Citizens of the world ask not what America can do for you… but what together we can do for the freedom of man.
-John F. Kennedy
Another Saturday among classes, my 36 fellow volunteers, trainers and the beautiful weather of Banganté. I think that the weather may be even cooler than the weather in Texas. I can easily focus myself on the positives of this country, although I admit that there are some moments when I feel like a plug in one hole, when there are many other holes to be corrected. I don’t know if I’m at will to discuss this here. Corruption is the biggest issue of course. We are told to “teach corruption without teaching corruption” when we get to our classrooms, through imaginary stories and such. We are also encouraged to teach about women empowerment, AIDS, and environmental issues (like litter problems). People can buy a college degree, and that alone drives education away from the people that need it. Over all, I lean on education as the best resource, so it makes me glad to be getting the necessary training to teach well (even if I’m terrified of writing lesson plans currently!). I find comfort when I need it in the words, “take it day by day”; otherwise, it could be overwhelming.
I have African clothes!! After going to the seamstress with Merineau, I returned to my beautiful dresses and skirts. I know that I won’t fully fit in, but my clothes get me a little closer to becoming Camerounaise. Picture me strutting through the market… la blanche, they say… being called to bargain with a few locals, and maybe I will attempt that game today.
