasons: primarily to be a delight for the reader and secondarily to be more a delight to the writer, moi, as blogs can often be tedious and hard to write. The layout of this publication will remain the same, unless readers suggest random topics they would like to learn more about, and new material added periodically and hopefully on a more regular basis! So from henceforth the Toubab Times will reign in this blog world and I do hope you enjoy it as much as I already am!
TOP STORY: PCV’s Pulaar Neighbor Delivers Dingo* and PCV Attacked with Black Pencil
Reported by: Jessica Scates
Harnatou, Neighbor and friend of Mane Gory, delivered her FIRST child, a girl, at the local dispensaire in Maleme Niani Friday, April 30th. After delivering she quickly made her way back home to prepare dinner, sweep, take care of other children staying in her compound and learn the ropes of motherhood. All jokes aside the birth went well mother and daughter are great. Upon hearing of the occasion, Mane, having just arrived from Tamba, sprinted over to the neighboring compound to lay her eyes for the first time on what she only knew as a large bump poking from the belly of her friend’s stomach. Harnatou’s husband immediately began preparations for the Kulio, muslim baptism partay, that followed the following Wednesday. PCV Mane Gory and about ten other women looked fabulous in their matching Senegalese outfits. To prepare for the occasion, Mane’s hair was braided and her face was made up to satisfy the likes of the Senegalese (this of course included black eyebrows and red eyelids). Pictures will soon follow to document the occasion. The entourage entered the Kulio with an announcement made by the DJ and dancing ensued and lasted late into the evening. Mother and daughter are now settling down to their every day life and enjoying the quiet that is finally occurring in their compound.
Premier Edition
Editor and Writer: Mane Gory aka Jessica Scates
Letter From the Editor
Dear Readers,
I am pleased to present you with the premier edition of the Toubab Times. For those unaware toubab is what is screamed at white people by children and unfortunately at times by adults when they see a white person. Depending on your mood it can be funny or really annoying. I thought it was fitting for my writings here. The Toubab Times has been established for a number of reasons: primarily to be a delight for the reader and secondarily to be more a delight to the writer, moi, as blogs can often be tedious and hard to write. The layout of this publication will remain the same, unless readers suggest random topics they would like to learn more about, and new material added periodically and hopefully on a more regular basis! So from henceforth the Toubab Times will reign in this blog world and I do hope you enjoy it as much as I already am!
TOP STORY: PCV’s Pulaar Neighbor Delivers Dingo* and PCV Attacked with Black Pencil
Reported by: Jessica Scates
Harnatou, Neighbor and friend of Mane Gory, delivered her FIRST child, a girl, at the local dispensaire in Maleme Niani Friday, April 30th. After delivering she quickly made her way back home to prepare dinner, sweep, take care of other children staying in her compound and learn the ropes of motherhood. All jokes aside the birth went well mother and daughter are great. Upon hearing of the occasion, Mane, having just arrived from Tamba, sprinted over to the neighboring compound to lay her eyes for the first time on what she only knew as a large bump poking from the belly of her friend’s stomach. Harnatou’s husband immediately began preparations for the Kulio, muslim baptism partay, that followed the following Wednesday. PCV Mane Gory and about ten other women looked fabulous in their matching Senegalese outfits. To prepare for the occasion, Mane’s hair was braided and her face was made up to satisfy the likes of the Senegalese (this of course included black eyebrows and red eyelids). Pictures will soon follow to document the occasion. The entourage entered the Kulio with an announcement made by the DJ and dancing ensued and lasted late into the evening. Mother and daughter are now settling down to their every day life and enjoying the quiet that is finally occurring in their compound.
*dingo:child
FINANACE: Mosquito Net Distribution Continues, Donations Being Accepted
Reported by: Jessica Scates
JUST IN: PLEASE GO TO http://www.AgainstMalaria.com/jessicascates AS SOON AS YOU CAN. You dont want to miss an opportunity to raise money to save the lives of those affected and dying of Malaria.
Current Numbers are as follows: $355 raised
710 nets
$1650 left
FORECAST
Extremely Hot.
Rain expected
By June 15th. Heat to
Continue through October.
WHATS IN YOUR HUT??
(What’s on your bedstand)
Les Miserables
(unabridged)
-Great read, but despite boring afternoons, Hugo can be a bit too descriptive when describing history, I just want to know what happens to Marius Vic!!
USA in AFRICA
-Weekly Sighting-
Rice is reportedly being sold throughout Senegal with the title of Obama. PCV Mane Gory has eaten it and if the US president lives up to the quality of “maanoo” named after him he will do quite well.
SALYMATOU’s Senegalese Sensations
(Senegalese Mama’s Recipe)
FINANACE: Mosquito Net Distribution Continues, Donations Being Accepted
Reported by: Jessica Scates
JUST IN: PLEASE GO TO http://www.AgainstMalaria.com/jessicascates AS SOON AS YOU CAN. You dont want to miss an opportunity to raise money to save the lives of those affected and dying of Malaria.
Current Numbers are as follows: $355 raised
710 nets
$1650 left
FORECAST
Extremely Hot.
Rain expected
By June 15th. Heat to
Continue through October.
WHATS IN YOUR HUT??
(What’s on your bedstand)
Les Miserables
(unabridged)
-Great read, but despite boring afternoons, Hugo can be a bit too descriptive when describing history, I just want to know what happens to Marius Vic!!
USA in AFRICA
-Weekly Sighting-
Rice is reportedly being sold throughout Senegal with the title of Obama. PCV Mane Gory has eaten it and if the US president lives up to the quality of “maanoo” named after him he will do quite well.
SALYMATOU’s Senegalese Sensations
(Senegalese Mama’s Recipe)
Sauce Things: (Literal Translation)
Oil- around 2 cups for a family of 12
Rice- 2 Liters
Fish- fresh and deboned, amt according to you
Tomato Paste- 3 Tbls
Cabbage- TBD on number of people and your likes
Onions- 3 red or white
Potato- TBD
Carrot- TBD
Garlic- 4 cloves
Jimbo- 2 (otherwise known as msg)
Mami- 1 (Jimbo with tomato)
Black Pepper- 3 Tbls
Red Pepper- dried 2 Tbls
Tamarind- no idea in American terms
Bissap leaves
Oil- around 2 cups for a family of 12
Rice- 2 Liters
Fish- fresh and deboned, amt according to you
Tomato Paste- 3 Tbls
Cabbage- TBD on number of people and your likes
Onions- 3 red or white
Potato- TBD
Carrot- TBD
Garlic- 4 cloves
Jimbo- 2 (otherwise known as msg)
Mami- 1 (Jimbo with tomato)
Black Pepper- 3 Tbls
Red Pepper- dried 2 Tbls
Tamarind- no idea in American terms
Bissap leaves
How To:
1. Heat Oil in pan/cauldron
2. Place fish in hot oil, flip when done on one side and remove from pan when ready. Around 5 min total. Set aside.
3. Add totmato paste to oil and stir
4. Add Water (enough for the amount of rice being made) to oil and tomato paste mixture.
5. Add veggies to water/oil mixture.
6. When veggies have reached your preferred level of doneness, Grind up pepper, red pepper, onion, and garlic and add to veggie mixture.
7. Wash rice, place in steamer, and steam over veggies and spices. About 10 minutes
8. Take out veggies and add rice to liquid until rice is done, stirring to check. About 20-30 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and plate in your desired bowl(s). Enjoy!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
*PCV Continues work with Local Eaux et Foret agency. Around 30,000 tree sacks have been filled with earth by community members and seeding has begun. Outplanting to be expected around the end of June with the rains come.
*PCV to meet with president of community rural of Kouca Gaydi, town 25 km from Maleme Niani to speak about AGFO technologies and PCV’s presence in that community. Meeting TBD within the next week.
*Wula Nafa (local environmental agency) tourney cancelled for PCV due to the installation of PCV’s father as co-mayor of Maleme Niani. The big to-do will be discussed in future editions. Future Wula Nafa tourney to be scheduled. Fellow Mandinka cohorts will be taking her space.
*PCV began work on Pepiniere started at local college (middle school) with newly created environmental group. Expectations of 700 trees to be cared for.
*Vegetable garden in the planning for PCV within the pepiniere location of Eaux et Foret. Will be started with the rains.
2. Place fish in hot oil, flip when done on one side and remove from pan when ready. Around 5 min total. Set aside.
3. Add totmato paste to oil and stir
4. Add Water (enough for the amount of rice being made) to oil and tomato paste mixture.
5. Add veggies to water/oil mixture.
6. When veggies have reached your preferred level of doneness, Grind up pepper, red pepper, onion, and garlic and add to veggie mixture.
7. Wash rice, place in steamer, and steam over veggies and spices. About 10 minutes
8. Take out veggies and add rice to liquid until rice is done, stirring to check. About 20-30 minutes.
9. Remove from heat and plate in your desired bowl(s). Enjoy!
UPCOMING EVENTS:
*PCV Continues work with Local Eaux et Foret agency. Around 30,000 tree sacks have been filled with earth by community members and seeding has begun. Outplanting to be expected around the end of June with the rains come.
*PCV to meet with president of community rural of Kouca Gaydi, town 25 km from Maleme Niani to speak about AGFO technologies and PCV’s presence in that community. Meeting TBD within the next week.
*Wula Nafa (local environmental agency) tourney cancelled for PCV due to the installation of PCV’s father as co-mayor of Maleme Niani. The big to-do will be discussed in future editions. Future Wula Nafa tourney to be scheduled. Fellow Mandinka cohorts will be taking her space.
*PCV began work on Pepiniere started at local college (middle school) with newly created environmental group. Expectations of 700 trees to be cared for.
*Vegetable garden in the planning for PCV within the pepiniere location of Eaux et Foret. Will be started with the rains.
*PCVs continuing to raise money for rainy season bednet distribution. PCVs in Senegal hope to eliminate uneccesary death due to Malaria throughout all of Senegal.
*Please Send questions and comments to the blog site. Editor will respond when needed. Thank You for your Time! For real i would love your feedback. Please glance at the short list of items always accepted by PCV in the country of Senegal through the postal service in the top left hand corner of this blog!
*Please Send questions and comments to the blog site. Editor will respond when needed. Thank You for your Time! For real i would love your feedback. Please glance at the short list of items always accepted by PCV in the country of Senegal through the postal service in the top left hand corner of this blog!
Monday, April 27, 2009
A Much needed update!
I just got done showing the new stage around Tamba. 5 girls were sworn in as a part of the Tambacounda region and will be installed into their sites tomorrow. We helped them get some of the necessary items (buckets, rope, etc.) and showed them around Tamba a little. Its weird knowing my stage has already passed the ¼ point and moving swiftly towards the ½ mark! I am in Tamba for a few days helping them and also working on pc related things!
Life in Maleme Niani is going. I definitely have had my ups and downs but working through it and trying to get a realistic schedule I can live with. Have a tendency to go stir crazy with sitting around so I’m working at picking up hobbies, finding good books, and hopefully creating projects in a number of different areas. I also have recently been working on my cooking skills and hope to bring those back for family and friends when I come to the states in August! Be on the lookout for greasy rice and lots of it!
My family in the ville is doing wonderfully. Maleme Niani was recently updated to a Commune, meaning we now have an elected mayor and adjunct mayor. My dad in ville was actually elected adjunct mayor and as the people of my community say he will be eating his money soon. (meaning have a lot of money to spend on things and food, etc. which I am almost positive he will not do, but my family is moving up in what one could call the social index of a village). It was interesting to see political dynamics in a village and compare them to those that occur in the states and especially in a more developed community. I found myself getting annoyed with some of it just because the political power caused some of the people who were running to become a lot more self-centered or egotistic than they had been in the past. A lot of time in village I find myself in a little world of people who don’t have much so therefore all they do have and all they are is out on the table for everyone to see. What you see is what you get, for the most part. It was interesting to see how power could change some individuals and what that means for we as a people as a whole. To know that a lot of the power struggles, social hierarchies, and facades of all sorts are evident, in a lot of cases, to cope one’s culture was kind of reassuring. We are all simply people. When stripped away, to be honest, we are all in the same place: having to eat, sleep, breathe, and do a number of things that might be gross or unattractive to some, in order to live healthily. That was appealing to me. Knowing (to be blunt) that my bush-squatting family members here or my toilet seated family members in the states are made of the same stuff, have many of the same tendencies, and simply adapt in order to survive.
Along with that tangent, this morning I took a run early just as the sun was coming up. It was about 6:30 and I thought to myself its as if all of Africa is asleep right now. It was so peaceful. Senegalese are known for their music, cheb-mamas, men who harass you, etc. but at 6:30 this morning it was simple. I suppose that goes along with façades in that every day we go and do our things, whether that be cook the meal, tend the farm, build a shade structure, untie the goats, go to school, etc (obviously these are related to Senegal, although they most definitely could be a part of your culture wherever you are) and those activities create the environment we live in. This morning it was bare-bones, no people (or very few) simply the sprawling environment, the sun coming up, the cool breeze (thank goodness). I guess I was appreciative of the vastness of it all. The fact that it was there and things were living and dying without humans in the picture was a good thing to be reminded of and to soak up. Sometimes its nice to be reminded of how small each of us really are.
Well I didn’t come to the computer with an idea of what I was going to write and here it is. Hope my thoughts are applicable to you! Keep me updated on your lives. Also, check out the website I have made below which includes a project to raise money for mosquito nets to prevent the spread of malaria in Senegal. All the information is there.
www.againstmalaria/jessicascates
Thanks all and all the best to you wherever you are.
Life in Maleme Niani is going. I definitely have had my ups and downs but working through it and trying to get a realistic schedule I can live with. Have a tendency to go stir crazy with sitting around so I’m working at picking up hobbies, finding good books, and hopefully creating projects in a number of different areas. I also have recently been working on my cooking skills and hope to bring those back for family and friends when I come to the states in August! Be on the lookout for greasy rice and lots of it!
My family in the ville is doing wonderfully. Maleme Niani was recently updated to a Commune, meaning we now have an elected mayor and adjunct mayor. My dad in ville was actually elected adjunct mayor and as the people of my community say he will be eating his money soon. (meaning have a lot of money to spend on things and food, etc. which I am almost positive he will not do, but my family is moving up in what one could call the social index of a village). It was interesting to see political dynamics in a village and compare them to those that occur in the states and especially in a more developed community. I found myself getting annoyed with some of it just because the political power caused some of the people who were running to become a lot more self-centered or egotistic than they had been in the past. A lot of time in village I find myself in a little world of people who don’t have much so therefore all they do have and all they are is out on the table for everyone to see. What you see is what you get, for the most part. It was interesting to see how power could change some individuals and what that means for we as a people as a whole. To know that a lot of the power struggles, social hierarchies, and facades of all sorts are evident, in a lot of cases, to cope one’s culture was kind of reassuring. We are all simply people. When stripped away, to be honest, we are all in the same place: having to eat, sleep, breathe, and do a number of things that might be gross or unattractive to some, in order to live healthily. That was appealing to me. Knowing (to be blunt) that my bush-squatting family members here or my toilet seated family members in the states are made of the same stuff, have many of the same tendencies, and simply adapt in order to survive.
Along with that tangent, this morning I took a run early just as the sun was coming up. It was about 6:30 and I thought to myself its as if all of Africa is asleep right now. It was so peaceful. Senegalese are known for their music, cheb-mamas, men who harass you, etc. but at 6:30 this morning it was simple. I suppose that goes along with façades in that every day we go and do our things, whether that be cook the meal, tend the farm, build a shade structure, untie the goats, go to school, etc (obviously these are related to Senegal, although they most definitely could be a part of your culture wherever you are) and those activities create the environment we live in. This morning it was bare-bones, no people (or very few) simply the sprawling environment, the sun coming up, the cool breeze (thank goodness). I guess I was appreciative of the vastness of it all. The fact that it was there and things were living and dying without humans in the picture was a good thing to be reminded of and to soak up. Sometimes its nice to be reminded of how small each of us really are.
Well I didn’t come to the computer with an idea of what I was going to write and here it is. Hope my thoughts are applicable to you! Keep me updated on your lives. Also, check out the website I have made below which includes a project to raise money for mosquito nets to prevent the spread of malaria in Senegal. All the information is there.
www.againstmalaria/jessicascates
Thanks all and all the best to you wherever you are.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Massive Update
It has been a long long time since I wrote to you all and a lot has happened. Wanted to fill you in on everything on this side of the atlantic so you could get an idea of all I have been up to.
For those who don’t know International Womens Day is March 8th. PCVs throughout Senegal took that time to hold activities for women and their community members. I did the same and some of the pictures that are newly posted are from that experience. I organized a day in ville with a number of different activities. We had college girls (high school) compete in the first all girls soccer match, we had music and tam tams there and that continued into the night. The entire day was a holiday and so many of the women were excited about a day devoted to them. Check out the pictures and you will see many of the wonderful women of maleme niani!
After IWD I took a trip to Kedougou to help with an eye clinic that was put together by a peace corps volunteer last year and continued this year. PCVs from Ked and Tamba got together to help the doctors who came from the US by translating. The eye doctors who came provided consultations, glasses, cataract and trichloma surgeries. I was there for about a week and had an amazing experience. It was great getting the opportunity to work with people and provide a service to them that was really tangible. Instead of waiting around and not seeing results as many pcvs experience, this was one experience where you could see the results immediately. There was definitely satisfaction from that!
I also just went down to Ked to an agfo summit with all agfo volunteers in Senegal. It was really helpful, lots of information, seeds exchanged and questions answered. With that I will go back to the ville to start up pepiniere and work with my local Eaux et Foret, a tree and forest agency based throughout different villes in senegal. Hope to work with the local agents, womens groups, and agfo volunteers in my community in a number of diff agfo technologies. I am definitely excited after being there and have a clearer idea of how to go about working with people in my community.
After the kedougou agfo summit, myself, and two friends went on a bike tour for an organization called Wula Nafa. The tour lasted three days and we went to three villages talking to them about their involvement in Wula Nafa and their upcoming activities (tree pepiniers, what they are planting, where they are planting it, selling of trees to community members, etc.). It was really helpful for a number of reasons: language practice, seeing the process of working with community members and how all of it plays out, and seeing living and working examples of agfo technologies and volunteers within different communities. We biked about 60 km in total throughout the days, camped along the Gambia River, and had a really good time. I hope to include those photos here as well.
I am now in Tamba getting computer stuff done and will go back to my village tomorrow morning. For those whoare keeping track, we recently had elections here and the current presidents party was ousted. It was big news and there have been lots of demonstrations throughout senegal. Check out local headlines for more info on this, I do not have much. Senegal’s independence day is coming up here on April 4th so it should be interesting to see what the political climate is like as people celebrate and look to the future.
I know not all of this is as detailed as some would like, just hard to pile it all into on post. I hope it is helpful to you and please post if you have any questions. Thanks for all your interest and keep me updated on how you all are doing in the states!
Oh, I WILL be coming to the states late july early august to see my lovely sister wedded off to her beau, Nate. Congratulations to the two of them and I am so excited to come and celebrate! I will keep you updated on those travel plans!
Lots of love from Sweaty and hot africa
Jessica
For those who don’t know International Womens Day is March 8th. PCVs throughout Senegal took that time to hold activities for women and their community members. I did the same and some of the pictures that are newly posted are from that experience. I organized a day in ville with a number of different activities. We had college girls (high school) compete in the first all girls soccer match, we had music and tam tams there and that continued into the night. The entire day was a holiday and so many of the women were excited about a day devoted to them. Check out the pictures and you will see many of the wonderful women of maleme niani!
After IWD I took a trip to Kedougou to help with an eye clinic that was put together by a peace corps volunteer last year and continued this year. PCVs from Ked and Tamba got together to help the doctors who came from the US by translating. The eye doctors who came provided consultations, glasses, cataract and trichloma surgeries. I was there for about a week and had an amazing experience. It was great getting the opportunity to work with people and provide a service to them that was really tangible. Instead of waiting around and not seeing results as many pcvs experience, this was one experience where you could see the results immediately. There was definitely satisfaction from that!
I also just went down to Ked to an agfo summit with all agfo volunteers in Senegal. It was really helpful, lots of information, seeds exchanged and questions answered. With that I will go back to the ville to start up pepiniere and work with my local Eaux et Foret, a tree and forest agency based throughout different villes in senegal. Hope to work with the local agents, womens groups, and agfo volunteers in my community in a number of diff agfo technologies. I am definitely excited after being there and have a clearer idea of how to go about working with people in my community.
After the kedougou agfo summit, myself, and two friends went on a bike tour for an organization called Wula Nafa. The tour lasted three days and we went to three villages talking to them about their involvement in Wula Nafa and their upcoming activities (tree pepiniers, what they are planting, where they are planting it, selling of trees to community members, etc.). It was really helpful for a number of reasons: language practice, seeing the process of working with community members and how all of it plays out, and seeing living and working examples of agfo technologies and volunteers within different communities. We biked about 60 km in total throughout the days, camped along the Gambia River, and had a really good time. I hope to include those photos here as well.
I am now in Tamba getting computer stuff done and will go back to my village tomorrow morning. For those whoare keeping track, we recently had elections here and the current presidents party was ousted. It was big news and there have been lots of demonstrations throughout senegal. Check out local headlines for more info on this, I do not have much. Senegal’s independence day is coming up here on April 4th so it should be interesting to see what the political climate is like as people celebrate and look to the future.
I know not all of this is as detailed as some would like, just hard to pile it all into on post. I hope it is helpful to you and please post if you have any questions. Thanks for all your interest and keep me updated on how you all are doing in the states!
Oh, I WILL be coming to the states late july early august to see my lovely sister wedded off to her beau, Nate. Congratulations to the two of them and I am so excited to come and celebrate! I will keep you updated on those travel plans!
Lots of love from Sweaty and hot africa
Jessica
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