A few monumental moments occurred today. Immediately following Setswana lessons we visited the bank and activated our accounts and debit cards, a very important task signifying the ability to now be paid. After returning to the College of Education we had a quick information session on avoiding diarrhea. Needless to say, this is very important information.
We enjoyed and extra long lunch where I was able to study Setswana, read, and quickly throw together a presentation that I neglected to do until a half hour before I would be presenting. For the first TAP (Trainee Assessment Portfolio) assignment we had to chose a potential activity we may complete within our sectors at site. Through this example we were required to explain how we would be meeting the first goal of the Peace Corps, how we would be reflecting Peace Corps’ approach to development in our work, how we would recognize and account for gender equality, and which roles of a volunteer we would be embodying in the process. I decided to present to my group as though I was running an after school athletics program, meeting one of the youth development objectives of incorporating extra curricula sports and physical activities into daily and weekly schedules in order to improve physical and emotional health. I utilized the Peace Corps’ approach to development by having people to people centered interactions, making a change by meeting the needs of the people through a bottom-up approach, and including another teacher or parent when coaching in order to keep the club sustainable once I leave. Some of the roles I would embody may be a learner, depending on how familiar I am with the sport, a co-facilitator when working with another adult, a change agent by altering children’s behavior for the better, and possibly becoming a mentor to some of the children. The project wasn’t difficult and I had a brief, but flawless presentation. Soon I’ll be able to recite these approaches, roles, and objectives in my sleep.
Today was a relaxing end to the week and I was excited about having some down time and then getting out of class early. It was time to hit the bar, no wonder many Batswana think Americans are alcoholics. The majority of trainees went to Patkay, a bar just down the street from the school, to relax and visit with friends. Bars and drinking are viewed very differently in the United States versus in Botswana. In the United States people use the bar as a place to relax and hang out, regardless of whether they are having a drink. In Botswana, bars are often seen as being reserved for partying 19 year olds, excited about finally being able to drink. Older women will often get funny looks while in a bar and Batswana may question their intentions. Being surrounded by Americans, I wasn’t too worried about standing out because lets face it, we all stood out.
A few of the LCFs (language and cultural facilitator) joined us at the bar, everyone at varying levels drunkenness. My group’s LCF, Greene, joined us and we got into a few very interesting conversations about Botswana culture, gender roles, and I certainly learned more about Greene as a person. This seems like a heavy conversation for a bar, but the conversation honestly flowed and we were merely comparing and contrasting our cultures. I feel incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful LCF and group to learn Setswana with. Greene is a great teacher and really recognizes and accommodates to the varying learning styles.
I returned home as the sun was setting, just in time. Princess said there was meat and fried greens on the stove and that I could make rice to accompany the dish. I decided to live on the edge and attempt phaletshe by myself. Mme Chiliwa came home as I was about done and began observing my cooking. She kept drawing attention to what I was doing and smiling without verifying if I was doing a good job or if it was going to taste like rubber. The smile could have been “I’m proud of you, you’re doing a good job” or “I can’t believe you’re actually doing this, you’re failure makes me smile.” I let it sit for a few more minutes on low heat and then had a taste test. I successfully made phaletshe by myself! My chances of survival over the next two years just increased dramatically.
No comments:
Post a Comment