9 Months In!

Today marks 9 months here in Senegal. Time is just flying by, and all of a sudden, I am busy with work. I have several projects going on --  gardening, murals, computers and numerous meetings. I am feeling more "at home" everyday. Even though my host family doesn't think that my Wolof skills are up to par, everyone else that I talk to in town compliments me on my language improvement. I am finished with one-third of my service, and am looking forward to the rest of my time here. I am very thankful for all of the loving support from my friends and family back in the States. My parents especially have been so supportive. I never really thought about how hard this would be on them, but they are acting like champs. I am truly blessed to have such loving and supportive parents. On that note, one of the many reasons why I love my mom...her sense of humor:

Skype conversation:
[10:11:54 PM] Laura Livesay: so today marks 9 months in country :)


[10:13:06 PM] Mom & Dad: WOO HOO!!! I remembered that earlier today. That's like having a baby but no pooh to clean up HA HA
 
Love it!!!

Computers!!!

Hello all! I am working in colaboration with several other Peace Corps volunteers and World Computer Exchange to bring computers to Senegal. I have requested 15 for the city of Dahra. The Mayor's office has agreed to supply a place (local youth center), electricity, chairs, tables, ect. for these computers. After installing the computers in Dahra, I hope to start teaching basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, and internet) and then train local Senegalese to teach IT after I return to the States. Below is the link to our webpage on World Computer Exchange. If you can help finance this project, I would greatly appreciate it. If computers are not your thing, no worries...I will have other opportunities later on that I will need help financing :) Thanks!

http://www.worldcomputerexchange.org/greatest-need-senegal

Project One = Success!

My first official project has come and gone...quite successfully if I do say so myself :) One of the missionaries in Dahra approached me about managing a "green space" project at the local middle school. I agreed and started working. Originally, the missionary had a missions team coming in that were willing to finance the project; they were going to have a local florist complete the work. I was able to step in, cut the cost of the project in half, act as interpreter, and get the school more involved in the project so as to promote ownership, which in turn will help with sustainability. An environmental club was formed (30-40 students) under the leadership of 4 science teachers and the school director. We held a meeting with everyone to introduce ourselves and discuss the project. The teachers did a wonderful job of explaining to the students the benefits of planting trees, how this experience would continue their classroom learning, and that the girls were just as capable as the boys to help with the project.

Environmental Club students

Partners!

We met one evening to start prepping the land for the project. Luckily, my PTA (program and training assistant) had arrived for a site visit and got to see me in action (great success!).

A few days later, we all met again to start planting. We planted two sets of hedges, ten fruit trees, ground covering, two ornamental trees, and some bushes. I do not have pictures yet of the work day, but here is the finished project:

A week later, Abby (an urban agriculture volunteer) visited the school to teach the students how to make a tree nursery. The students then helped to fill fifty tree sacks which were later sowed with shade tree seeds.
Overall, I consider this project a great success and hope to continue working with this school with future projects.