PCV's Anna Callaghan and Carolyn Glidden and some of the girls after a discussion of what is puberty and how does it affect boys and girls.
“What measure is the soul method proven to be 100% effective in preventing the transmission of HIV, STI’s, and unwanted pregnancy? What contraceptive is 99.99% effective?"
Boys making a theater sketch on HIV and how to prevent transmission.
“When is it necessary to make a decision and how does one go about making one?”
Girls making a theater sketch on the importance of making smart and well-thought out decisions. Seen here with PCV Anna Callaghan.
“How do we protect ourselves against malaria?”
Girls learning how to properly use a mosquito net. The UN needs to come to realization that eradicating malaria is much more difficult than just giving away free nets. Many nets given out are promptly sold at markets or used as bathing rags for people not educated in the purpose of the net. More emphasis on education must be made in the effort against malaria.
These are just some of the many questions posed to the students enrolled in Rialé Youth Camp, 2011 edition.
With the help of a couple volunteers and a friend in Tenkodogo, I have been busy running a camp aimed at teaching students between the ages of 12-18, boys and girls, about issues relevant to their development as young adults. A similar camp was run last year, but this year I opened the camp to girls in addition to boys.
Every morning and afternoon, the participants, about 35 different kids so far, spend an hour in the classroom discussing the topics of puberty, HIV, malaria, decision making and how to deal with peer pressure, and goal setting. After the classroom activities, which includes games and discussion, the class is moved outside to the basketball court where basketball drills are run designed at reinforcing the lesson of the day.
A passing activity in which two players are blindfolded. Two teamates give the two blindfolded teamates directions on where to move and where to throw the ball. Activity encourages communication and trust.
Thanks to PCVs Anna Callaghan and Carolyn Glidden, who took charge of the girl side of the camp, and to my friend Rodrique Laconte, who aided me with the boys side, week one was a great success. While impossible to truly know, I feel that every student who participated learned about valuable life lessons relating to living in Burkina Faso. Also thanks to Kirstin Krudwig for donating some of her lesson plans and for encouraging me for the last month to do this camp.
My friend Rodrique discussing goal setting with the boys.
Next week will see the arrival of several new volunteers, including PCVs Marina Spencer (who will be helping with the girls), Joey Grassi, and Luis Chidas. Activities next week include gender roles, study skills and how to use the local library, nutrition and sanitation, and environment with a futsal and basketball tournament to end the camp. Prizes will be given to students who have participated and demonstrated that they have taken to heart the new knowledge and to the teams that win the tournament. For those friends in DC who donated their used soccer equipment back in July 2009, the majority of it will be given out on Friday. Thank you for the donations.
Running basketball drills with the boys.
The most exciting part of the camp is that the Peace Corps Burkina Faso Director herself will be here next Friday to present the awards and to watch the tournament. Both the girls and boys have been asked to do theater presentations on malaria and HIV, respectively, in order to demonstrate the knowledge gained.
Overall I am very happy with the way things have gone. It has taken a lot of energy to organize such an event and while I could just have easily spent my last three weeks of Peace Corps taking it easy, I decided to go out knowing that I gave it my all to one final project. I hope the kids remember the lessons, and remember me!
wow. inspiring.
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