june 4-august 30: life in ghana begins. for three months, the peace corps trainees (PCTs) will live with host families. we will have training at least six days a week. we will learn language, culture, safety and security, and for education volunteers, we will have a teaching practicum for three weeks. during this time, we will spend a few days staying with a current volunteer at their location and shadowing them. we will also have a chance to travel to our future site and visit it. at the end, we will be sworn in as peace corps volunteers (PCVs).
august 30, 2009-august 29, 2011: i do not know where i will be living for the two years. i will likely find out that information within a week or two of my arrival in ghana.
i can tell you what peace corps has told me:
"you will need to be very flexible in your housing expectations as there are no guarantees of continuous electricity or water, not to mention phone services or email access...
"your school will provide housing. please, come prepared to be assigned to any part of the country...
"you should be provided with one or two rooms. you will have a private bedroom but may share a living room and other facilities...
"peace corps also provides a water storage barrel, a water filter, a mosquito net, and money for a bicycle. you might not have indoor plumbing or electricity. you may collect your water from a well or borehole and spend your evenings preparing lessons by lantern or a candle...
"your diet may consist of a starchy staple prepared from rice, corn, yam, and cassava or plaintain, served with a spicy soup or stew which can be made from groundnuts (peanuts), tomatoes, vegetables, beans, and possibly some meat or fish...
"all art students study general knowledge in art, consisting of art history and fundamental theory. your assignment will depend on your specialization and interests. each student must take two of the following three-year options: graphic design, picture making, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, basketry, or leather work."
so that's an overview of my assignment description. sounds exciting, yes?
YES. it sounds VERY exciting. i am particularly excited about how PC described your possible meals, and your future bike. i think everything sounds awesome. i am excited for you.
ReplyDeleteYes, exciting. Wow, Joy. I can't wait to follow along with you in this journey (hopefully, as the Internet and letters provide).
ReplyDelete:o)