On Tuesday November 29, we taught HIV/AIDS lessons to students at Mnazi Primary School.

The student choir performed a few songs with excellent dance moves. After we held a question and answer session for teachers and students.

We finished the afternoon with a local arts group singing and dancing to promote HIV/AIDS awareness.

On Wednesday November 30, we traveled to Langatandoia Primary School, several miles from my village center. Local villagers who reside near the school were invited to watch the students perform and listen to the Doctors lesson. We were all amazed with the performances these young students created to share with us. They demonstrated the Elephants and Lion game, a short drama about stigma, and sang several songs.

Because they taught us through several arts examples we chose to change the lesson to a session based on asking them questions about HIV/AIDS. Students were very excited to receive Si Mchezo magazines for their correct answers. The day ended with the local adult arts group performing.

On Thursday December 1, we began the day at 5:30am, by prepping foods for our nutrition lesson. The official testing events began around 10 am.

The students from both primary schools performed for a crowd of over 500.

Doctor Wema announced that testing was open and all the local leaders at the high table entered the clinic for an HIV test.

Within a few short hours we used all 50 testing kits that were provided by the district.

a Big THANK YOU to Serendipity Endeavors of Livonia, NY for providing red ribbons for Mnazi World AIDS Day events. Everyone that attended and assisted with the testing day received a red ribbon.

Numbers show that 121 others came for testing but were turned away and advised to return again when more kits become available. The local arts group got the crowd excited again and performed several songs and skits. We then moved inside the clinic, with local leaders and members of "Upendo" our local PLWHA support group. Doctor Wema referenced true and false information on our new HIV/AIDS bulletin board and passed out nutrition packets to everyone.

We reviewed the information and discussed which foods best support ARV treatments. Before sharing a nutritious meal together, we allowed the small group of 52 to ask questions.

Changes--> In our original plan we wanted to attend Mnazi Secondary to provide HIV/AIDS education, but the school closed early after their final examinations. We decided to return in February when the school reopens with a push to jump start the health club again. Also another BIG change was with the project point person. DoctorHendrick Mangowi, had worked with me on every detail of this project. Just two weeks before the event, Doctor Bakari Wema returned from studying in Tanga to take over his original post at Mnazi Rural Health Center. Doctor Wema did an Outstanding job taking the leadership role of this project with very little time to catch up on the all details. Much of our work this year was focused on HIV/AIDS education and a push for testing. I believe this foundation of education will provide an environment where behavior change is possible in the future. MNAZI JUU!

Here's what I did during the week of my 30th birthday!

Map THIS!!! ...don't forget South Sudan

The World Map Project... a Peace Corps Classic

We moved walls... here is our new blank dirty canvas. The primary school is near the first wall we picked but those young wiper snappers with all their energy can be some what of a disturbance (imagine that).

The Headmaster and I shifted the World Map Project to a wall on the other side of the secondary school campus. This area is covered in shade most of the day making it a popular hang out during break time. A better choice indeed!

First things first, we cleaned the wall and then slapped on a fresh coat of white. It took about 4 liters to cover the entire wall. Here is my apprentice/ cousin/ small father, Jonson, up on the ladder.

We finish up the White Wall on Friday and let it dry over the weekend.

and then we did some math... Total area for the map: 252 cm x 504 cm. Since we are using the grid method to aid our drawing efforts, each grid square will be 9cm x 9cm.

We used a meter stick to measure the map area and started to paint the ocean blue as our map base. This was a excellent suggestion from the World Map Project Book, we won't have to worry about painting the water around all those tiny islands later on!

All the students are excited to help out. They wouldn't let me paint for more than a few minutes at a time.

Last touches of blue on Monday afternoon.

... So Fresh and So Clean!

We got back to work on Wednesday by drawing the GRID lines. We used white chalk to draw the lines so they can be easily erased later on after drawing. Our grid is made up of 28 rows and 56 columns, with a total of 1,568 squares.

Coming Soon... Drawing and Painting THE WORLD MAP!!!

Yum a Liberry... Even tastier than a strawberry!

So as we wait for the library structure to be completed we are in process of requesting book donations, creating a floor plan for the furniture and organizing our current inventory.

There are so many NGO's that give used books but most of them send in Sea Containers. With 10,000- 25,000 books inside they can be very difficult to manage at customs and with transport to the village. We have decided to avoid the hassle and focus on small donors and maintaining the books we do have.

Here we are making a plan to organize our current room that houses the few beat up books we have.

Each student was given a different course subject and tasked to write down the author, title, publisher and quantity of books in the book room.

We had a lot of work, but about 10 students volunteered to help.

...and it got worse before it got better... YIKES!

Starting to get things in order... Mwalimu (Teacher) Shabani was a great leader for this task! Bravo!

Much Better and ready to get moved to the NEW Library when it is finished.

Here is the current state of the new library...

and a peak inside!

Next set of tasks: follow up with small scale book donors and the Tanzanian Library Board Services for librarian training.

What do most girls ask for for their birthday 9th birthday???

I’m guessing an I-pod upgrade, a better cell phone plan with more txt messages, her own bathroom, fashionable clothing… and I’m sure this list would be updated on an hourly basis.

But not my Anna Ndizi (banana in Swahili) she gave away her 9th birthday to help others. That’s right, my fantastic and incredibly selfless NINE year old niece chose to ask family and friends to make donations to my Peace Corps projects instead of receiving presents.

In honor of Anna’s 9th Birthday and generous donation, here’s what we are planning:

The World Map Project www.theworldmapproject.com

Barbara Jo White (Dominican Republic '87-'89) created The World Map Project while serving in the Peace Corps.

Our blank canvas. We chose this wall at the school because it gets the most foot traffic and this wing is closest to the neighboring primary school. The plan is to assign numbers to all the countries after painting. On the left side of the map we will write the country names in English and on the right side in Kiswahili. This will give all the students at the secondary school and primary access to it.

The Form 4 students will finish NECTA exams next week (13/10) and then we can get started. First a fresh coat of white for the whole wall. Then we will measure the 2.52 meter by 5.4 meter space for the map. That entire section will be painted blue and then the grid drawing will begin. After that painting and labels…

photo taken from the WMP website. We hope ours will be this GREAT! Book Donations for the new library

The construction of the secondary school library began in January. The ceiling beams and large rocks for the floor are the latest update to our progress. If all goes well the library will open in December 2011. The biggest problem we face for the future library is the lack of quality books. The few books we have are outdated and in poor condition. We only have one book (three copies) on the English required reading list from the ministry of education. This year, my form 4 students, 72 in all, shared one English to Kiswahili dictionary. Can you imagine trying to study physics or chemistry in a foreign language without a dictionary to help translate?

Anna’s birthday money will go towards buying books, dictionaries, and study guides from local publishers. I will work with my headmaster to form a small committee of students and teachers to create a wish list and to find book dealers who can give us a discount for buying in bulk. To round out our libraries book selection, I am in contact with the Tanzania Library Services Board and several local NGO’s that coordinate overseas book donations. Last but not least I am reading Libraries for All, a great book on how to set up and manage a library. Once the building is complete and we have books I look forward to holding training sessions for those students who want to work as librarians.

HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY ANNA + I LOVE YOU! I am so Proud of YOU! and Thank You to everyone who made a donation to Anna.

and some Stevie Wonder just for the b-day girl:'Cause we all know in our minds

That there ought to be a time

That we can set aside

To show just how much we love you

And I'm sure you will agree

It couldn't fit more perfectly

Than to have a world party on the day you came to be

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday

When I returned back to site from asuccessful MSC (mid service conference) I found my house was glowing!I had solar power installed while I was off in Dar sharing bestpractices with my fellow PCVs.

This is LIFE changing (because I havepower) in just the past few days I...

Typed & sent applications to the embassy via email giving two secondary students a chance to attend a leadership conference in America. Gave three friends basic computer lessons. Uploaded American music to my friends phone Typed and emailed my application to be a facilitator at the next PSTStudied Swahili at nightWatched a few episodes of Glee

MOST IMPORTANTLYI made an online donation to support my friends primary school renovation project.

Yes, even on my $170/month budget Iwas able to give. I support this community's effort to finish work ontheir dilapidated primary school. I hope you can read on below, howthe whole village will be positively affected by adonation.

What your money will DO:

1.Complete construction on existing structures to allow neededexpansion of school classrooms.

2. Construct school library thatwould be available to all community members for continue education.

3. Through construction phase of project create skill buildingtraining sessions for out of school youth. (i.e. carpenter skills,cement laying skills, brick building and laying skills)

4.Through Primary School Renovation Committee train members (includingwomen) project management and financial book keeping skills.

5.Build/Strengthen Collaboration efforts between community groups bothformal and informal.

Thinking about getting me a 30th birthdaygift or Christmas present... Instead please make a donation

HOW CAN YOU HELP THIS COMMUNITY? click the link below____________

Primary School Renovation Project

and she is already planning her trip to return next year!

Here is a glimpse at our Safi Safari experience(Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti)

and time in my village (Tanga Region). Out of all the amazing places my mom saw in Tanzania-

she voted my village TOP on her list.

It's the people, they are amazing!



link to website here:Hoopoe Safaris!

Our Guide Freddy. If you are thinking about a safari... Freddy is The Man!

WOW! Sorry Disney Land- THIS is the HAPPIEST place on Earth!

and then we made it to my house in the village... After an 8 hour bus ride from Moshi with several people piled on our laps Mama was ready for her first bucket bath!

My Church Family- The Sunday Morning Party Posse!

Mama Singo and Mama Mati

Mama Mati getting her grind on~ Coconut is a must if you're making rice!

The Final Product from Mama Singo- SO TASTY!

Last but not least, two shots from behind my families house.

My favorite place in my village, its magical! Martha my favorite Mama "in the know" She seems to have the gossip before it even happens.

This a great story from back in December when I went on my first date in Tanzania. Eric took me out to dinner in Morogoro to a restaurant near the bus stand. I was happy with his pick-the place had nice vibe- traditional Tanzanian food and live music. It was almost 8pm and we were both hungry and ordered fries cooked in fried eggs. Within a ten minutes our food was ready, we both got our dinner plates but only Eric’s came to the table with a fork. He called the waiter back over and asked for another fork. Simple right? I looked over at the kitchen area and a bunch of people were in a heated discussion and pointing at me. I didn’t think too much of it since I was the only white person around. Its quite normal to be on parade when I’m in public. Then all the sudden the cook came out from the kitchen and over to our table. In Kiswahili he said "You want Fork?" Eric said "Yes, we need a fork" that was when the cook simply replied, “I am fork... my name is Fork.” We had a good laugh as we simultaneously realized the mistake and the irony of Fork working in a restaurant. P.S. I met a man named Onion on Easter Sunday…

44 students from the secondary school, 2 teachers and ME ----->we successfully climbed up the Western side of the Usambara Mountains!

Last week I was ecstatic and shouting from my tin roof top that I was invited to attend the mock student Parliament session… only later I found out this meant I had to climb the mountain behind my house to get there. I thought sure I’m capable of this… I mean if it was that difficult of a climb- they wouldn’t have asked me right???

All the village elders were shocked, and everyone’s reaction was the same, “YOU CAN???…. HA HA HA!!!”

I get this a lot… everyday in fact, about each and everything I attempt to do. Friends, family, local acquaintances in the village all challenge me with the, “YOU CAN???” I’ll admit I get frustrated by their lack of confidence in me, but in the end I know it’s good for me. These “you can?” convos ends up lighting a fire under my ass, triggering my ego into full force and giving me the drive to CLIMB that Damn Mountain!

ENJOY…

On our way to the path… Students carried buckets filled with food and water to enjoy at the top. It looks like a little hill… right?

The crossing of the river… always fun~ My friends love it when I piggy back them across! (sparking another “you can???” moment)

I love TZ’s communal culture! The other teachers and students were constantly offered to carry my backpack.

View of the Pare Mountain Range

At the base where we met before the climb… most of the students had ripped off various parts of their uniforms by this point. This is by far the most skin I have ever seen in this country.

Getting up there!

This is my hood.

We made it~ SAFI SANA! Everyone looking so Smart!

Our captive audience: secondary students from the mountain school.

Reviewing notes before the session officially started.

Madam Speaker!

The young man standing is my cousin, Jonson from my village… but I call him “Tate mfupi” ( short father in my local language) He is one of the privileged few that I’ve piggybacked across the river!

Moody preachin’ it… he always has “interesting” questions during Health Club meetings.

These kids rocked it~ I’m so proud of them!

Future members of Parliament!



“Wrap it up B… we Got a Dance Party to start!”

My new best buddy~ Athumani, a Form 6 leaver teaching while he waits for his test results, ready to move on to University level studies. He organized the trip and made sure I made it up! This was his announcement of the 10 minute Dance PARTY before heading home.

Stepin it out Kiduku Style!

So you think you can dance?

The way back down… don’t be fooled, the path wasn’t at all this easy…. this was the only area I felt safe enough to have my camera out during the descent.



Last chance to grab the view!

Hello and greeetings to all!

Thanks for sticking with me after a dry spell from the Blogging world... what can I say, Intergration was taking place! oh yeah its happening everyday if Im lucky! I can now say the hardest part is over... I have found my way into the community and I feel loved!

I was thanksful for all the recent letters and Christmas cards Big Big Thanks to> Johnston Family, Hendrickson Family, Small group at Livonia Methodist church and Wilson Foundation Academy Photo Club *yes the photos came and Im working hard for a quick turn around! All the love in my mail box is a huge boost to my sprits!

With only 2 teachers at the Secondary school in my village my local friends have encouraged me to start teaching English...yes only two teachers for the whole school! I took that as a sign I better get to the school and start teaching something... Heres what that looks like>

Im working with students to start a Health Club after school. They are very excited and motivated and 44 senior students, Form 4, showed up to the first meeting and 18 to the second meeting. I enjoyed having only 18, it allowed us to have deeper disscussions with everyone having a chance to participate. They want to focus on HIV/AIDS and STDs as our first topic of study. Our goal is to educate the community through art... visual posters, songs and drama/performance. I am pushing them to make all the decisions and take charge of the group. Im really glad I feel comfortable talking about sex because the youth have A LOT of questions and really enjoy asking me about each and everything. Im looking forward to getting my wooden penis model for condom demos!

Time is flying... March is coming up and I hope to spend that time focusing how this club will be sustainable after I leave. During, April I will travle to a regional training to meet with my fellow PCVs for a week. In May I hope I get an invite to the PC TZ 50th Annivsery party in Dar es Salaam *I did design the 50th Ann Kanga... wink wink. and I think at the end of the month a visit from my MAMA! and all the while I have a budding romance with a wonderful Tanzanian man, yes Mom beware he wants to ask you when he can marry me as soon as you get off the plane.

So yes! Life IS good... if I could just get this ringworm to go away!

AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL! The support is amazing and just what I need!

Hello... This is for all those people out there who have been asking for a Blog update.

I am just writting a random stream of information and hope you all can make sense of it. pardon the grammer and spell errors!

So my life in village is coming along- Big NEWS

I went to church last Sunday and plan to go back again tomorrow! I made friends with two sisters in their 20's who go every week. They are wonderful and even helped me do my laundry on Thursday. Handwashing is not so much fun... But I do enjoy removing corn kernals from the cob so while Hellena was washing my clothing I took over on corn duty.

I have a garden- with okra, sweet potatoe greens, tomatoes, cassava, papya and spinich (the chickens ate that thou) plan on replanting this week not that I have a good fence.

I just got a huge package from my family and am super thankfull for everything in the giant box! The bucket with water nozzel is awesome and the beef jerkey was gone in 10min. I cant wait to use the chocolate-peanut butter spread on chapati (local flat bread) - I may save this for my b-day ; )

The other box - "The Johnston box" got charged custom fees... Not sure how I'm going to get around it but a friend said he would help next week- so for now the markers and silly bands will sit at the post office.

It makes me so happy to know that so may people care to hear how I'm doing... and want me to write!

I will be back next weekend to write!

GO YANKEES!

Welcome to PC Tanzania... I just started the toughest job I'll ever love!

The Swearing In Ceremony at the Ambassador's home was impressive. Dan and Rebeca knocked it out of the park with a speech the both English and Kiswahili. Toni rocked the Mic with Logan and Lauren~ and the dancers =Alli + Nicole and others got down with their bad selves. The food was great - and for some reason the cutting of the cake was like a wedding ceremony? (thanks for the show Nicole and Justin~ way to feed each other) After the ceremony was went to the CD's house for a delicious dinner. I felt at home with her delightful family. I purchased solar light that I can use to charge my cell phone and now I'm ready to serve!

Tomorrow I'll meet my VEO (Village Executive Officer) and Village Chairman at the DEDs Office (District Executive Director) I'm so excited to move into my house + get settled in and give Mama Fatuma a big hug! The pictures from the big day are to slow to load so I'll post next time I get to a faster location. Here I go... wish me luck!

For those of you who requested a picture ~ Happy Birthday Sammy!

Chilling at MATI! Me, Rebecca and Alli~ ENJOY

We got into Dar last night (about an eight hour bus ride from Mwanga) Heading back to Kilulu tomorrow. We spent the day at the Peace Corps Office- opening bank accounts, reviewing medical paperwork and enjoying lectures from John Bhutto. Several PCTs ventured down to city center to explore after our sessions. Everyone spent their living allowance on fun stuff except me... I'm saving up to furnish my safi crib (clean house) in the coming weeks. One of the Dar taxi drivers nicknamed me Michelle Obama (because I'm from US?) and Rebecca was calling my Sugga Mama since I have saved the most money in our group. We had eight PCT's in a taxi heading back to the hostel for the night... but the driver pulled over in an alley mid ride and said, "Get OUT, Your KILLING my car!" Good times had by all~

This weekend we will have our farewell party in Kilulu. I'm sad to leave but happy to only be moving a few hours up the road. Rebecca and Dan went to Lushoto for shadow and shared that its heaven on earth! The excitement is building!

<3 SJ

Happy Belated Birthday Chris!!!

I got a Phone -----------> (+255) 0788819269

Yesterday we got our site announcements ...I'm headed to a village outside of Lushoto to work in a clinic. Its in Tanga Region - same region where I have been training- (heres some copied and pasted info)

Lushoto (German: Wilhelmstal, "William's Valley" named after Emperor Wilhelm II) is one of the seven districts of the Tanga Region of Tanzania. It is bordered to the northeast by Kenya, to the east by the Muheza District, to the northwest by the Kilimanjaro Region and to the south by the Korogwe District. During the German colonial period from the 1890s to 1918 the area was popular with settlers, hence the German place name of Wilhelmstal. Large farms and plantations were created, and the district was valued for its pleasant mountain climate. Numerous Church missions were, and remain, active. Between 1893 and 1911 the German Ostafrikanische Eisenbahngesellschaft (East African Railway Cooperation), constructed an important railway line starting at Tanga on the coast and passing along the Usambara Mountains with a station established at Mombo, about 20 kilometers from Wilhelmstal, to "New" Moshi at Kilamanjaro. The initial plan of the Usambarabahn was to connect the port of Tanga with Lake Victoria by passing south of the Usambara Mountains. This was in direct competition with parallel British efforts in colonial Kenya. From 4th of June 1912 to 12th of May 1913 the line was renamed Nordbahn (Northern Railway) for a short period.

Safi Sana! I don't have too much info about my village yet but Nassoro (APCD) said I have an awesome Mama named Fatuma ready to take me under her wing.

This weekend ten of us traveled to Moshi. I ate an outstanding cheeseburger today... still drooling about it~ maybe I'll have to go back for another. Tomorrow (Sunday) we will break up into groups of two and three to shadow current PCV's at their sites. I will be spending a few days in Mwanga with Brandon and Nat before heading back to Dar on Wednesday. Brandon (PCV) commissioned me to make some art at his site- he requested a mural. (I'll try to update with pics while in Dar)

I recieved my first package yesterday. It was like Christmas...I shared the starbursts with my fellow PCT's + PCV's of the week, Language Facilitators and the children in my village- Everyone loved them - I love getting mail... Hint hint. Thanks Mom and Evans Family! My Brothers and Sisters at home stay love the cartoon cards. If you see one with Scoobie Doo be sure to send it. +Way to go Alli~ Percussion! Yeaaaa I'm so proud of you!

Home stay is almost over... Life is Calling & getting very real... Send your LOVE ~ I need it!

VACATIONING @ Mkoma Bay!

Pictures are better than words...

Much needed rest and relaxation happening!

Here are some updates on home stay. The permagarden is up and running at Kilulu primary school~ The students helped us dig, plant and water. We had so much fun and hope this will be a model for next years CBT's to follow.

Rockin the Jembe!

Water time~

This is the area before we started.

I LOVE YOU ALL! Enjoy~

Greetings from Kilulu a small village outside of Muheza (Tanga Region). I have been staying with the Mkumbo family for almost a month and I love them! I feel so blessed to be here... where else would I be???

Dada Hawa (Sister Hawa) went back to school last week and won't come home again until December. I hope the family and I can plan a trip to see her before I move to my post. (I need to hear her say "How you Doin'?" like Wendy Williams just one more time!) Kaka Ally (Brother Ally) wears a Scooby Doo T-shirt and I love saying "Scooby Doobie Doo!" to him. The whole family gets in on it... but then it turns into "Roobie roobie zoo!"

Most of my fellow PCT's purchased phones last week. I'm waiting to find a solar charged phone and hope to get one tomorrow. I look forward to being able to say hello to my friends and family in the US.

My Kiswahili midterm is coming up on Friday. I have a lot to prepare for the oral and written exam. After the exam the whole group will travel to the beach for our first weekend off- much needed R & R!

This Tuesday my small group (Rebecca, Paul, Cameron, Steven and myself) in Kilulu will plant a permagarden at the primary school. We hope to have the childern from the school help us and take ownership of the garden as a income generating activity. I can't wait to practice using my Jembe(a local tool used to hoe) Everyone in town gets a kick out of me swinging my Jembe... well they laugh at everything I do.

I LOVE lost in translation moments! Last week someone yelled out from a passing an orange truck, "External people, How are you?!" I could laugh about this for weeks.

God Bless Peace Corps Tanzania! I have learned more in the past three days than in the past 28 years of my life. I have been in Dar es Salaam since Wednesday evening (6.16.10) and I love it here. The food is delicious. This is a typical lunch here at the hostel.

We spend a lot of time eating! I have my own room with a private toilet and shower. My room is nice and very clean.

I must say the flights from America were INSANELY long but well worth it.

Tanzanians are very friendly and very funny! My language and culture training started yesterday. It is intense but I have the best teacher, Vivian! He explained that many people think Vivian is a womans name, but this is not true. He also told us that his AKA is “Big Boy.” Some of the lessons include spelling words while he dictates… Unfortunately, my lack of spelling skills have transferred to Kiswahili and this is my weakest skill. Everything else is NZURI SANA! (very good)

We all will learn how to grow and maintain our own permagardens while we are with our host families in Muheza. I found out today that I will be in the village of Kilulu for home stay, this area is predominantly Muslim. There are four other PCT’s staying in Kilulu. I learned my family has a cell phone but I will need to ask them permission to give it out. We travel to home stay families as a group on Wednesday, June 23, 2010. I am very excited!(Map of all the villages around Muheza)

I miss everyone very much but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world. I have not read any of the letters that my mom collected yet but I did tear up when I looked through the bag. I was overwhelmed with LOVE when I saw how many people are supporting me. I will waiting until I need some extra encouragement, right now I am Nzuri Sana. *This is ALWAYS the Tanzania’s answer.(Alli with here Malaria prophylaxis.) I may have left an Alli and Anna in Livonia but I gained two more-> Alli and Anna PCTs! & many other new friends! Shots, Shots, Shots I am no longer afraid of needles. We have one American and one Tanzanian doctor, together they make an outstanding team!

Check out the beautiful Katanga I bought at the store with in the hostel compound. (TZ COLORS!) Some things never change --> I'm shopping for clothing…Shocking. Appearance is very important in Tanzanian culture. I have to be well dressed and clean to be accepted. I am looking forward to going to the tailor to make this fabric into a dress!

This beautiful stool represents the three steps to success: Observe, Do, Teach. (Asante Peter – I love visual examples!) Kwaheri! (good bye) I’m off to dinner and rest.

Oh PS I will need to give art lesson to John AKA" THE MAN"- This is the flip day 1.

Male Call! ... Mail Call -------->

Dear friends and family please keep in touch.

I look forward to reading handwritten letters. Get ready to get your snail mail on.

My training address will be valid until 8.18.10 (This is my official Swearing in Day)

I will travel to my post site on 8.19.10 & update my new address.

Helpful hints:-Make sure you're using Airmail

-Number letters so I know if one gets lost (Mail can delivery can be sporadic)-Use padded envelopes over boxes (It is expensive to clear packages through customs)-Write "educational materials" when sending packages in writing that looks official

The information below came from: “The Insider’s Guide to the Peace Corps” by Dillon Banerjee:

“There are a few things you can do to help hasten and secure the passage and delivery of your mail. Have anyone sending you a care package scribble religious symbols and biblical quotes all over the outside of the box. This sounds silly, but it works. Though many of the countries in which the Peace Corps serves are largely animist in religion, superstition runs high and even corrupt postal workers are wary of intercepting religious parcels. Along every step of the way, your mail will be subject to the whims of postal officials, customs officers, and delivery personnel who often take the liberty of rummaging through care packages in search of goodies from the U.S. If you mail is embellished with religious symbols, the odds of keeping it intact are improved. You may even want to ask the sender to write “Sister” or “Brother” before your name, to heighten the effect. Another trick is to have your mail addressed to you in red ink. I’ve been told red ink is somewhat sacrosanct in many third world societies and is reserved for only the most official of letters and correspondences. Though I’m unsure about this explanation’s validity, I can vouch for the trick’s effectiveness, having seen several packages addressed in red ink delivered safely and expeditiously.”

It's Raining Mail! Amen!

7,900 miles...

Back to basics… some copied and pasted info

A Proud History

The legacy of Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship.

Since its inception in 1961, the Peace Corps’s goal has been to promote world peace and friendship by:

• Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women

• Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the people served

• Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans

Health Education Program in Tanzania

The idea for the Health Education project came from Peace Corps Volunteer secondary school teachers who were observing many HIV/AIDS-related problems at their schools and the culture of silence which surrounded the issue. Volunteers saw great needs and opportunities to get involved in HIV/AIDS prevention education. At the same time, the Ministry of Education and Culture (MOEC) has started to address HIV/AIDS, having developed Guidelines for HIV/AIDS Prevention in 1996. The idea for the project was welcomed by the MOEC, and the project plan was developed jointly by the MOEC and Peace Corps in 2000.

By 2004, experience had shown that it was difficult to work effectively as a teacher and as a health educator at the same time. The duties and responsibilities of teaching were too demanding, leaving little time for health education. In 2004, the project was redesigned so that health education volunteers could work solely as health educators. In this new project, health education volunteers work in multiple settings reaching primary school and secondary school students as well as their teachers, health service providers and their clients at health centers and with community groups such as mamas’ and youth groups. In provision of health education Volunteers focus on HIV/AIDS and Life Skills. Tanzania has a variety of structures embedded in communities to help in combating the pandemic of HIV/AIDS. Such structure include HIV/AIDS committees, committees for the elderly and Associations for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). HIV/AIDS prevention education has expanded beyond the biology of HIV/AIDS to include nutrition for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs, PLWHAs and those taking ARVs.

In 2008, the Project began another review and is being shaped to address other important health needs in addition to HIV/AIDS prevention. Health Education Volunteers now also help to support their communities to combat tuberculosis, diarrheal diseases, malaria, and malnutrition (commonly addressed as Primary Health Care- PHC) as well as encouraging income-generating projects for people affected by HIV and AIDS, including Orphans and Vulnerable Children.