Jaren:
I am working with the CPS (Centre de Promotion Sociale) here in Tchaourou, where my main objectives are to: 1) reduce malnutrition among women especially pregnant women and children; 2) promote better hygiene and sanitation behaviors and; 3) provide support to People Living with HIV. Though I just started working, I am already assisting the local hospital with baby weighings, which determines if a child is malnourished or not. If a child is malnourished, it is my responsibility to educate the mother on the appropriate nutrition to increase its’ weight and overall health. Another immediate project is an overall health assessment of the village. I am observing health behaviors throughout town and will present this information along with possible solutions (education, projects, trainings, etc) to the town officials after 3 months.
Future projects will include educational seminars on HIV/AIDS, instruction on better sanitation and hygiene practices to market women, and production of a moringa garden to harvest as a recuperation supplement for the malnourished.
A typical baby wieghingSteve:
More management consultant than the antiquated notion of what a Peace Corps volunteer is, I am working with the Artisans Collective -- a deceiving name because very few are actual artists. Rather, its essentially the equivalent of the SEIU, an overarching umbrella union representing every manner of manual labor. I develop programs to teach management (accounting, marketing, planning), as well as consult one-on-one with artisans on specific projects.
I'm also interested in working with the national Chamber of Commerce on some branding projects as they are an organization with a sadly low profile. I may also try to develop a class on business journalism here at the University in Parakou business school. Considering this is one of the 10 most corrupt countries in the world, sunshine can be a hell of a disinfectant.
Oh, that and I've spent a good bit of time hanging out with our local butcher getting to know what the inside of a cow smells like. Nice guy, although the cow probably doesn't think so.
Market on market day - the economic heart of Beninese life
3 comments:
Hey you two! So good to finally hear what you have been up to! I'm just going to leave a comment on this last (or first) post. Looked through all your new posts and pictures and loved it all! Great pics and awesome descriptions! Miss you guys loads. Take care of yourselves and write more when you get a chance! (Oh and please cross fingers for the Sox.)
But can the Butcher disappear the cow?
I think Kirill would break that typical baby weighing scale. Looks a bit precarious! Hope you and Steve are doing well - and don't worry - the Sox won the whole damn thing!!!! Yipppeee!
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