This time to Swazi: April 2013

There is just something so special about living in Africa.....

The last few weeks I've been busy traveling across the country visiting various schools and monitoring the activities of the Girls Empowerment Clubs. Sometimes the girls are expecting our visits and have prepared songs and dances, other times we visit and educate about various topics, such as the different kinds of abuse and how to report it etc ; these discussions are often eye opening and the questions or feedback really demonstrate the need of these clubs. I want to give examples, but they are hard to relate to, and as the Sexual Offenses and Domestic Violence bill is still new in the country, there is still some conflict regarding the rights of women and traditional Swazi culture. However, most times the visits are truly inspiring and you feel such warmth listening to their songs or poetry, and appreciation for what they are learning. Other times, you take the lead and try to motivate and empower the girls by telling your story of success or failure and how opportunities come and go in life. The best part of the day is when they sing their anthems, screaming at the top of their lungs...

"I know I can, I know I can...Be what I want to be, Be what I want to be...!"

And then some days, like yesterday on the long journey home, you want to scream when you surprisingly see a beautiful giraffe on the side of the road!

Time flies when you're traveling the world! I can't believe it's already April and yet I have so much I want to share and write about. In March I was back in Canada for a pre-departure training workshop with Crossroads International. Though it was a long way to come it was very worthwhile and nothing like a little cold burst away from this beautifully hot Kingdom! The course was meant for all the Crossroaders beginning their journey overseas this year - some coming to Swaziland, others to Ghana or Togo, and even Bolivia. We discussed current trends in International Development, Gender and Development, working effectively overseas, Monitoring and Evaluation tools, and various other interesting and worthwhile discussions and topics. My previous experience of working in Swaziland definitely played a big role in helping the new Crossroaders become a bit more familiarized with the culture and answer any questions.

Anyways, I've landed back in the Kingdom ready to take on my role not only as a Liaison Officer for the volunteers venturing to Swaziland and facilitating visits of board members, but also being a part of the Prevention team working for SWAGAA (Swaziland Action Group Against Abuse). In the first two weeks I've been directly involved with the establishment of 10 new schools to the program. I gave a presentation to about 70 school teachers informing or sensitizing them about the issue of abuse in the country and the importance of these clubs in changing the face of society. Some of my work has also included revising the manuals for the mentors/facilitators and girls, as well as presenting about the GEC at workshops. I already know the work here is making an impact and so looking forward to sharing more with you once I"m working directly with the girls on issues such as abuse, their rights, leadership skills, HIV/Aids education, trafficking and other topics.

Aside from work, life here is quite an adventure. Not only are the 'kombi' rides (my hour long bus to work) nothing short of entertaining - the daily question of if I'm married or would like to be married, as well as being slightly on edge about the condition of the kombi's...but anyways, all in all I'm still enjoying the culture and being back in the beautiful Kingdom. Some of my favourite moments have been visiting the sports center where I used to spend countless hours and distributing the donations to the coaches and children, seeing old friends, getting my hair braided again and again with a different style, and enjoying the sun lying by the river! I have yet to get used to the hilly roads while jogging and the incredible stormy thunderstorms that can keep you awake for hours....

Here are some photos, hopefully more to come soon ;)

By the way, thank you so much for all the wonderful birthday messages, feel so blessed (Ps. I heard 30 is the new 20!!)