For those of you that are unfamiliar with African geography, Senegal is the western most country on the continent. [See photos] It's only about the size of North Dakota, is a former French colony, predominantly Muslim, has one of the most stable governments in Africa (though the next Presidential election is looking to shake things up) and is extremely poor. Part of my pre-departure 'homework' is to study up on the country and its history. While there is no way I can learn what the country will be like or what to expect simply by scouring the internet, I don't want to fly over there totally blind.
I don't have much of an idea of what I will be doing once I get there. I'm in the Preventative Health and Environmental Education program. The job title of Environmental Education Extension Agent doesn't really say a lot and the program description that was sent in my invitation packet didn't help much either. Apparently in this position I could be doing anything from digging a new well, planting trees, establishing a community garden, teaching kids about proper hygiene, promoting women's health, etc.
That's a big 'ol umbrella.
Specifics, it seems, don't enter into anything the Peace Corps does until you actually get in country.
So for the next 6 months I'm going to do some ESL tutoring, study up on the languages (there are 7) through the resources the Peace Corps has and I'm going to see if there is any possibility of joining a community garden. My placement officer just said for me to work on anything 'community development' related. Getting the extra experience is difficult since I work full time during the week, and most gigs are during the day, so I've really got my work cut out for me.
From reading blogs of current volunteers in Senegal I know I'll need one thing for sure: a three year supply of pepto-bismol.
The remainder of my packing list is still in progress, though you can see what I've thought of so far on the sidebar. Some of these things I have, most I still need to get. I know, I know, 'you're still 6 months out, why rush?' you ask. I'm not in a rush, per se, more that I need to have a steady prep going each month or else - knowing my procrastinating self as well as I do - I will find myself on the other side of the new year with two months left and freak out.
So I shall chug along my merry way, working, reading blogs and preping. Soon enough - as everyone tells me - March 6th will be here and I'll be on a plane headed to the wilds of Africa.
Cheers!
-Christine
