(this blog dedicated to Ryan, my site-mate)
Bafilo
Travel. Again. Not so much scary as in the ride itself but of the unknown (of which I have no control). It’s unknown whether we can find a bush taxi to take us where we need to go and even more unknown to find one to get back home, the unknown time it will take, how long we will have to wait before we leave, the hellish road conditions, the vehicle’s well-being, will we even make it, negotiating the cost, how cramped we will be, how will I know I’ve arrived at my destination, etc.
Thank goodness Taylor escorted us to Bafilo, Lydia’s village. Katy was already there and we had much work to do to prepare for the women’s conference in March. It was so good to be together.
Lydia was the perfect hostess. Prepared hot cinnamon rolls with an orange icing that were delicious. We cranked through our presentation ideas (I feel like I’m back in college but this time, with the perfect team) and the whole day was fun and productive. So much French to learn…
ITC (private technical high school)
Am helping more and more in Derik’s Word and Excel classes. I am learning to use these programs in French and trying to maneuver using a French keyboard and using French menus is daunting, but I am slowly getting better. And the freaky French language…
The students love it when I attempt to help them with formatting and when I show them how to capitalize a letter without using the caps lock key, they are amazed. It’s the little things.
I’m working on creating assignments that incorporate business skills and using the application software. Together, Derik and I will work on improving the curriculum for the classes.
CEG à Salimdé (high school)
Three students from a Masters program in Switzerland (Niklaus, Kye, and Gina) came to Sokodé to work on a project. Their task: to work with Togolese high school students and to give them some “basic” business skills.
Ryan asked if I might join the group to put in my two cents to which I was happy to oblige. Together, we worked on making a spectacular presentation.
Here’s what was interesting: Ryan and I found ourselves as the “experts” on Togolese culture and language. Ryan and I consulted with the three students on what we felt would be understandable and used appropriate language to convey each thought. We cut out 90%. If I’ve learned one thing here in Togo, it’s this: keep it simple.
We finished at midnight and while Ryan and I were walking in the deserted street trying to find motos to get home, we talked about what we just experienced and we felt extremely proud of how far we’ve come these past nine months.
It was through the eyes of our European friends that we saw how much we knew and saw how much we’ve grown.
The presentation
We woke up early the next morning and headed to class. What transpired over the next four hours was simply inspriring.
Ryan and I translated the class!!! Yes, you read that right. We translated and taught a basic business concept to 30 Togolese students!! (note: Ryan’s French is so beautiful to listen to and mine is choppy and with poor grammar, but hey, I’m trying!)
I couldn’t be more proud of Ryan and I for making this happen. The Togolese students “got it”, the three grad students were thrilled and had such a good time, and our homologue Razak was so pleased with the whole event.
Ryan and I really know our sh*t. Kudos to Ryan and me. We make an amazing Peace Corps team.
Can you believe I translated?!?!?! Nope, neither can I.
Cenatis
Well, someone is starting to listen to me! Ashley has provided an opportunity for Cenatis and I am determined to do my best to get them on the map.
We need to provide design and color samples for the production of tablecloths, placemats, napkins, and pillow covers. When I explained to Morou the situation, I’ve never seen him so intent on taking my advice.
We managed to select colors and designs and he is off to have his weavers create them. We’ll send photos to the NGO by the end of the month and we’ll see what happens from there. Our competition is another weaver’s group in Dapaong (Katy is helping them) and while they are far more advanced and mature (they understand color schemes and designs – not limited to Togolese masculine colors as Morou has latched onto and won’t let go), at least I’ve got Morou’s attention.
A major breakthrough!
Village Savings & Loan (VSL)
And….they’re off and running! After many weeks of preparation, explanation, translation, my medical leave, and eager anticipation, my women have started saving. It’s glorious. Two women were late and paid their late fees, unbeknownst to me, BEFORE the meeting. All the women also gave to a group fund, BEFORE the meeting. Talk about eager! I feel so, so, so good about this self-sustaining project.
As I’ve said over and over again, this is by far the project I am most proud of. It is self-sustaining, teaches women self-empowerment, teaches savings and loans (and earnings!), and will live on long after I am gone.
And I’m doing it in French (with Razak translating everything to Kotokoli). Someone, pinch me!
