1 more year!

 

Alas! I’ve lasted in this country for one year! Last week marked the anniversary of my arrival in Namibia. Time has truly flown by. I have been very busy as of late with many projects coming up. Some projects are trying to run smoothly. Others are trying to get started. Overall, I’m predicting a far more successful second year to my Peace Corps service since I feel like I have really settled down in this country. I’ve gotten pretty accustomed to my life here and few things phase me here like they used to. This includes things like goats and cattle blocking my bike path to work, the unfriendly greeting from the lady I buy fish from everyday, the long and awkward handshakes, old men wearing leather jackets and leather hats, public urination, drivers never slowing down, pedestrians never speeding up and the never-ending near death scenarios between drivers and pedestrians. These are just a few of the quirks that I will surely miss when I leave the country in 14 months.

Besides my recent 1 year in country anniversary, I have a few things lined up for me over the next couple of months. The Chili Farming project that I have mentioned a few times in previous blog posts will finally get its funding from the US Ambassador’s Self-Help grant. I just need to help the project members write a budget for the equipment needed and then we are making progress!

The site of the chili project

Small sample of chilis

Another one of my projects is a Solar Schools Project. I will help coordinate the delivery of donated solar lamps to schools across the northern regions of Namibia. Many rural households in Namibia live of the electric grid and many children are unable to perform their studies once it gets dark. The aim of this project is to provide learners with access to small, solar powered products so they have light to perform their studies. Once selected schools gets these lights, a “Solar Library” will be implemented where kids can rent these lights for a duration of time. A curriculum based on Solar Energy will also be taught at the schools so learners can learn more about the benefits of renewable energy.

Sun King Ecos that will be going to the schools

Finally, I will be doing the Diversity Tour next month. This was mentioned in my last blog post, but basically, it’s a week long trip with vulnerable and marginalized children form rural areas that have not seen much of their country before. Should be special. 

Here’s to another successful year in this country!