In Pout, just a quick trip outside of Thies, I have been working with some other Peace Corps Volunteers in conjunction with Helen Keller International to train 20 women on container and micro-gardening practices. During the past two weeks we have held two different trainings where we taught: double-digging beds, planting seeds direct and transplant methodologies, container gardening, compost, and the benefits of enriching soil by adding amendments. The trainings were conducted in French and Wolof at a local pre-school where they have started to work collectively on this school garden. Later the women will continue improving the community's malnourished by branching off and producing their own, personal micro-gardens. The goal of the program is to teach self-sustainability regarding food security and health among households. These women were identified as having malnourished children and are being educated on the benefits of increasing vegetable consumption, as well as basic nutrition/ health education. I greatly look forward to continuing to work with the women, since they are highly motivated and dedicated to the project!
We met this past week for our language seminar in Malika, just outside of Dakar. Our fellow PCV, Michael, lives there and graciously decided to host myself, Rita, Sara, and Aysatu (our Wolof language instructor) for the 13, 14, and 15th of December. Here are the photos of our short stay in Malika. Included: a walk along the beach, Rita and Sara in "aw" seeing actual grass growing, streets of Malika, a woman harvesting her sweet potato leaves, a man painting a car, myself with a local man on his way to sell his chickens. Also, below is a picture of a plot of land that intends on having houses built on the property. The little white houses each represents an actual house to be built later. Finally, inside the sept-place, which is the public mode of transportation here (this equals an old station wagon, where 7 passengers are squeezed into 3 rows, not including the driver).
I was sworn in on November 4th with the other Agriculture volunteers at the United States of America's Ambassador's house in Dakar. We were featured on Senegalese T.V.
Me and Country Director Chris Hedrick
I was installed in Mbour by Etienne Senghor, the Peace Corps Training Manager, on the 10th of November. We left Thies around 2pm, after loading all of my baggage into the Land Rover. I enjoyed the semi-air-conditioned ride over to Mbour and felt lucky to have him on my installation day. The approximately 30 kilometer trip took about 45 minutes- record speed. The first place we stopped by was the mayor's office, in which he introduced me to the staff (since the mayor was absent) informing them I was the new Peace Corps volunteer in the area. After that, we went to the local police station and state police departments, where I was
warmly received. Finally, around 4:30 we arrived at my new apartment. There were really no greetings or formalities here, just the unloading of my bags and bicycle, climbing the rounded staircase to my room on the second floor, then saying some goodbyes.
Jen was the Urban Agriculture volunteer who was living in my apartment before. She left me a thin foam mattress to sleep on, but after two days of sleeping on it, I realized this was not going to work. I was given 100,000 Fcfa ( around US$213.00) as a "moving in" stipend, so I got busy spending it. My options for bedding were as follows (in order of least to most luxurious):
Thin Foam Mattress
Thick Foam Mattress
Actual "real" Mattress (which is what I chose and paid 50,000 Fcfa)
No Frame (sits on floor): free (but uncomfortable on a tiled floor and run the risk of creepy crawlies
Stick Frame Cot
Metal Frame Cot
Bamboo Frame
Wood Frame (which is what I chose and paid 25,000
Fcfa)
Gas tank: 18,000
Fcfa (gas from now on will be 4,000 Fcfa every time I need a refill)
Trip to "toubab" (foreigner) store (for food, spices, etc.): 47,000 Fcfa
Wifi Internet installation in my apartment by "Orange" company: 48,000
Fcfa + 7,000
Fcfa for first month's prorated bill (starting Dec will be 26,400
Fcfa per month)
The Run Down of my Peace Corps Bank Account:
I started out with 380,000
Fcfa in my bank account. Bank Fees and Emergency Funds are included in this and consist of 80,000
Fcfa (I am not sure how much of this will have to be paid back to Peace Corps in the end of my service- I think 30,000
Fcfa).
According to my calculations (things have been hazy up until now, I plan on clarifying everything with time) here is the breakdown:
Monthly cost for food paid to host family(I choose to eat with my family on Fri, Sat, and Sun): 15,000 Fcfa
Rent (Peace Corps pays me for this which is included in my stipend): 35,000
Here are some photos of my experience in Mbour thus far….
Up until now, I have been going to the Department of Agriculture every morning. Usually, I arrive around 8:30. It is a 15 minute walk from my apartment. Today I finished my second pile of compost and I also was educated by my counterpart, Samb, on the species and names of trees surrounding the garden. I wrote down its name, drew a sketch, and jotted down notes about its description. Also, I bought seeds yesterday (which ended up costing around 3,000Fcfa for 7 different varieties) and I hope to plant them this afternoon.
Below are photos from a recent trip to the Petit Cote- the salt flats were beautiful.
As a Peace Corps Trainee we have been given 14,000 Fcfa as our bi-weekly stipend for incidentals throughout training. With one week left, I thought I would break down the costs so one can understand basic daily costs here, and how they compare to American prices.
US $1.00= 450Fcfa
1 orange: 250= $.55
1 kilo bananas (about 5 large): 600= $1.33
1 250g yogurt packet: 250= $.57
1 small cup yogurt with millet: 350= $.78
1 kilo tomatoes: 900= $2.00
1 grilled corn cob: 100= $.22
1 cucumber: 200= $.44
1 two liter water bottle: 500= $1.11
1 can coke/sprite: 300= $.66
1 bean/egg/mayonnaise sandwich: 400= $.88
1 cup café touba coffee (1 oz): 50= $.11
1 half loaf of bread (about a foot long): 100= $.22
1 liter of juice: 1,000= $2.22
1 egg: 100= $.22
1 medium bag of chips: 800= $1.78
1 chocolate bar (500 grams): 900= $2.00
1 chebu jen bowl (oily red rice with boiled veggies and flaky fish): 500-800= $1.11- $1.77
1 small pizza: 2,500= $5.55
1 small salad: 2,500= $5.55
1 liter bottle olive oil: 4,500= $10.00
1 photocopy: 100= $.22
1 toothbrush: 700= $1.55
1 tube toothpaste: 1,500= $3.33
1 200ml bottle of shampoo: 1,500= $3.33
1 bar of soap: 500= $1.11
1 postcard: 1,500= $3.33
5 meters wax fabric (to make an outfit at a tailor): 6,000= $13.33
Fabric tailored into an outfit: 6,000-10,000= $13.33- $22.22
Here is an example of my daily gastronomy at my Community Based Training (home stay) site in Bayahk:
Breakfast-
Baguette bread with butter
Hot powdered milk and instant coffee with sugar Lunch-
Cheb u jen: boiled vegetables (2 carrots, 1 potato, 1 cassava, 1 jaxatu (bitter tomato) and 1 eggplant) with chunks of fish (think bony fish) all tossed on top of oily red or white rice in one big bowl. The family gathers around the large bowl and eats together, often times sharing with 10 or more people. I usually end up getting to eat around 1/2 carrot, maybe some eggplant, and a few chunks of potato with rice. Not a very filling lunch, but I would say it is pretty well rounded nutritionally speaking, other than the oil content. Dinner-
Varies between either:
“red” rice (rice with tomato paste)
or
“red” rice with black-eyed peas and lime
In Senegal dessert really doesn't exist, besides the occasional watermelon or mangoes after your meal. I would say I get fruit at my CBT family’s house once a week, so not too often.
So that is the breakdown of daily costs. Overall, I have heard that once we get installed as actual Peace Corps Volunteers, our monthly stipend will be more. We will see, and I hope this is the case! We swear in as volunteers on November 4th, spend the 6-7th with our CBT families for Tabaski (mine is in Bayahk), and then I move into my apartment in Mbour on the 10th. Lots of exciting things to come!
Lastly-
Last night, as I was sitting in Dakar at the medical office sick with bronchitis, I learned some very sad news. In a phone call with my mother I was informed that my grandfather was slowly dieing. He had recently fallen and blood was slowly filling an area of his brain. He was already too weak to operate on, so it was a matter of what his body could handle. My mother called me around midnight, letting me know that he had passed away. I am extremely sad to hear about his death, but I know he's no longer in pain and is in a better state above. Hearing and thinking about my grandfather, I am really thankful that he and my grandmother were able to come to my going away party back in August. Everyone got to see him at his best before he passed, which makes me eternally happy and grateful. I will be praying for the rest of my family, since I am not able to physically be with them at the funeral- but will most certainly be with all of them spiritually. My grandfather was an inspirational character with which I have shaped many long-lasting memories. I am happy for the memories we shared and he will truly be missed!
April 2010- started and finished application, however waited to submit it as I was unsure of actually pursuing this path
Nov 21, 2010- Submitted online application
Dec 7, 2010- Completed my fingerprints.
Dec 12, 2010- Had to submit a new “friend” reference, since the friend I listed did not qualify (really?)
Dec 2, 2010- Interview at University of South Florida recruitment office with PC Recruiter, resulted in pretty much being offered a position on the spot. My recruiter said she thought I would be perfect for the Applied Agriculture Science and Crop Extension assignment.
Jan 19, 2011-Was notified that my recruiter would like to nominate me for an agricultural or secondary education program. I was sent skill addendum sheets to complete and email back to her.
Jan 19, 2011- Nominated officially for the 110- Applied Ag. Science and Crop Extension in Sub-Saharan Africa with estimated departure date of August 2011.
Feb 2011- Received medical package. It sat on my floor for about 2 or 3 weeks, to be honest. This was the point to which I felt like I would actually have to either continue to commit or rethink my options.
Feb 23, 2011- Received email asking for the update of how my medical and dental work was going from my recruiter. Started working on it and committed from this date.
Mar 16, 2011- Received email from Agriculture/ Environment Desk stating I must obtain medical clearance as soon as possible to continue to be considered for my program in which I was nominated for, which would be late August 2010. They stated that I must respond to the email stating I am still interested in the Peace Corps and that I am actively pursuing my medical clearance. At that point I was merely waiting for the results of my lab work, in order to send over my huge medical package.
Mar 28, 2011- Realized I was anemic from the lab work, contacted the Peace Corps medical office before sending over all of my paperwork and they stated I must have further lab work done.
Apr 16, 2011- Mailed my medical packet
Apr 29, 2011- ReceivedDental Clearance
May 10, 2011- Received email from Peace Corps medical office stating they need follow up lab work at least 60 days from when I started taking my iron supplements.
May 31, 2011- Had final blood work completed and waited for results to come back
Jun 08, 2011- Blood work was faxed and I received Medical Clearance, all in the same day
Jun 08, 2011- Immediately emailed the Agriculture/Environment Desk and asked them if I should send them my updated resume, or anything else. I received a reply within an hour with the following:
“We anticipate that your file will be reviewed within the next 1-6 weeks.”
and
“Therefore, as stated above, we strongly encourage you to continue to gain additional volunteer experience in the assignment area of your nomination. When you gain additional experience, please update your resume, taking special care to include the following information:
·Name of organization
·Your responsibilities and achievements
·Number of months/years worked (e. g., “April 2007 – March 2008”)
·Number of hours per week worked (approximations are acceptable)
·Name and contact information of your supervisor
Please note that resumes should contain exact references to the months and years of involvementin each relevant volunteer and professional position. There is no need to send us this information now, but please be prepared to fax or email this document immediately upon request, as this will greatly expedite the process of moving your application forward for final placement.”
With this vague response, I immediately started working on updating my resume to include as much as I could to help my chances of getting a position sometime in 2011. I was reading more and more online about applicants that were getting the red flag to halt their Peace Corps process until “most likely” a departure date of 2012. I made sure that I kept in contact with my friend, the placement officer.
Jun 09, 2011- I received an email from my Placement Officer asking for the following:
1.Updated Résumé. Please email me a copy of your updated résumé that includes the details of all new professional and/or volunteer experiences you have gained since your assessment interview. For all relevant experience, please state:
The name of the organization you worked with
Your activities, duties, and accomplishments
Dates you worked there, including year and month (e.g., “May 2003 – April 2004”)
Number of hours worked per week
2.Final Transcript. We need a final copy of your transcript that shows your degree was completed in full. An unofficial copy is fine, but it must have:
1)Your name (I know it sounds strange, but some electronic versions do not have your name on the document.)
2)Name of college or university
3)Date of completion or degree conferred (Note: This info must be there to be considered final.)
3.Romantic Involvement Update. You mentioned to your recruiter that you are currently in a relationship, and filled out a romantic involvement questionnaire accordingly. Peace Corps is an incredibly fascinating, exciting and life-changing time. It’s also a very trying time and often overseas romantic involvements are a compelling reason for people to want to leave service. I would like to get some additional information before I pass your file to your Placement Officer. Is your relationship still ongoing? Is it more or less serious than at the time of your interview?
Because it can be difficult as a Peace Corps Volunteer and being away for 27 months, it is important for us to be sure that you are prepared for these challenges. Please use the attached form to discuss the impact of Peace Corps service on the two of you and your relationship. Please return the completed and signed form to me (note: typing your name on the bottom of the form will suffice as a “signature”) via fax or email after you have had a chance to discuss it thoroughly. If you are no longer in a romantic relationship, you do not need to return the form, but please do let us know your updated status so that we can move forward with your application.
4. Contact Information. Please make sure that your contact information is up to date, including your phone number(s) and mailing address. You can update your contact information through your online toolkit at www.peacecorps.gov. If you no longer have your username and/or password, your recruiter should be able to provide this information.
Jun 13, 2011- Submitted all of the information above.
Jun 15, 2011- Received call from Placement Officer for final Interview and Invitation! I was advised that my invitation was being sent that day. This came as a complete surprise and shock. I do not know of anyone who has received their final interview phone call only having been medically cleared for less than a week. I think it was due to, in part, emailing my placement advisor every other day asking him different questions. This kept me on his mind, and not forgotten!
Jun 22, 2011- Invitation received, and acceptance sent for Urban Agriculture Extension Agent in Senegal leaving August 30, 2011. Received email from Agriculture/Environment Desk confirming my congratulations and acceptance. Now I have more things to submit and complete:
Here is what I have to do:
1. Email your aspiration statement and updated resume to your Country Desk Unit (senegal@peacecorps.gov) within the next 10 days.This is your formal introduction to the host country staff, so please provide as much detailed information about yourself as possible. This should include all scholastic, work, and volunteer experience that qualifies you for your Peace Corps assignment, and can also include other information such as your interests and hobbies. Please follow the formats specified within the “Resume and Personal Papers” section of your invitation packet.
2. Apply for your no-fee passport and visa (if required by your country of service) immediately.You must apply for this passport even if you have a personal passport. There are two different applications you can use (DS-11 or DS-82). Use the guidelines below to determine which application you should fill out. Please refer to your invitation kit both inside and on the front of the folder labeled “Passport and Visa” for more detailed instructions. If you have further questions regarding your passport or visa application, please contact SATO travel at 202.692.1170.Also note that failure to apply for your passport/visa in a timely manner may result in your removal from the training class.
·Use the DS-82 form if you have a current personal passport in good condition that is signed and was issued to you in your current name after the age of 16.We will hold onto your personal passport and give it back to you at your pre-service staging event, meaning you will have two valid passports during your Peace Corps service.
·Use the DS-11 form if you do not have a personal passport, a current passport, or are planning on traveling with your personal passport prior to your departure for the Peace Corps. This form should only be signed once you are in front of the certifying official, and there is a $25.00 witnessing fee required. You will need to bring a certified birth certificate or an expired passport as proof of citizenship.
·If you are currently overseas and will not return home in the next 1-2 days, you must apply for your Peace Corps passport by taking your personal passport, PC Block Letter, DS-11 form and two passport photos to the nearest American embassy or consulate. The embassy or consulate will make a photocopy of your personal passport and certify that the original has been examined by them. This photocopy will serve as your proof of birth for your application. The embassy or consulate will then authorize the DS-11 form and will either forward the passport documents to Special Issuance Agency (SIA) or they will return them to you to submit to SATO Travel yourself. Please follow the guidance of the embassy or consulate.If your passport documents are sent to SIA, you still must send any visa materials to SATO directly. In this case, include a note stating where your passport application was sent.
·This country assignment may require vaccination for yellow fever (within the past 7 years). If this applies to you, the Office of Medical Services will contact you regarding this requirement.
3. Review the following to make sure you have turned in and disclosed all information for final clearances and qualification:
·Dental
- If you have not yet been dentally qualified, please turn in any requested forms as soon as possible.
- Dental clearance is valid for one year from the date you were dentally qualified. If you are scheduled to leave more than one year after your dental clearance date, a hold will be placed on your account, and you will need to submit new dental exams.
- Please submit all outstanding paperwork to the Office of Medical Services (OMS) by fax at 202.692.1561.
- If there are any updates or changes to your health status, new or adjusted medications, or any other new health issue(s), you must contact OMS immediately at 800-424-8580, option 2, extension 4049.
·Legal/ Financial
- If your legal or financial status has changed since you originally submitted your Peace Corps application (i.e., arrest, charge, citation, conviction, new financial obligation, etc.) please call 202.692.1845 immediately.
- If you have any legal documents that need to be submitted before departure (i.e., marriage certificate, name change, etc.), please fax them to 202.692.1898.
·Non-disclosures
- Your acceptance into the Peace Corps is based on all known disclosures of your legal and medical histories. If you have failed to disclose pertinent or new information regarding your legal or medical history, please contact your Placement Specialist or OMS at this time.
- If your National Agency Check (NAC)/Background Investigation and/or medical status reveal any non-disclosed information, you will be removed from Peace Corps training or Volunteer service.
·Changes to Contact Information
- It is very important to keep your contact information updated, as you will be receiving information from the Staging Unit prior to your departure.
- To change your address, log into My Online Toolkit and follow the prompts.
- To change your email address or telephone number, please respond to this email and we will update our system.
4. You should receive staging reporting instructions, luggage guidelines, and information about safety and security by emailapproximately one month before your departure. You will coordinate with SATO Travel at this time to arrange your transportation to the staging event. Contact your Country Desk Unit if you do not receive this information.
5. Thoroughly read the Volunteer Handbookwell before the staging event as it contains more in-depth information about the pre-departure process and addresses other questions and concerns about being a Peace Corps Volunteer.
-So far I have completed numbers 1 through 5, excluding number 4 since it is applicable only a month ahead of my departure date. I am anxiously awaiting my new passport and country specific information that I will be receiving later on.
Today, I ran up the stairs of my apartment expecting to see my long awaited big blue envelope from the Peace Corps. Last Wednesday, I had the final phone interview with my Placement Officer where he told me my invitation package would be sent immediately after we hang up. I was so excited, and promptly called my mom, while semi- hysterically crying, but at the same time trying to bother my co-workers.
So where am I going? What will I be doing for the next 27 months?
I will be going to Senegal, working as an Urban Agriculture Extension Agent. I am so excited for this assignment and was immediately shocked at the "urban" designation of my job title. So for everyone who was waiting: that probably means I will not be living in a thatch roof hut. Hooray! Part of me is disappointed by this, but I quickly got over it. Ultimately, I think this job sounds perfect for me and I hope it will bring lots of new friendships, skills, and results for my new community.
I will break down my application process a little better for everyone in the next posting, however, I have to get to work on Visa and Passport applications. This big blue envelope came with more paperwork to fill out and complete. In the mean time, I have been trying to focus on packing, re-writing my resume and creating an aspiration statement, telling friends and family of my exciting news, and trying not to get too excited!
