7 months

7 is significant. In 7 days, God created the world and rested. 7 are the number of days in a week. In the Biblical book of Mark, 7 loaves of bread became 7 baskets of leftovers. It is the jersey number of the San Francisco 49er’s quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. It’s the number of passenger places in a Senegalese 7- seater. It’s the number of Harry Potter books written, the number of continents, the number of colors in the rainbow and the number of rows in the periodic table.

It’s also the number of months my cohort has till we complete our Peace Corps service in Senegal. We know this because we frequent websites like DevNet, LinkedIn, and Devex a few times a week to update our profiles, polish our resumes, look for the latest opportunities. I know this because conversations with my colleagues do not end without someone mentioning phrases like “third year extension”, “going back for more school”, “can’t wait” or “NCE is going to help us. Right?”

It’s almost over.

What was feared, hated, loved. What we looked forward to, what we suffered through, what we endured, what we grew to love and enjoy is now almost over.

Almost. But not yet.

In a frenzy to make the ultimate deadline (sometime in April 2016), my cohort has been working tirelessly to start, complete and/ or evaluate their projects. Everyone who is not on vacation is busy and those on vacation are thinking about how busy they’ll be when they get back. It’s not about us. It never is. It’s about leaving our communities with host country nationals capable enough to continue our work, it’s about paving the way for our replacements, it’s about getting numbers to our bosses, it’s about supporting other volunteers. These are things we’ve done before except now we’re doing twice as much and we must at twice the speed. We’ve learned the language; we know the lay of the land. They’re no more excuses. Time is of the essence.

If there’s anyone who knows this best, it’s me. Having spent the last two and a half months in a state of perpetual limbo, I found out recently that I was rewarded a highly coveted grant from One Acre Fund to support a nutrition project I have called The Sustenance Project. I am not one to deceive myself: this project will ‘monopolize’ the rest of my service. I will have no time for anything else and this is why: The Sustenance Project is designed to address malnutrition in at least 5 villages in my district through the provision of a fortified flour (formula provided by World Vision, ingredients grown locally). A local economic group will be producing the flour, educating people of its benefits primarily for children under 5, and selling it in markets they have researched themselves. It’s called The Sustenance Project for 2 reasons. If it is successful, it will provide sustenance in the form of food to those who consume the flour and sustenance in the form of income to those who make it. The plan is to fight malnutrition and combat poverty. The goal is to get the economic group to a point where they can operate without outside aid- to a point where they can sustain themselves. The economic group, World Vision and One Acre Fund have been excellent partners and we’re all biting our nails, anxious to see how much we can do in 7 months. Our successes will be modeled in World Vision’s larger project later next year and our failures will be noted, evaluated and obviously, avoided.

This is just one example of the many projects my colleagues around the country and I are trying to implement and monitor as we approach the end of our tour. Latrines and clean water systems are being erected in several corners of the country, and projects that have a unique focus on men as partners in health are being planned. Large-scale nutrition, malaria and WASH trainings are being conducted to ensure that health workers, teachers and parents have the capacity to address the critical health issues in their communities.

But we have just 7 months.

7 months to open and close grants, write master’s thesis and reports, collect and share data. To complete action plans, to hold camps and entrepreneurship training courses.

7 months to travel the country. To laugh with the ones who have hosted us for 2 years and labor with those we admire. To dance and feast with one another, to fill out applications for the next adventure, to plan last minute vacations to Europe and East Africa.

7 months of unbearable sun and unforgiving rain.

7 months to attempt to make a difference.

7 more months till we return to the lives we have always know, yet lives we can we can barely remember.

 

.let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

galatians 6:9

 

 

 

 

it’s lunch time in senegal

We’re all familiar with lunch time, whether it’s a hamburger and fries served by the pimply teenager through a window, the sandwich, chips and piece of fruit in a brown bag packed by a diligent mother or the staff trip to the sushi place across the street- lunch takes various happens in various forms and positions. In Senegal, this position is on the floor. At the sound of the tam tam (drum), Peace Corps staff, volunteers and trainees gather together at the lunch team. At the entrance of the lunch hut we take off our shoes to mount the exquisite mats that have been placed on the floor. On the floor, are about 10 large bowls arranged in rows, each placed an equal distance from the other. Each bowl, about 24 inches wide holds the lunch for the day- sometimes rice cooked in a tomato soup and chicken with vegetables, and sometimes a white rice with yassa (an onion based sauce). About 4 people sit on the mat around each bowl, the women sitting with their legs to the side and the men stooping down with one leg in kneeling position and the other propped up. Then as quickly as we sit (sometimes not so quickly) we begin to eat from the bowl, some using spoons, others, their hands. Eating from the bowl is strategic. There is a process a system, a method. On the third day at the Peace Corps training center, the staff educated us on the process. These are the guidelines:

DON’T
1. Put bones back in the community bowl: The bones from your meats should be placed on the mat below you not back in the bowl.
2. Eat with your left hand: Senegal is not a left hand friendly country; most African nations are not. The left hand is seen as dirty and unclean because it’s the hand you wash with. Left handed people like myself must therefore remember not to hand people things with my left hand or eat with it.
3. Take food from in front of another person: You can’t reach across the bowl for a piece of carrot or meat. You have to ask the person closest to the food item to pass it to you. In turn, if you find yourself in front of a coveted piece of meat or pepper, you must be willing to split it up or give it up.
4. Mix large quantities of different ingredients: In American we appreciate a blend of tastes but here, if your spoonful has a piece of carrot, meat, rice and tomato on it, it will be frowned on.
5. Don’t take a large amount of food for yourself: This is self explanatory.
6. Sniff the food: We LOVE this in the States. We sniff our clothes, our tea, our muffin, our plants. But in Senegal it’s a no-no.
7. Watch other people eat: Our trainer literally told us that people don’t look cute when they eat and do not want to be watched. “Just eat your food, get up and leave” she said.
8. Try to start a conversation: Sometimes this is ok, sometimes its not. But you must wait to be spoken to before you speak.

It seems like a lot to remember and it is. We come from a word where lunch is eaten in the car on the way to the mechanic’s or the dry cleaner’s. A world where the lives and happenings of our coworkers, families and friends are discussed enthusiastically over Pad Thai or chicken salad. A world where we can sit in an empty park with shoes and headphones on to enjoy a cold turkey sandwich and an apple. This is the world we come from. So the rules are numerous. For many, the rules are overwhelming and difficult to remember. But slowly, after a few lunches, after our legs have cramped up a few times from sitting on them, after we have shared our pepper, carrots, and piece of fish, we begin to realize that their lunch, is now ours.

this is lunch. this is senegal. 

Questions and comments I’ve addressed since telling people I am joining the Peace Corps

So for about a year and a half  now I have known that I was going to join the Peace Corps. Since then, especially recently with less than 2 weeks before I leave, I’ve had to explain to people my decision and why I will be gone for two years. The response is usually overwhelming. People get antsy and nervous, fearful and uncertain- like they’re the ones who have to leave their homes for 27 months and live in another country. So I have addressed some very interesting questions and comments. Yes, I know- they mean well and they’re concerned about my plight but some of their responses were so entertaining, I had to write them down….

1. Why does it have to 2 years, can’t you just go for 6 months? No, I can’t. The Peace Corps is a 27 month commitment that includes 3 months of training and 24 months of actual service. It is impossible to completely integrate into a community, learn a new language, conduct an assessment of their needs and develop sustainable projects in 6 months or less. Peace Corps does have a Peace Corps Response program for about 6 months but that is only available to professionals who are sent out to complete specific predetermined projects.

2. Why does it have to be Senegal, can’t you go somewhere closer like Rome? a) Rome is not closer. A direct flight from JFK to Rome, Italy is 9 hours and 5 minutes. A direct flight from JFK to Dakar, Senegal is 8 hours and 3 minutes.  b) Italy is a high income country and does not require the type of services Peace Corps offers therefore, Peace Corps does not work in Rome or any of Italy’s cities. c) Peace Corps will post you where they need you to serve

 3. Isn’t Burkina Faso the capital of Senegal? No, Dakar is. Burkina Faso is another country east of Senegal

 4. Will you come back home a couple of times to visit? No. Peace Corps is a job. I can not jump on a plane every few months. Also, Peace Corps does not pay for vacation.

 5. Wow. That requires a lot of physical strength and training. But you seem fit so I know you’ll be fine. Slow down. Peace Corps is not a branch of the military.

6. Wow, you’re going to be super skinny when you come back. Probably. But some volunteers actually gain weight in the field.

7. So, when will you get married? I don’t know. But I can tell you that joining the Peace Corps is not a life of singleness sentence. Actually, a lot of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers I know are currently in loving relationships and those that are single do not attribute it to their time in service.

 8. Isn’t there a war there? No, there is not. The war is in South Sudan. I know they both start with “S” but please, try and do better. Senegal’s government is pretty stable and the Peace Corps will not work where there is strong conflict or war.

 9. Why didn’t you pick Nigeria? Because Peace Corps does not work there. They did a long time ago but had to pull their services because of the religious and political conflict in Nigeria. Besides, Peace Corps will acknowledge your preferences but will ultimately post you where you where they need you to serve.

 10. How/ What will you eat?  Food. It exists there too.

 11. How will you be in touch? Valid question but if you’re trying to ask me there are phones and internet and wifi and computers in Senegal, just ask. And I would tell you that there are.

 12. Is it like missionary work? No it is not. Peace Corps is a government organization and is not affiliated with any religious or cultural group.

 13. Why are you doing this? There has to be another group you can work for nationally. There are other groups. But my Masters is in Global Health and global implies international work. And very few (or no) agencies/ organizations will take me seriously if I don’t have international work experience. Peace Corps is not a last resort, it is my first choice.

14. You’ll be old by then time you get back. Yes, older than I am now. But I think 26 is still pretty young.

15. Aren’t you afraid? Of what?

For a better understanding of what the Peace Corps is and how to join or get involved please visit peacecorps.org.

Is there not a cause?- Why I decided to join the Peace Corps

The 17th chapter of the first book of Samuel tells the story of a young man named David who finds the courage to defend his nation and people against the infamous Goliath. The chapter gives an account of the events leading up to the boy’s account with the giant and the battle itself.

When David showed up with the supplies he was asked to deliver to the warriors, he found the Israelites shaking in fear and asked them what was up. They explained how the King had promised personal, financial and professional gain to the man who kills Goliath. But these did not interest David, he was more concerned about protecting his nation and his people- God’s people. So he responded “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”. In other words, who does Goliath think he is? When David is questioned about his presence at the scene at all he responds, “Is there not a cause?”.

David looked around him and saw turmoil and he saw a reason to stand up and do something that the others spent time talking about. You know the story. He fought, and with the help of God and little resources (a staff and 5 stones), delivered Israel from their enemy.

About 6 months ago I found out I will be going to Senegal, West Africa to serve in the Peace Corps as part of the Masters International (MI) Program. The MI program allows Masters students across the nation to incorporate the Peace Corps experience into their degree, giving them an opportunity to practice the skills they have learned in the classroom setting. So as a Global Health major in the Masters of Public Health program at my school, I will be working as a Preventative Health Educator in Senegal for two years. This two year experience will give me the tools I need to launch a career in global health and will bring me face to face with the needs of people in a low income country. I expect that this journey will change me personally and professionally.

I find it very difficult to explain why I chose a career in Global Health and why I am joining the Peace Corps. I find it hard to explain why I care about poverty, disease, development and disaster. I can’t easily put into words why the Haves should help the Have Nots. And it is difficult for me to describe why the survival of the world’s most exploited and impoverished individuals is inexplicably and intrinsically connected to mine. I am not self righteous neither am I superior nor pious. There are clearly problems in the world we live in and there are also clear solutions.

So like David, I answer “Is there not a cause?”

 

Anyone else doing something similar? Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, Teach for America or any other aid/ development related work or service? Please share why you do what you do and be sure to follow my Peace Corps story here.

Football and Global Health

What the 49ers’ final game teaches us about  Global Health Initiatives

Last night the 49ers played their final game of the season, losing in the NFC Championship to the Seattle Seahawks by 6 points and thus losing their chance to meet the Denver Broncos in the 48th Superbowl in New York.

For Bay Area residents who had spent all week deliberating, praying and preparing for last night’s game, it was a huge disappointment and a major loss. There was silence across San Francisco when wide receiver Crabtree failed to make the catch in the end zone, a similar play that cost the 49ers the Superbowl win last year against the Baltimore Ravens.

This silence, one that follows unexpected defeat or sudden misfortune, is common in public health and is seen many times in particular in global health. Researchers, program planners and sponsors put so much time and resources into planning projects that sometimes never make it off paper, fail halfway due to limited resources or, just like last nights game, fall apart at the last minute.

In his text, Global Health 101, Richard Skolnik highlights a few factors that are associated with positive outcomes in global health and development.

1. Strong Leadership in the host government and in the development partner agencies– Kaepernick and  Wilson showed great leadership on the field last night but Wilson’s leadership skills surpassed that of Kaepernick’s. While his work ethic and dedication are unquestionable, Kaepernick somehow fell short of throwing passes that could have led his team to a victory. Leadership is key in global health. The success of our programs depend on our ability to lead in various settings and our ability to gain the support and loyalty of our constituents and partners.

2. Simple and flexible technologies and approaches that can be adapted to local conditions and do not require complex skills to operate and maintain– As soon as the 49ers won their game against the Carolina Panthers last week, commentators and sports analysts across the nation became concerned with San Francisco’s ability to play a successful game at the CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The stadium has been deemed the loudest in the league with fans, referred to as the “12th Man”, using noise to distract players on the opposing team. This noise makes it difficult for players to hear plays causing them to call timeouts more frequently, delay games and/or commit false starts. The 49ers ability to adjust to their harsh environment helped them gain the lead in the first half of the game. Using simple techniques such as hand gestures, players were able to communicate with one another in a setting where verbal communication is not favored. In global health we know that the programs that work in one community may not work in the next. Adapting our project designs and using simple innovations may be the key to seeing our projects succeed

3. Consistent, predictable funding– Last night’s offense was unpredictable. The offense was very similar to last years Superbowl and ended in the same manner. In the second half of the game, Kaepernick seemed unsure of his plays and of himself leading to two fumbles, a loss and an interception. The defense was strong but the offense was weak. The 49ers did not play in this manner against the Panthers or the week before against the Packers. Consistency is important and this is crucial in the funding of global health projects. Unfortunately in global health a conundrum exists because funding can be directly linked with results. Funding for new projects may be difficult to come across and thus results of project effectiveness can not be shown. In cases like these, collaboration with other organizations and agencies with similar goals or initiatives may be necessary to initiate projects and ensure their sustainability.

4. Close collaboration among governments, donors, and NGOs in the design and implementation of the program– We knew that defeat for the 49ers was certain when the Seahawks coach called a timeout in the 4th quarter and decided to play the ball instead of kick the field goal. As much as we wish Pete Carroll didn’t make that call, it showed leadership and an ability to collaborate with his team to give them the greatest advantage. On the other hand we saw the 49ers lose two key players in this game, both to serious injuries. When key players or partners back out of projects, it can affect the other stakeholders and ultimately lead to defeat.

Projects are bound to start off very well. Project managers and community members alike show enthusiasm and excitement for the results that the initiative can bring. But as seen with a football team, the management of skill is crucial for the survival of  these initiatives. The possession of a certain ability differs greatly from using that ability effectively and efficiently.

49ers fans are proud of their team and many look forward to an even more successful season next year. This is exactly what global health is about; understanding our failures, identifying our gaps in research and program design, and recognizing our mistakes in project management then making changes so that next time, success is inevitable.

a 49ers fan, forever and always faithful

the art of the philippines

travel and work has brought me to cavite, philippines. here for 3 weeks, I will be working on a community development project with my fellow global health classmates. we have been commissioned by the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR)- a non profit focused on development in rural communities- to assess teen pregnancy in the area. for the next two and a half weeks we will be developing our assessment tools, going out into the communities to learn of the issue and developing recommendations for IIRR (or what we have come to call Eleven R R).

 

this post is not about the work, seeing as the work has only just begun. this post is about life in the philippines so far; life that can easily be called art. in the last few days, i have moved from manila to boracay to cavite and back to manila. usually i sleep in traffic (which is heavy in the Philippines) but i found that impossible to do with all…the…art. From city to island to rural setting, art surrounds you.

 

Jeepneys in the city are packed with people trying to get to work, school or lunch. There is no rush hour here. Every hour is rushed, every minute well spent, every second exhausted. There were moments in Manila when I could not tell if I was in downtown Los Angeles, Dupont Circle in DC or Soho in New York. Manila is engaging. The city is the product of a union between culture and development. the hot sun flooded sky is scratched by skyscrapers and buildings under construction. each block is cushioned with a starbucks, mcdonald’s, jolibee or pancake house on the corner. spas are abundant and nail shops are plentiful. tricycles and motorcycles weave in and out of traffic and what produces a double take is when a woman is seen in the drivers seat.

an invisible line divides manila and the cities in the outskirts. while malls and other luxuries are still available in cavite, it is clear that the people who live here are more simple, more classic, more natural.

the weather has been unpredictable. we experienced a small typhoon in boracay last weekend, punishing heat in manila on monday and showers of blessings on wednesday morning. either way, i’m glad to be away from the triple digit temperatures that have overcome southern california, as i am informed by CNN International. 

overcoming the challenges are also an art in of itself. many people here are not used to seeing black people on their streets. my group has 7 blacks so when they see a group of people, they stare more, point more. we’ve overcome curiosity and ignorance with smiles and education. they ask to touch our hair and ask to take pictures with us. its easy to get upset about the attention. after all, a black man is the leader of the free world. but we remain humble and patient…which is truly an art. a difficult one. 

i am excited about the gift the next two and a half weeks will bring. i am excited to see, smell, taste and explore new arts in my work and play. and most of all, i hope i can give much more than i receive.

this is art. this is life. this is the philippines.