The host family that I am living with has been great to me. As I said before they enjoyed the visit from my mom. The have decided that she was such a nice and loving person to honor her. That will be done in the way of giving the new baby her name (a little African namesake). That is if the baby is a girl. Two of the older brothers recently got married to their first wife (not sure yet how many they will stop at). The one older sister (younger then me by 1 or 2 years) was married in the fall and has since left the house to live with her husband and his family. As the family continues to grow and spread out am trying my best to keep up with all the names and ceremonies that are taking place.
This is the season for programs to take place. I have been very busy with all types of works that I have cost me to miss a few programs but I plan to try my best to show up. There have been many naming ceremonies and weddings. A few congratulation parties for getting promoted at work or within the village and a few sad and unexpected funerals have taken place with in or around my village.
The one things about programs taking place is it allows you the chance to get dressed up. I have now the small but very nice collection of cultural/local outfit. And with more programs to take place my wardrobe will only get bigger. The fabric here is beautiful and relatively cheap (remember am getting paid just as much as the or a little more then my counter parts). And to get the fabric tailored is just as inexpensive for me since I have yet to get and all out fabulous outfit made.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Part 4 Working in Africa
Working here in Africa – The Gambia. The working conditions have been a little challenging at times. I have been trying to figure out where it is the problems lies with not getting things done or lack or resources. I have found that the problem mainly lies within the people or the structure of the organization.
Many people are not taught in such a way to think outside the box or looking at the bigger picture. The always seem to just look at what it is that want and need now verse looking in the future. It makes it very hard when putting plans together because they don’t remember that there is a small need of space for maintenance and updates. I have found a ways of fixing it within meeting by having them create or fill in a general meet outline and then telling them to stick to the topic at hand. So much time is wasted on arguing or complaining on topics which are not the ones of the meeting.
The lack of resources is not as true as I thought. There are so many different program, grants, founding, sponsorships, etc that are given or found within this country. I have become a hug fan of writing or starting grant proposals. The problem is people do not know how to write these proposals, lack the correct/needed information to fill them out completely, or don’t care to try and communicate. Along with all this the many different people and organizations have/are given so much to the people of the Gambia its unbelievable. The problem with all the giving to this country is that it does not teach the people how to take care of themselves. Many people have this mentality to think they are owned something or should be giving things within them doing nothing for it. There is a large need for the Gambians to become more active in the projects and to maybe contribute to the project within they are going to rep the benefits of. This way it will make them feel more part of it and the maintenance of it.
Many people are not taught in such a way to think outside the box or looking at the bigger picture. The always seem to just look at what it is that want and need now verse looking in the future. It makes it very hard when putting plans together because they don’t remember that there is a small need of space for maintenance and updates. I have found a ways of fixing it within meeting by having them create or fill in a general meet outline and then telling them to stick to the topic at hand. So much time is wasted on arguing or complaining on topics which are not the ones of the meeting.
The lack of resources is not as true as I thought. There are so many different program, grants, founding, sponsorships, etc that are given or found within this country. I have become a hug fan of writing or starting grant proposals. The problem is people do not know how to write these proposals, lack the correct/needed information to fill them out completely, or don’t care to try and communicate. Along with all this the many different people and organizations have/are given so much to the people of the Gambia its unbelievable. The problem with all the giving to this country is that it does not teach the people how to take care of themselves. Many people have this mentality to think they are owned something or should be giving things within them doing nothing for it. There is a large need for the Gambians to become more active in the projects and to maybe contribute to the project within they are going to rep the benefits of. This way it will make them feel more part of it and the maintenance of it.
Part 5 My Education Ideas
I have started to look into furthering my education. I want to continue to get my Master degree in Communication department (Cultural, Cross Cultural Comm.). I have not settled on a school but I have been looking into a few different Colleges/Universities. With me being in the Peace Corps there are many different schools that offer different types of programs and scholarship options, which is very much needed in my eyes. The ideal program for me would be one that will allow me to do my study while contining to travel see how that’s a big part of what I want to do in the end. If you have any suggestions or input information please do let me know. I still have to take the GRE so am not in any rush to find one school now. I want and need to weight my options very carefully since this will send me in my career direction.
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