25 November 2006

Updates

Coffee season is starting again. I have been terrible about keeping things updated lately. As so much has happened in the last month, I decided to make several entries so I can post and you can read at your leisure. (It may be awhile before the next update!)

PICTURE UPDATES ARE FINALLY HERE!!! (See the sidebar.)
A few of the things that are keeping me busy these days... :o)

Thanksgiving pies

My kitten... getting big!

Volunteer friends visiting

22 November 2006

New Work Projects

"So, now that your projects are finishing up, what will you do?" you ask. Well, that's a good question because life here is never dull! Courtney and I have found that working together on community projects is much more fun than alone. So besides finding more undeclared kids and following up with the stragglers, we have decided to dive into a very ambitious project. A few months ago, I was contemplating how I would keep in touch with my new "family" here, and I started thinking about ways to teach the youth computers. One option was to take some people down to Jarabacoa and spend time at the internet cafes. But this seemed very expensive and not very effective, so I began to dream bigger. In May, 2 days before the local elections, electricity arrived to Manabao and families living along the main road. Teaching computer classes at the liceo (high school) seemed a much more effective method. So I turned the idea over to Courtney and we began researching our new project. The director of the liceo is thrilled to get computers. The students currently have a Computer Theory class. Imagine... learning about a computer and programs without ever seeing a computer! But despite the enthusiasm, this will be a challenging project. For one, Courtney and I both have primary projects that we cannot neglect. Second, although electricity is now available in Manabao, the school is still not hooked up, nor are the rooms equipped with things like outlets. And naturally, the costs. To supply a computer lab large enough for a class of 25 students will be a challenge... but I think we're up to it! (And if you'd like to be a part of it, ask me how you can help!)

Acta de Nacimiento

Many of you have been interested in the birth certificate campaign Courtney and I have been working on. Well, after months of house visits, searching hospital records, and trying to understand the maze of bureaucratic DR, our hard work has been rewarded. On Oct 20, the DGDC (our government counterpart for this campaign) organized a ceremony for the families to receive their birth certificates. It was a typical show of political-ness. The families gathered i the church in Manabao, a rural town about 40 minutes outside of Jarabacoa. Our Peace Corps Country Director was there representing us, but Fernando insisted that we join the head table also. We were told we would have a few minutes to speak, and Courtney and I decided to thank the people that made it all possible - the community health promoters, the judge, the hospital director... As soon as the DGDC director arrived, we were off and running. Speeches were made - unusually short and to the point. When our turn arrived, we began by explaining the significance of the pins we were giving as thank yous. But as Courtney began to call up the different people, we were waved off and told "later".
The the interesting part began. They began calling out the names of the parents to receive the actas. As each parent came forward, a man was there to photograph them receiving the document... and a package of condoms. Nothing was said about the unusual "gift", but it made a statement on its own.
After all 75 certificates were handed out, everybody was herded to the back door where packages of food were given to the families. If the children were present, they received mosquito nets also. After everyone had gone through the line, the kids were lined up to get toys. In all, it was a big day for these families, although many were upset because their kids weren't there to get the gifts. As soon as the gifts were given out, the officials pulled up and out, leaving all the questions to Courtney and I.
Overall it was a very eye-opening experience to see how Dominicans run an event such as this. Courtney and I had our own feelings and reservations about the process, but we realized that all we could do was step back and let it happen. We would still be here, in the communities to answer questions, do follow-up, and thank the real players. Politics and appearances are very important in this country, and we got a front seat view this time around. Of course... the "officials" weren't the only visible ones. The following Monday, and still to this day, we get reports of how people saw us on the news! ...I do believe I've been on TV twice in this country now... and have yet to see myself!

17 November 2006

New Groups

One of the big reasons I've been MIA lately is a new group of volunteers that was doing training in my site. The group of 17 business volunteers arrived at the beginning of October to spend 5 weeks in the "campo" for Community Based Training (CBT). Some of you may recall my CBT experiences in Moca last year. Anyway, as part of "hosting" this group, Courtney and I helped find housing with local families in 4 communities. Once the group was here, we helped out in several of the training sessions, giving "charlas" (talks), or being available to supplement the material with our experiences, or just answering questions about what it's like to be a real volunteer. Of course... it wasn't ALL work. :o) I tagged along on a field trip to Ebano Verde Scientific Reserve (where we went swimming in a beautiful swimming hole with waterfalls), and had another run at the North Yaque River rapids. It was a great chance to get to know part of this new group of volunteers. This week they are all off visiting their new sites, and next week, right before Thanksgiving, they will swear in and become official Volunteers. Here's to the 2006-08 group! Best of luck!

The infamous jeepon (there were 18 of us in it!)

Rafting the Yaque del Norte