Preservice training and a new look

Adam trimming and finished do

I have successfully completed a single month of my training to become a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV). My time thus far has been fulfilling in a great many ways. As any nontraditional path may lead-a sequence of mysteries comes with each new day. But, I am well aware that this time in our so-called, “gated community” in Troya, Mpumelanga Province only offers a peak at what is to come at our final site placements.
Getting to know myself and a new culture, one of my mothers and her daughter Lungile,who named me

As a trainee-My home stay contains 5 sisters, the youngest of which recently gave birth to a baby boy. I also have 3 brothers. All of these adults are over the age of 20 and have played a vital role, along with my two-toothed mother, in helping me feel comfortable in my new home. They have laughed at my determination and of course declaration to do everything myself. They have also been humored by my rebellious teen hair-do, my interest in hanging with the neighbor boys, birth encouraging dances, and attempts at language. Most fulfilling is that they have given me thanks for my evening homework assistance and babysitting(9 small children also live in my home, their mothers are my sisters), and have said that they prefer I respond as sassy to their remarks about my recent weight gains.
Already, I am feeling more myself on this journey, than in anything I have done thus far in my life. Many of you recall my unpleasant home-stay or traumatic experiences from my time in Ghana, and although I hope not to constantly refer to this past travel, it is an experience which has shaped who I am and so at time, I apologize for referencing it, it deserves a bit of attention…for it has surely led me to where I am now. Anyhow, I am noticing more and more how differently I view and react towards situations. It should be noted that I am making wiser decisions this round traveling. Reflecting on past experiences and moving ahead positively is in its self empowering and keeps me moving and grooving!
Language-isiNdebele language which is spoken by less than 3% of SA population is what myself and four other trainees are studying. I know that if I make an effort to self direct my learning on a daily basis in addition to our language learning sessions, I am doing as asked of me..but at time I know I am not giving my all, I hope to devote more time to studying in the coming weeks..as my Language exam is fast approaching.

Living accommodations

My bedroom houses my own personal bathroom, that is I have a bucket for bathing and a slightly smaller bucket to relieve myself. In the morning my duties include making water to boil(setting a fire at around 5:30am), bathing, tossing bath water, tossing pee bucket in the pit latrine. I am for the most part drinking the water - most often boiling my water anyhow to take tea. I have experienced some illness with a week of severe sinus headaches and still having some reoccurring headaches, which may or may not be due to dehydration or stress. I am trying my best to keep well and am happy to have a fantastic PCMO Melissa who is quick to cater to our needs, and has already equipped me with additional nose sprays for my annoying allergies!

At this time in Mpumelanga, it is the windy season and I am thankful to have survived my first winter (including below 40 degree mornings and evenings-no fun at all!) However, with the increase of dust storms or rather my bodies low resistance to non-purified water/increase intake of peanut butter and chocolate(my comfort foods!) my skin and hair have each had their own unique reactions. Post adolescence in The States I experienced the annoyance of pimples..but here I have a permanent swarm of these devils covering my forehead-SAfricans are quick to comment that they are in direct correlation to my love for SA-since I must be staying out all day in the sun/a tale says that there must be someone in love with you if one should appear.
traditional plate of food for guests: rice(instead of pap), chicken, and various salads(sides)baked beans and mayo, squash, tomato and vegs
Humiliating the 15+ times but I am getting into the routine of strangers commenting about my physique..and there is some truth in onlookers comments-I am happy here and I am getting fat..which I can pleasantly not worry too much about. I am adjusting my diet-however everyone that knows me well is aware that I seldom leave a plate that isn’t clean and that no matter my days intake-I can not turn down a fruit or veg, which I am happy both are in abundance here. Shaving my hair is one of my greatest moments thus far and I am sure returning to a full head of hair is going to be a challenge so those of you still interested in finding me the perfect man to come home to in 2010 update the masses.

I am realizing in a great many ways South Africans are receiving little authentic information about USA (besides that for which they receive from Bold and the Beautiful), this is unfortunate since the typical American is capable of seeking out themselves, there are just not the resources here for even the most inquisitive-lack of computers or newspapers with factual information(the amount of lies spread about HIV/AIDS by prominent figures is appalling and it is no wonder there is such a need for help in this area…I have heard the Health department say A Beet A Day Keeps the AIDS Away which refers to the popular red beet root enjoyed by many) . I am placing priority in making myself as comfortable as possible(ridding my hair) in hopes to put most of my daily efforts towards my work here, rather than those little annoyances that I rather not care for.
language group Steven-Mjama, mina-Lungile, Adam-Umpho, facilitator: Baregile, Dave-Jabu, Jo-Thandi
Our technical training sessions learning include the following and more, all of which have been introduced by Language Facilitators, locals that have themselves created sustainable projects although the odds may have been against them, professionals in education, corporate leaders and PC staff and current SA PCVs.
Some general advice I have been provided and have found useful in my everyday routine but hope they also find you well!
-be at peace with yourself
-it is your independence that is greatest because there may not always be someone, you must maintain who you are
-we are here to learn together
-prioritizing will keep you on your path
-being assertive and talking as an adult rather than a critical parent (in my case)
-respect religions they have a place just as a person’s culture
-listen with an open heart
-change challenges into opportunities
-find those motivated individuals they indeed exist and will help with the community’s large need
Not so different
South Africa has been identified as a complex place with potential, despite the racial oppression. As I have stated in previous blogs the economic status of this country makes for a great many possibilities for South Africa’s people however this is only once the level playing field set by their constitution is actually played on.
Similarly, the racial oppression in America has made a face in today’s society. So many may ask what makes any American an expert or change agent in this foreign place? It is suggested that once we identify the other element of what it is to be an American especially the strengths and power we hold as a resource, one will achieve understanding of themselves, confidently take part in cultural exchange and be better able to assist the needs of our new friends.
The act of critically thinking has been an element of America’s school systems and has been promoted and modeled at a professional level. Most Americans hold the capability to critically think and have grown up in a safe environment with an emphasis for individualism; the backbone to many of our nations successes. An ugly concept I see in the states and in South Africa is the ignorant persons that are resisting transformation. This can be seen simply in the teenage child who associates a certain race to a quality of life and does not recognize what they have just made mention to has been done and its effects are still being seen present day.

Despite failure of society to nurture all young people, there are a great many young individuals excelling. The schools are offering the new learner opportunities I had as a student in the states. However, Apartheid legacy will be a component especially in rural poor community life and surely relinquishing the collar which appears to hold an entire community together will take a great deal more than the single pieces of advice I am to take with me. Many residents feel that as they sleep surrounded by family in the village, the land is their identity, and resist moving to larger towns. However in the rural setting a lack of exposure to differences is more likely to continue the prejudice trend. Understanding the needs of those I am assisting their history, persons, values, and the process of working with this lands people given their circumstances while giving special attention to individual persons in hopes of not forgetting the countries collective needs and history.
First we must understand where we have come from. In what ways can we recognize our own values, see the similarities and listen to what is needed according to the community?

The following are the race titles that are accepted by many South Africans-
Whites(Afrikans), Blacks, Coloureds, and Indians.
For long there has been a perception that each subgroup holds a similar belief system. This is a key element of Apartheid, the dividing or the grouping for internal separation.
One speaker Marissa identified that , “my Coloured identification demonstrated that apartheid didn’t work-because the races were to have been kept separated.” She also identified the means of identifying race, whether the newborn child during the Apartheid era were to have record as a Black or Coloured-by their baby gum liner colors and hair tendency to hold a pen, which influenced division within families as well.
our pit toliet

Now as the political structure has changed, economically things have stayed the same-class is set on racial structure since families that are in wealth have stayed in wealth and the poor have stayed poor. Many challenges occurring within races are those influenced by the jealous who find it unfair some of their “kind”, are succeeding. Many South Africans are suggesting there is little cohesive national identity because of the still obvious economic needs of certain communities. Many identify and will introduce themselves as a Black South African, or Afrikaner, rather than a South African. While others suggest that there is a healing process that is incomplete for many South Africans and has its place in this stagnated situation. While looking ahead a new generation of angry free-children wanting and wanting (influenced by the Western world) is leading some to use South Africa’s history as their crutch or excuse for stealing as a means to provide for their family, while never gathering the effects this history had on their family since many are no longer alive.
SA History
In workshops we have reviewed history since 1300 including the colonization, central figures, (especially Verwoerd’s role who suggested that educating Black should not be a privilege since their placement in society is to only be in the field of labor), conflicts, and religions role.
Defining Equality: all have same opportunity and access to resource
The constitution identifies diversity in South Africa as religion, gender, race, culture, language, religion, sexual orientation, or differently able.
1994’s change according to some experts came too fast too soon. Culture is also being replaced by religion since a great deal of people find a need for hope for which history has slated religion as being the word to offer such hope.
Education
Apartheid Education Policies:
Bantu Education- substandard education system for Blacks; Former C Education- Education for Whites
Current Education Policies: National Curriculum Standard- Outcome Based Education(OBE) and Continuous Assessment
Corporal punishment: has been outlawed since 1998, but still readily used in schools especially rural villages where there is little accountability. The Department of Education visited PC Training and urged trainees that we, “hold hands to defend rights of children worldwide”-suggesting that we directly contact them regarding abuse; however this would most likely compromise one’s relations with their target schools and community, and therefore there are other procedures that a PCV may take given this is the situation at their schools. This is drastically different from my interaction with the schools in Ghana 2005-2006. I was advised to use the schools policies-public humiliation etc. and if necessary went to a teacher for help in caning a student. I am pleased to hear that SA is discouraging these practices. However, it is unfortunate that SA has no system in place to check teacher adherence to polices. Homes are still practicing this method of discipline which is conflicting with school policies and parents are misinformed about research based practices found to be less detrimental to child development. In what ways can we help to re-humanize the children, teachers, families?

NCS Education-a great on paper plan to equalize education
My first visits to schools on the surface revealed needs that are similar to that in American schools: management at all levels and accountability for teachers and students. These target areas are substantial to students receiving adequate information and must be in place to ensure successful learning. I am sure I will spend a great deal of time workshopping with teachers concerning these areas but they are exhausting. Critical Thinking, this process of individually deciding according to information provided, for which is recognized as a fundamental need for learners, is something I feel more passionate about. There is also quite a disconnect in English instruction as a 2nd language which begins at around grade 4. Language plays an important role in students taking information and processing into knowledge. Teachers are unable in many ways to meet the needs of the learners having had only a bit of English instruction as a student themselves and having been educated during the Bantu Education system.
I am looking forward to working with HIV/AIDS projects to help further community health and also working to implement recycling if there is a need for it in my community. All projects will be directly correlated with my target communities needs. I am also advised to use the PC Grass-root development roles and procedures to increase the likelihood that those projects and events remain sustainable, to further the communities’ development past my own 2 year commitment. Grass-root development techniques are vital to any of my coming interactions with the community since long lasting effects are worthwhile to the people I am serving.

My approximate PC agenda:
8/25-visiting final site placement-target schools, new home, community chiefs, community VIP,etc.
9/12-language exam, swearing in as an official PCV!!
9/13-move to final site, unable to leave site, complete assignments getting to know new community and it’s people, selecting a few counterparts for suggested projects
1/09-possibly begin teaching Maths, as a means to build credibility with community and target school faculty, receiving permission from community officials, begin planning