The last week and a half of camps have practically flown by, and as we drove away from the screaming, waving, Malawian school children this afternoon it was difficult to believe that it was for the final time. Last week, we ran two three-day camps at Kalamba and Mpemba FP schools, and we rounded off the session with a two day program this week with city children at a center called YOSSA. The highlight of the past week, however, definitely had to be our homestay experiences Friday Night in the villages outside Mpemba FPS.
Volunteers helped shuck corn, learned to tie babies to their backs, toured the villages on bicycles, and even got to stir the nsima in the many different houses in which we stayed. None of our evenings would have been complete, however, without the community dance circle in which the “azungus” were the stars of the show. In front of a huge crowd of women and children, volunteers were called out and invited to sing or to dance. For many of us, this mini jam session went on forever, as the villagers never seemed to run out of songs to sing or enthusiasm for watching us try to dance.
The sense of being a special guest to the whole villages was one of the common threads tying together a myriad of homestay experiences, which ranged from crowds of staring children to surprise goat and chicken guests in the middle of the night. The people went out of their way to accommodate the large crowd of volunteers that needed homes. Overall, it can safely be said that the homestay was one of the more interesting, and at times, eye-opening, experiences that we have had this session and everyone came back to the house safe and content, although a little bit tired and extremely dirty.
As we head off to spend some relaxing days of rest and self-evaluation on Lake Malawi tomorrow, it seems weird to think that, come Sunday, the majority of us will be on our way back to our homelands. At the lake, we will be able to spend the next couple days reflecting on the things we have done, the people we have met, and the experiences we have shared. Malawi has been our home for the past four and a half weeks, and the country has offered something different to each and every one of us.
-Heather
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Camp 4 and Empowerment
***Sorry for the delay in posting. Should be another one coming tonight, so check back!
We returned from Zambia Wednesday evening and started our fourth camp on Thursday morning. With the exception of the windy (thus very dusty) weather conditions, camp was successful. The teachers at Mdunje primary school were extremely welcoming and open to sharing information and ideas with the World Camp team.
Empowerment sessions also went really well with this school. On the second day of each camp, we hold empowerment sessions to open a dialogue with the students about sex, gender, HIV/AIDS and decision-making. Boys and girls are divided into classes by their age, so that we can address issues and topics that are specific to the student’s gender and age group. During these sessions, we encourage students to share their goals and aspirations and how they can achieve them through positive decision-making. Puberty, menstruation and pregnancy are also explained, as students often have questions about their bodies and the changes they are experiencing. Sex is discussed more in depth with the older students of each school and we address the positive and negative consequences of their decisions regarding sex.
As sex is often a difficult subject for teenagers to discuss, World Camp has incorporated anonymous questions into our empowerment curriculum. Students write down questions and WC teachers answer all questions openly and honestly. With limited access to resources and lack of channels for communication about sex in their communities, anonymous questions offer the students a chance to have their questions about sex answered. Malawian teenagers are no different than youth from all around the world and anonymous questions allow for WC teachers to clear-up common teenage misconceptions about sex and their bodies.
Empowerment sessions usually have mixed reviews during our nightly evaluations of the camp; some groups of students are more open to discussion than others. Reviews were extremely positive for camp at Mdunje, as the students were quite inquisitive and spirited.
Today has been a day of rest for the volunteers including church services and trips to the market. We have two camps this coming week, with a homestay on Friday night. Posts about our homestay visits to come…
-Jenn
We returned from Zambia Wednesday evening and started our fourth camp on Thursday morning. With the exception of the windy (thus very dusty) weather conditions, camp was successful. The teachers at Mdunje primary school were extremely welcoming and open to sharing information and ideas with the World Camp team.
Empowerment sessions also went really well with this school. On the second day of each camp, we hold empowerment sessions to open a dialogue with the students about sex, gender, HIV/AIDS and decision-making. Boys and girls are divided into classes by their age, so that we can address issues and topics that are specific to the student’s gender and age group. During these sessions, we encourage students to share their goals and aspirations and how they can achieve them through positive decision-making. Puberty, menstruation and pregnancy are also explained, as students often have questions about their bodies and the changes they are experiencing. Sex is discussed more in depth with the older students of each school and we address the positive and negative consequences of their decisions regarding sex.
As sex is often a difficult subject for teenagers to discuss, World Camp has incorporated anonymous questions into our empowerment curriculum. Students write down questions and WC teachers answer all questions openly and honestly. With limited access to resources and lack of channels for communication about sex in their communities, anonymous questions offer the students a chance to have their questions about sex answered. Malawian teenagers are no different than youth from all around the world and anonymous questions allow for WC teachers to clear-up common teenage misconceptions about sex and their bodies.
Empowerment sessions usually have mixed reviews during our nightly evaluations of the camp; some groups of students are more open to discussion than others. Reviews were extremely positive for camp at Mdunje, as the students were quite inquisitive and spirited.
Today has been a day of rest for the volunteers including church services and trips to the market. We have two camps this coming week, with a homestay on Friday night. Posts about our homestay visits to come…
-Jenn
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Lake Malawi
So, yeah, we just got back from the Lake and it was AMAZING. More like an ocean than a lake really, Lake Malawi (aka: "the Calendar Lake") is 365 miles long and 52 miles across. Which meant that we couldn't even see the shore on the other side and had to content ourselves with looking at canoes, islands, swimming children, and rare types of fish of every kind... really not such a bad deal in the long run. The first day at the Lake a few of us attempted to swim out to a certain "lizard island" about a mile away from shore, but gave up after going approximately 1/117th of the way and returned to come lounge on the beautiful beach instead. Never fear though, for we were later redeemed when we took a boat dubbed BAD NEWS sailed by the very competent "Captain Magic" out to the island and frolicked amongst the large lizards and colorful fish. That night we spent our time chilling around the "Cool Runnings" camp ground (basically a
hippie heaven on earth) climbing trees, playing bao, stalking some especially attractive Danish boys, hunting for books from the lodge library complete with Tolstoy and Hugo, ordering passion fruit Fanta from the bar, and consuming some especially delicious vegetarian fare. The tents we slept in were quite an adventure, as were the ants that seemed to be rather attracted to our sleeping bags and clothes... let's just say that it's gonna be nice to sleep in a real bed again tonight. Anyways, the rest of our time at the Lake was spent in much the same way as the first day, as we continued to enjoy the beautiful landscape and our relaxation time in between our very busy teaching schedules. We also taught one afternoon for a couple hours to a group of students at the lake.(Written yesterday)
PS On the way home, some of the more adventuresome of us tried some of the culinary delights available along the road. Pictures to follow...
hippie heaven on earth) climbing trees, playing bao, stalking some especially attractive Danish boys, hunting for books from the lodge library complete with Tolstoy and Hugo, ordering passion fruit Fanta from the bar, and consuming some especially delicious vegetarian fare. The tents we slept in were quite an adventure, as were the ants that seemed to be rather attracted to our sleeping bags and clothes... let's just say that it's gonna be nice to sleep in a real bed again tonight. Anyways, the rest of our time at the Lake was spent in much the same way as the first day, as we continued to enjoy the beautiful landscape and our relaxation time in between our very busy teaching schedules. We also taught one afternoon for a couple hours to a group of students at the lake.(Written yesterday)
PS On the way home, some of the more adventuresome of us tried some of the culinary delights available along the road. Pictures to follow...
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Why did the hippo Cross the Road? Because he was in Africa?
Not funny? You just had to be there!
The World Camp team has just experienced three enthralling nights on safari in Zambia. On arrival volunteers pitched their tents and headed off to explore what the next three days had in store for them.
Literally 50m from camp we encountered lazy hippos and cunning crocodiles sunning themselves and basking in the sheer delight of a glorious sunset that we all enjoyed as we excitedly snapped photos. Little did we know our cameras would be our closest friend over the next three days because there was just too much to see and too many memories we all wanted to take home.
The following day volunteers relaxed beside the pool and took in the sun that the crocs and hippos seemed to relish. Setting off on a night drive in Luangwa National Park was surely the most exciting part of the trip. Not only did we learn so much about nature and the animal food chain; we encountered lions, leopards, water buffalos, elephants, porcupines, hyenas, wild dogs, pukus, impala’s and so much more. An early morning safari also enticed many volunteers who found themselves addicted to the wonders of the wild African ways.
The sheer beauty of mother-nature itself and the understanding that all wildlife has its place in the eco system was truly inspiring. Not only did we have time to enjoy each other out of work mode but we had time to find ourselves and how survival in the wild is truly magnificent; everything and everyone has its place in the world.
A truly memorable moment would have to be the late night arrival of a baby elephant and its mother, along with the noise of a hippo munching on leaves and grass outside of volunteers' tents. We were all so scared, but also excited that we were living in their world and would have to fit in and become accustomed very quickly to the ways of the wild. Well some of us did, others just slept straight through.
The World Camp team has just experienced three enthralling nights on safari in Zambia. On arrival volunteers pitched their tents and headed off to explore what the next three days had in store for them.
Literally 50m from camp we encountered lazy hippos and cunning crocodiles sunning themselves and basking in the sheer delight of a glorious sunset that we all enjoyed as we excitedly snapped photos. Little did we know our cameras would be our closest friend over the next three days because there was just too much to see and too many memories we all wanted to take home.
The following day volunteers relaxed beside the pool and took in the sun that the crocs and hippos seemed to relish. Setting off on a night drive in Luangwa National Park was surely the most exciting part of the trip. Not only did we learn so much about nature and the animal food chain; we encountered lions, leopards, water buffalos, elephants, porcupines, hyenas, wild dogs, pukus, impala’s and so much more. An early morning safari also enticed many volunteers who found themselves addicted to the wonders of the wild African ways.
The sheer beauty of mother-nature itself and the understanding that all wildlife has its place in the eco system was truly inspiring. Not only did we have time to enjoy each other out of work mode but we had time to find ourselves and how survival in the wild is truly magnificent; everything and everyone has its place in the world.
A truly memorable moment would have to be the late night arrival of a baby elephant and its mother, along with the noise of a hippo munching on leaves and grass outside of volunteers' tents. We were all so scared, but also excited that we were living in their world and would have to fit in and become accustomed very quickly to the ways of the wild. Well some of us did, others just slept straight through.
Friday, July 10, 2009
1st day teaching at camp ;)
BLOG
~ First day of camp WHOO!
~ Got off at the wrong school but finally made it about an hour late
~ Having a great time figuring out a group dynamic
~ Long rides with the translators are always fun and interesting, learning more about the Malawian culture
~ Divided into cook groups, planning meals is always exciting ... we've had veggie stir-fry w/ rice, Mac&Cheese w/ baked
beans, tomato soup w/ grilled cheese and fruit salad, and fried rice w/ egg rolls tonight
~ Learned a new game called Bao
~ Anna, Lauren, & Nick went running at the golf course at 6:45 AM :O but Pete read in the car
~ Went to fabric market yesterday and gave material to Lali (tailor) to make skirts/bags/etc
~ Have a nice journey ...
~ First day of camp WHOO!
~ Got off at the wrong school but finally made it about an hour late
~ Having a great time figuring out a group dynamic
~ Long rides with the translators are always fun and interesting, learning more about the Malawian culture
~ Divided into cook groups, planning meals is always exciting ... we've had veggie stir-fry w/ rice, Mac&Cheese w/ baked
beans, tomato soup w/ grilled cheese and fruit salad, and fried rice w/ egg rolls tonight
~ Learned a new game called Bao
~ Anna, Lauren, & Nick went running at the golf course at 6:45 AM :O but Pete read in the car
~ Went to fabric market yesterday and gave material to Lali (tailor) to make skirts/bags/etc
~ Have a nice journey ...
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Camp II: Ng'ozi FPS
This weekend was a weekend for celebration! First of all we had Canada Day on July 1st; then good ol’ American Independence Day on July 4th; and then to top it all off Malawian Independence Day was on July 6th, which resulted in an extra day off! Most of the volunteers spent the day hiking up Mount Nkhoma
-Natasha and Amelia
Monday, July 6, 2009
Mt Nkoma Hike
Today we went to Nkhoma Mountain about 35 kilometers south of Lilongwe. Alongside the other World Camp volunteers living in the "pink palace" (other house), we hiked to the top. Although it was an enervating three hours, the panoramic view at the top was worth all of our hard work. This trip also gave us a taste of life in rural Malawi as we passed many villages along the way. We are excited to observe our first camp tomorrow before we begin teaching on Thursday.
-Lauren, Elise, Karen, Nick, Sam, Kirsten, Mackenzie, and Anna
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Muli bwanji!
Muli bwanji! The long arduous flight to Malawi fortunately consisted of comic reliefs. For example, Kirsten and Nick sat behind an elderly white South African couple who needed “beef explaining”. As soon as we disembarked the plane, we experienced a culture shock. On the ride to our house, for instance, we witnessed a man carrying a stick of dead mice. We also fully appreciate the beautiful scenery.
This morning, everyone slept in. Until Ashley came knocking on the door and awoke us from our deep slumber and disrupted our sweet dreams. Well Elise woke up at 6:30. After being lethargic for the first hour or so, we went to the college house, which was aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and got pumped up by playing games while waiting for the arrival of the translator. Once he arrived, we started reviewing the curriculum for a mock day one at camp. Afterwards, we gallantly rode a Land Rover to the ambassador’s mansion and ravenously devoured the gastronomically appealing culinary delights until we bordered gluttony. The opulence of the party juxtaposed to the conditions of the native Malawians was strange. So many Americans concentrated in a small area! Mackenzie and Lauren volunteered their faces as canvases for patriotic works of art. Sam and Anna exchanged discourses with a UNC Chapel Hill student who volunteers with the Peace Corps. After eating and people-watching, we headed to town and attempted to exchange our money. Most inauspiciously, due to the seemingly erratic bank schedule, it was closed and we were unable to exchange our dollars. Fortunately, World Camp had sufficient amount of spare money for us to do some grocery shopping for food. Afterwards, we came back to our humble abode and continued with our orientation. John provided us with delish food, including fries and quiche. John is the person who so graciously provided us with dinner. Room 1 was assigned to servitude and washed the dishes. However, they made the best of the time and had some fun. Towards the end of the evening, we all sat around and had a good time chatting.
We miss you!
Karen and Nick
(Excuse the superfluous overly ornate words as our choice of diction)
This morning, everyone slept in. Until Ashley came knocking on the door and awoke us from our deep slumber and disrupted our sweet dreams. Well Elise woke up at 6:30. After being lethargic for the first hour or so, we went to the college house, which was aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and got pumped up by playing games while waiting for the arrival of the translator. Once he arrived, we started reviewing the curriculum for a mock day one at camp. Afterwards, we gallantly rode a Land Rover to the ambassador’s mansion and ravenously devoured the gastronomically appealing culinary delights until we bordered gluttony. The opulence of the party juxtaposed to the conditions of the native Malawians was strange. So many Americans concentrated in a small area! Mackenzie and Lauren volunteered their faces as canvases for patriotic works of art. Sam and Anna exchanged discourses with a UNC Chapel Hill student who volunteers with the Peace Corps. After eating and people-watching, we headed to town and attempted to exchange our money. Most inauspiciously, due to the seemingly erratic bank schedule, it was closed and we were unable to exchange our dollars. Fortunately, World Camp had sufficient amount of spare money for us to do some grocery shopping for food. Afterwards, we came back to our humble abode and continued with our orientation. John provided us with delish food, including fries and quiche. John is the person who so graciously provided us with dinner. Room 1 was assigned to servitude and washed the dishes. However, they made the best of the time and had some fun. Towards the end of the evening, we all sat around and had a good time chatting.
We miss you!
Karen and Nick
(Excuse the superfluous overly ornate words as our choice of diction)
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Orientation and Camp 1: Karonga FPS
Sixteen new volunteers arrived over the weekend and added to the 2 that stayed from last session (G-Funk and Megan) we have a total of 18 for session 2 including the first boy (Reinier)!! Orientation took three days and it was a lot of fun. We learned a lot and got more familiar with the curriculum and each other. On Tuesday we had a meet and greet with all the translators and everyone got to know each other, while enjoying delicious pizza from Macdauds (you’re lovin’ it)! After packing boxes on Wednesday we were all ready for our first camp on Thursday. Although the school didn’t realize we were coming that day, they were so excited to see us and they loved the morning songs. Lunch was a bit challenging but everybody enjoyed NSIMA TIME! World Camp teachers may have been nervous at first but quickly got into the swing of things and will soon be expert World Camp teachers! The kids really enjoyed playing with the Frisbees during afternoon games, and they can’t wait for us to come back tomorrow! We are looking forward to some great empowerment sections and some awesome presentations on day three. We are so glad the session finally started and we can’t wait to see what lies ahead of us! Zikoooomo!
-Reinier and G-Funk
-Reinier and G-Funk
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