Hello from Vanuatu!
More (pronounced Mor-ay, hello in the language of Paama Island) from Vanuatu in the South Pacific! I am happy to report that I am doing well and have completed 15 months of a total 27 months of Peace Corps service. My end of service is December 2010...so one more year!
A little about what I am doing here…my primary job is to advise and work with the RTC or Rural Training Center which is a vocational school that teaches skills such as agriculture, business, home care (sewing, cooking) and carpentry to the community and to students after they’ve completed secondary school. I hope to bring computer and mechanics courses to the RTC by the end of my service. Secondary projects can range from teaching at the primary school (I teach English and Math to years 2 and 4) to conducting workshops about the environment, health and grant writing.
More (pronounced Mor-ay, hello in the language of Paama Island) from Vanuatu in the South Pacific! I am happy to report that I am doing well and have completed 15 months of a total 27 months of Peace Corps service. My end of service is December 2010...so one more year!
A little about what I am doing here…my primary job is to advise and work with the RTC or Rural Training Center which is a vocational school that teaches skills such as agriculture, business, home care (sewing, cooking) and carpentry to the community and to students after they’ve completed secondary school. I hope to bring computer and mechanics courses to the RTC by the end of my service. Secondary projects can range from teaching at the primary school (I teach English and Math to years 2 and 4) to conducting workshops about the environment, health and grant writing.
One particular secondary project I've been passionate about is A Basket for Change…another volunteer, Brianna Russell living in a nearby village and I conduct workshops with the women of Paama to teach them how to sew baskets (bags) out of calico known for their colorful island style prints. Along with helping them to determine costs, money management and quality, the women of Paama are given an opportunity to earn money for their children’s school fees as well as for foods that must be purchased. (They are subsistence farmers, growing most of their food.) Their average income each week is only about $1-$2 from selling produce at the local market. The mamas have been appreciative and proud to be able to earn money for their families.
Well, it’s been a difficult, humbling, amazing and enlightening journey thus far. The primitive and simple life here has its upsides and downsides and as much as I yearn for electricity, a running shower/toilet, ice cream and familiar faces…I realize I’ll miss island time and this slow pace of life one day when I am inundated with meetings and deadlines.A few things I’ve reflected upon during my Peace Corps service…
☼ learn to embrace the difficult times…they can only make you stronger and can open doors to other opportunities
☼ slow down, breathe and take time to give thanks and remember to enjoy the view
☼ waste not, want not…we all should do our part to conserve, reuse and recycleI’ve also realized more than ever that I am blessed to have amazing family and friends. Without the support, love and encouragement, I would have called it quits months ago. Thank you.
Peace and love,
amy
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