The problem is that the mamas from the Negezi Village group of health volunteers are having difficulty with the villagers recognizing them as trained volunteers. The mamas from Ukenyange (a neighboring village) don't have this problem because they have been operating together in some capacity for some time now. Part of the agreement to attend the three day training we had was that they would visit their neighbors and share information and knowledge. This becomes a problem when the volunteers aren't recognized as being trained. So the challenge is to find a way to increase their presence and status in their subvillages. The question is...how to do that? The answer is.....soccer.
Soccer games draw villagers out of their homes and villages at an astounding rate. They love to watch their home team play....and their village team needs a soccer ball. What a coincidence, I just happen to have one that I received through participating in the Malaria challenge.
So here's the plan: I'm going to sponsor a soccer match between Negezi and the neighboring village. The Negezi team will get the soccer ball for participating. At the beginning of the match we will introduce all of the health volunteers and tell the villagers what they are trying to do. As an additional benefit for me, the small group of girls who I have been working with on nutrition and business will prepare a meal of beans and rice to be served to our team before the match. While the mamas doubt their ability to do this (they are only 11 or 12 years old) I have had them cook this exact meal in large quantity before and I am completely confident they can.
So members of both of my projects will benefit from this soccer match, and I feel good about ending my service to with the Peace Corps on a high note. Now let's see if I can pull this off.
Photos:
#1 Wasichana practicing cooking at my house
#2 Meeting with both health volunteers and wasichana together (wasichana hiding a little at top),
