< Go Team Zambia. . . |
Main
| Amelika! >
June 6, 2005
Disappointing Dolly...
Okay, okay, okay. I've dodged the question long enough. Here's the truth about what in the H I am doing over here as far as work is concerned. "The toughest job you'll ever love" doesn't really apply, maybe because I already did that: two years in Atlanta with the students I miss so much. I am an education volunteer in Zambia. Although most education volunteers around the world either teach or train teachers, the program here in Zambia is one-of-a-kind in all of Peace Corps. Because so many of rural Zambians live too far from a basic (public) school, getting education to those in the villages is a problem. The trend has been to start community schools (opperating somewhat like charter schools in the US). Five years ago, Educational Broadcast Services started a program called Learning at Toanga Market. It is Interactive Radio Instruction at its finest. Now Peace Corps enters the picture to help start IRI centers in the villages, AND TO HELP BUILD CAPACITY WITHIN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION TO START, MONITOR, EVALUATE, AND SUPPORT those centers. I do the stuff in bold letters. I'll report more later on this all, but right now I am still trying to figure out exactly what that means. PC is new to the program, having only had volunteers at work on LTM in the field for a year now. Of course I'm "on duty" all the time just being an American and having cultural exchanges with the people around me. That part is full time, but in terms of my actual "job", let me just say, that it ain't no 9 to 5!
Posted by ringo at June 6, 2005 1:46 PM
As long as it leaves plenty of time for you to entertain us when we come visit.
Posted by: Jen at June 6, 2005 3:06 PM
Hello, dear Annie. It's been quite awhile since I've read your "journal entries" so it was nice to get caught up again. The end of the school year keeps me way too busy. You know what it's like, former Atlanta teacher! (P.S. I figured you'd miss those kids you taught! Now you know part of the joy of teaching...missing and remembering those special people we've taught ---including YOU!!)Today is my workday to wrap things up...clean, do record-keeping, etc., and then I hope to lock the door and enjoy summer vacation! Thanks so much for the note and money you sent me. I appreciated hearing from you! I do think of you often and hope that life is going well for you. It's interesting to read about all the cultural differences you're experiencing. Know that I'm "off the computer" (we don't have one at home) now until late August when another school year begins so I'll have lots of "catching up" to do on your website! Take care of yourself, and be happy, kiddo! I'll be praying for you. God bless.
As always,
"Mrs. Haugen"
Posted by: Dorry Haugen at June 6, 2005 6:28 PM
Hello Ringo! Thought I would let you know that I read this all the time. I hope you are enjoying everything over there. Everything is going well here in CT. Maybe I'll write soon.
Your former roomie
Posted by: Kim at June 6, 2005 8:29 PM
Hey there- got another question. Generally, do you feel safe walking around? I am sure it is pretty hard for you to "blend in". Do you ever feel like you are a moving target or do you generally feel safe? How do the locals feel about having foreign help? Do they resent it or think it is fabulous? What is the local law enforcement like? How stable is the local government?
Posted by: Stacey at June 7, 2005 3:13 PM
Hi Ringo!
I am so glad to hear that you are doing so well. I found your blog on friendster. I am a new fan :) I am so proud of you and your work. Way to go! Austin and I are trying to start a family, and that is all I have been thinking about :) I sure do miss the days of creekview. I think we are going to head up to Arcata in a few weeks. It isn't the same without everyone around. Anyways, I will do my best to send you some snail mail.
Take care,
Jane (the red head from Arcata)
Posted by: jane at June 7, 2005 9:02 PM
Hey kid- you sound like you're keeping plenty busy over there! Are you finding any time for fun?? Besides the bars, what is there to do over there for activities?- That you participate in?? Or do you play the sports........:) Love ya and miss ya!
Posted by: Heidi at June 9, 2005 9:22 PM
Post a comment