The SEEDS English class was an initiative spearheaded by
Peace Corps volunteer Kathleen Barclay, to teach ESOL classes to students of the
SEEDS Basketball Academy in Thies, Senegal improving their English skills and preparing
them for upcoming opportunities to study and play basketball in the United
States. Class was held every Sunday from
11:00 AM- 12:30 PM in a provided classroom space of CNEPS commencing April 22, 2012
and concluding June 24, 2012. Comprehensively,
more than 50 hours of the volunteer’s time was donated including total
classroom teaching time of 15 hours and preparatory time of 35 hours. Approximately
15-20 SEEDS students were present each class, which varied according to students
who were required to attend basketball games. Students consisted of younger boys ages 15 to
19 whom had been selected as hopefuls to receive an invitation by scholarship to
study and play at preparatory schools in the United States. Students’ long term goals were aimed at continuing
to play basketball for top universities and eventually the National Basketball
Association (NBA). Intending to act as
preparatory and all-inclusive for the TOEFL exam, classes emphasized grammar,
proper speech and conversational skills, as well as sentence structure and writing
dexterity. I conducted research and
prepared class lessons according to students’ needs and provided necessary class supplies.
Classes covered topics students expressed an interest in
including American pop culture and history, the NBA and relevant basketball
terminology, Senegalese current affairs, and others. Students chose American names and designed name
cards they utilized every class. Each
student was also assigned a folder where their homework and other class
assignments were kept. I collected
students’ folders after each class for safe keeping. Students were encouraged to work collectively
in groups, develop effective communication and public speaking skills, as well
as maintain a professional work atmosphere.
Each class students were given assignments, in the form of homework, to
write on topics ranging from career ambitions to personal heroes. Group exercises, working in pairs, and
individual tasks were all implemented throughout classes.
Successes
I visibly saw growth throughout the entirety of these classes,
especially among students’ public speaking and cognitive abilities. Students spoke fluently and eloquently utilizing
vocabulary and grammar gained from attending class. Students were more likely to communicate with
each other outside the classroom in English and were not fearful of speaking in
English in front of their colleagues in class. Understanding of American culture grew with
the assistance of three guest speakers Colin Vandergraaf (United States Embassy
Fellows), Rose Donatien (IFESH), and Lisa Floran (Peace Corps) who spoke about
their experiences in the United States and their home states. Also, students regularly
were given the opportunity to borrow magazines and films to read, watch during
the upcoming week. Finally, comprehension
and cognitive abilities were enlightened through group exercises and lectures
emphasizing critical thinking and “brain storming.” During a lightening round review session held
the final class, students proved their learning comprehension by defining vocabulary
and concepts they had learned throughout the entire three months of class.
Future Improvements
It was extremely hard to keep attendance since students
would sometimes be required to leave half-way through class to attend a
game. Sundays were suggested to be the
least hectic day for students, but it would be beneficial for them to have a
set time each week that is solely used for English class time that they can
consistently commit to attend. It is recommended
that students agree on a set day and time each week, with the support of their
coaches, and abide by that arrangement.
Students, however, did seem to keep interested in the class and
attendance was not an issue otherwise.
The major issue with attendance was class normally had to start late
because students were consistently tardy. Also, a lack of supplies made it more difficult to teach and I often purchased basic materials
for students including folders, pens, and chalk. The classroom was furnished with a
chalkboard, white board, desks and chairs.
Students were required to bring their own notebooks and pens. Some students (approximately 4) had their own English/French dictionaries. As their teacher, it was difficult to keep
students engaged with a lack of teaching materials and resources. A projector and
copier would both be incredibly useful for future
classes. However, SAT/ACT study guide
books and French/English dictionaries were supplied for each student thanks to donations
I received from the United States Embassy in Dakar. These materials were given to the director of
the academy to retain until next fall, when classes recommence.
Conclusion
The SEEDS English program was considered quite successful
and the director of the academy has requested the program’s continuance this
upcoming school year, 2012/2013. I plan
to implement the same strategies mentioned above to ensure student participation
and substantial academic success, as well as research possible improvement to
the program. Goals include actively monitoring
and evaluating students’ academic progress and needs, maintaining detailed
records of class lessons, and creating an open-office hour time where students
can receive one-on-one tutoring for student specific questions.
--------------------------------------------
Read more about the SEEDS Basketball Academy.
Also make sure to check out the official trailer of "Elevate."
Group shot at the beginning of classes, April 2012.
Final class group shot, June 2012.
Colin Vandergraaf teaching the class about basketball terminology.
Students with donated books by the United States Embassy.
So, I really wish I would have had a list of things to bring with me when I found out I was going to come to Senegal with Peace Corps. Here is my list of things that I would have brought, or at least ideas, to get you started. This list is mainly geared towards the female population and agriculture volunteers, but it can be useful for everyone. Here it is-
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Suggested Packing
List (for Women)
T-shirts (think pocket T’s)
Tank tops (spaghetti straps, or shoulder covering tank tops) *see note below
Long sleeve shirts
Hoodie or Sweatshirt Jacket
Coat (think fleece or similar- it can get down to 40’s)
Shorts *see note below
Pants (jeans, sweatpants)
Skirts
Professional outfit (dress or nice pants and collared
shirt)
Underwear (the more the better)
Bras
Swimming Suit
Leggings (you can’t show your knees here so these are
used a lot by volunteers wearing shorter skirts, shorts, etc.) *see note below
Sleeping Bag (you can find these lightweight and compact- I
would really recommend bringing one)
Flip flops/ Sandals
Tennis shoes
Hiking/work boots
Dressy shoes
Hat
Belt
DryWick Towel- bodysize or L (towels can be found here, but
they take time to dry especially during rainy season)
Contact Solution- enough for 2 years
Toiletries- Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Razors are all
expensive but available at “toubab” shops. Deodorant- is also hard to find and expensive.
Snacks
External Hard Drive-1 terabyte, bring it.
Computer- bring one and a good case because you will be traveling with it a
lot.
iPad, iPod, etc.
Nook/Kindles- lightweight and can hold loads of books in a compact space,batteries last a long time.
Plug adapter and electricity converter- you can buy them in country if
they break but I would encourage you to bring them so you have one upon arrival.
Memory sticks
Camera
Headlamp
Flashlight
Multi-tool- think Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife. I use mine almost every day.
Water Bottle
Backpack
Makeup- you might actually want this at one point.
***Anything that will show your knees, is not appropriate outside of Dakar. Mid to upper shin is acceptable. If you want to bring shorts or skirts that
will show your knees be prepared to wear leggings beneath to cover yourself up.
***During PST (Pre-Service Training)
the training center will not want you to show your shoulders so t-shirts are good.
Things you will
not need:
Mosquito net
Water purifier
Medicine- we are supplied with in our own Medical Kits and pharmacies are all over.
Fun things:
Games- cards, Bananagrams, etc.
Hammock
Cooking supplies
Tupperware
Pillow
Blanket
Earplugs or Noise Cancelling headphones
Yoga Mat
Exercise gear
Crayons, Markers, Colored Pencils, stuff for the kids
Rechargeable batteries and charger
Bike supplies- you will be given a Trek bicycle that you
will either depend on or never use subject to your site and its paved road
situation. It will have a messenger rack on the
back. Peace Corps provides us with a bike pump,
tools for repair, tire patches, helmet, oil, and water bottle.
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!
