For those of you that do not know, I am working on a project called “Libraries for Life” with three other Peace Corps Volunteers. Libraries for Life is partnered with Books for Africa, and we are working together to build libraries in select schools throughout Uganda. There is not a big reading culture here in Uganda – books are not readily available and most Ugandans do not read for fun. We are all working together to try and change that. I plan to set up a library at Namengo Girls and create a literacy program in order to improve reading comprehension skills. I will be working closely with a teacher, Sauya, so that the project will be sustainable when I return to the US in two years.
Books for Africa will send us the books, but we need to pay for the shipping and port fees. We are currently trying to raise $21,000 to cover these costs, and we would greatly appreciate any donations. You can check out the webpage for Libraries for Life and read more:
You can also go to www.booksforafrica.org -> donate now -> donate to a project -> scroll to Uganda and click on Libraries for Life.
I am almost done with all of my Peace Corps Workshops! I have been away from my site for almost three weeks, and it is getting a little tiring. In Service Training was interesting to say the least. Our Ugandan counterparts had to attend the workshop with us for four of the days, and it definitely provided entertainment. One of the days we had a gender debate where the men had to ask the women three questions and vice versa. Well one of the questions for the women was: “If the Bible says God created man first, and all of St. Paul’s helpers were women, then how can you say that men and women are equal?” (I think we can pretty much guarantee one of the Ugandans came up with this question, not a fellow Peace Corps Volunteer). Here were some responses from the women in my training class:
Erica: St. Paul also had women working in hire positions than men.
Willysha: Men wrote The Bible.
Chelsea: The Bible can be interpreted in many ways, and it’s important that we look at both sides. God created man first because he is superior OR God created man first and made a mistake.
One of the days we had a session on how to do HIV/AIDS education with students and how to do condom demonstrations. A Ugandan raised his hand in the middle and said, “I have never used a condom, but this seems like a very long process.” We were all horrified and laughed out of shock! It was really interesting to see the cultural divide. After this, a Ugandan asked for the Ugandans in the room to please raise their hand if they use condoms – very few of the 44 raised their hands. He then asked the Americans to raise their hands if they use condoms – most of us raised our hands.
The workshop was extremely helpful at times because it gave a lot of us ideas for secondary projects and programs to start in our schools. It was nice that our counterparts were there because they will be a big help in starting these projects. My counterpart was very excited and we made an action plan for the next term. I also was able to talk with him about being MIA and not giving me advanced notice for meeting and workshops. So I think this term will be a little more productive (hopefully!).
I am excited to go back home on Friday…but I am a little terrified to see what creatures have found their way into my house and/or pit latrine. Don’t worry, I will keep you updated :)
Sorry I have been behind on my posting.... I promise ill be betternow that my grasp of work has gotten a Lot better! So proud of u aub! Keep up the amazing work ill def be helping out! :)
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