January 20th and 21st

January 20th


Not a big day but visited another partner who takes care of young unwed girls that are either pregnant or those that escaped a forced marriage – in both cases they are expulsed from their families. The center “Fo CEB” Fondation du Cardinal Émile Bodyoula was fonded to help these girls reintegrate their families after having their child or negotiated out of the forced marriage – this process can take from 6 months to 2 years. They teach the girls different trades such as sewing, knitting, cooking, making soap or peanut butter.

In the afternoon we did nothing as it is very hot – so in our rooms with AC to cool off, do some laundry and a bit of administrative stuff for the office.

January 21st – last day at the VSO office as tomorrow we take over our houses. We had a press meeting with the National newspaper and met with those partners we had not yet seen – so I got to meet my new “boss” Mr. DIOP from IPD-AOS who seems very nice and open. Hope to start next week but they want us to take another week off to set up house. Things are really a lot slower here .... no pressure. Tonight we have a going away party as the group is separating to our respective cities and employers – and we will be celebrating Nathalie’s 30th birthday anniversary – so we hired live music, wine, cake etc...

I think all of us are anxious to get into our own things and have a break from the “group” – to always be with 11 adults and 3 children in just about everything we do is a little demanding when you are not use to it – but all in all the group has really been quite fantastic – all very good people.

I will be without Internet for a few days so will try to write my blog next week at which time I will send you picture of my new digs.