Where has the time gone?!

It’s already February and my blog is seriously lacking. The silver lining is life here is getting busier and this place called Togo is feeling more and more like home.
Second semester started January 6th & I began my second round of teaching English to my Cinquieme class. Additionally, with a Togol

ese volunteer from an NGO, Plan Togo, we created a Gender class for each of the classes in the Middle School.

After the school bell rings (well, here it’s a whistle) I’m keeping busy with a Girls’ Club, English Club, and a Life Skills course with local apprentices. The dream is to continue all of the above and more. Next weekend I’ll be heading to a training with my counterpart to think about bigger projects, that’ll hopefully take my mind off of the increasing heat and, more importantly, make an impact on education and gender equality in my village.
Work aside, the most notable experience of 2014 thus far was a few Thursdays ago.
On my way back from work I stopped to greet a 52 year old, seamstress in my village, Moulika. She asked if I was free that evening and wanted to go to an event- since both of our French is minimal, I said “sure” and didn’t inquire about the specifics.
Que thirty minutes later, I’m in a bush taxi holding a live chicken on my way to what will be an all night beauty pageant, which names a contestant who will go on to compete for the Miss Togo title. And that began the whirlwind weekend with Moulika and her husband, Sonya, of celebrating what is now my new favorite holiday, Koudapaani.
The following day, Friday, was a giant feast and Saturday was filled with each village showcasing their tribal dance. The schedule: Fufu, dancing, more fufu, more dancing, etc.
Koudapaani celebrates the Tchokossi (also known as, Anufo) heritage in the Savanes region. My village is primarily made up of the two tribes, Anufo and Gam-Gam. The Anufo are generally Muslim and the Gam-Gam tend to be Christian. However, there are several tribes in my village and at least a dozen languages I’ve come across so far. Other prominent religions are Lutheran, Baptist, and Animism.For the moment I’m in the regional capitol relishing the joys of internet, electricity, and running water. Tomorrow I head back to Sagbiebou to check out how my kids do on their week of exams (fingers crossed!). But most of all, getting mentally prepared for the hot season looming around the corner.

Posted by Lara at 1:33 PM

How can you get in touch with me?

Get me by snail mail with:
Lara Johann-Reichart, PCV
B.P. 102
Mango, Togo
West Africa
If sending packages, you can use the address above, just keep it under 5 lbs. Letters, pictures, or food are most certainly appreciated, perhaps even slightly worshipped. Thank you!
By Phone:
From the USA, dial: 011. 228. 93.10.38.06

Care Packages

Have I mentioned how attractive and above average you are? 🙂 If you’re so inclined to ship a box overseas, here’s the dream:
Art supplies! Kids here love drawing but markers and paper are hard to come by. So paints, crayons, GLITTER, and brushes would be awesome.
French or English books at the elementary/pre-school level. Literacy is low throughout the village but everyone is eager to learn how to read – kids and adults, alike.
Maps, Posters, Pictures, Classroom decorations, etc.
Doritos.

Peace Corps Disclaimer

The contents of this website are mine personally and do not reflect any position of the U.S. government or the Peace Corps.

In Memory of Vicky Bruce for my friend Tersia.

Tersia is a valiant woman …a beautiful mother…a model of courage and bravery for us all!

‘UBUNTU’ in the Xhosa culture means: “I am because we are”..

they said: ”UBUNTU, how can one of us be happy if all the other ones are sad?”…..a lesson for us all! Beautiful story to share…

3 months in Sagbiebou

It’s almost December 12th, which marks 6 months here in the wonderful, lizard-abundant Togo.

The past three months I’ve been in my new home, Sagbiebou. Sagbiebou is a small village in Northern Togo home to roughly 4,000 people. The village was founded around 15 years ago, so it is relatively new and, thus, quite diverse. The two main groups are the Gam-Gams and the Anufo; however, each day I hear a new language – be it Wobi or Ewe or any of the other 72 languages found in the country.

The initial month at post was difficult to say the least. The Peace Corps dropped me off at my doorstep with my mattress, stove, and bags…and I immediately lost all confidence whatsoever. My French was tragic and I had barely grasped any Anufo or Gam-Gam. Walking outside of my compound became my daily challenge; making friends the seemingly unattainable goal. Couscous, the conundrum of my life.

But patience and work attains all, right? Each day I made the awkward conversations in broken French with people in the market and kicked a football around with the boys in my compound, and by October I felt a whole lot less like I just got off the tilt-a-whirl.

October also started much needed work! School began and I met my 102 students. To be honest, teaching started out rough and it still is. Luckily, my kids and I are getting to know each other and we’re even having quite a bit of fun along the way. I’ve also successfully taught them each the word “accident” which they gleefully remind me every time I drop something :). However, with zero textbooks and only a box of chalk, keeping the attention of 102 students, ranging in age from 10 to 20, is a challenge.

The good news is I couldn’t ask for better coworkers. There are 6 other teachers and the director. Initially, being considerably younger then my counterparts and the only female was daunting but they are all very respectful and welcoming. This coming week we’re beginning an English club, followed by a Girls club.

My biggest goal during my service is to help keep more girls in school. The youngest grade at my school is called Sixieme – which is filled with dozens of girls. However, if you visit the class of Troisieme (3 classes up), the number of girls dwindles down to four. Why four? The reasons are numerous: early pregnancy, marriage, financial struggles, trafficking, sister-exchange, harassment, and, simply, a feeling of “what’s the point to continue?”

Luckily, Sagbiebou is a motivated village and the sentiment throughout is that we can do better than four. Not only can we, but we will.

With November at a close and December on it’s way – I’m relieved to say my languages are picking up speed and I feel a part of the community. I’ve met some great leaders and future leaders of Sagbiebou ready and willing to work. I am so excited to see how the next weeks unfold.

Posted by Lara at 8:39 AM