2 Days To Go!

Hi Guys,
I just found this image of the Lweza Training and Conference Centre. I'll be staying here the first week of training. It looks like a really quaint place. I think it will be a nice way to acclimate myself into the program. I'm told that I have internet access there, so I'll let you all know how I'm getting settled in.

Pre-Service Jitters!!

So the past couple weeks have been somewhat stressful. It all stems from the fact that the details I could find about pre-service training were vague at best. What it did say was my training would be community based, and that I would be taught in a community very similar to my actual posting. Since that was the only information I had, I started envisioning a situation where I would be whist away to a small village hundreds of mile from another volunteer, and I would be taught by the local villagers who didn't speak English.

I know some of you are saying "whats wrong with that?" Well, for me, it would be nice to have some level of transition during my training.

My concerns where finally addressed when I was able to talk with the Uganda Country Desk Officer. She explained to me that the training is community based, but I will be taught throughout my training with other volunteers. Another good thing was that my training group is made up of volunteers with similar assignments. That way, we can focus specifically on developmental issues.

Believe me, if they had told me that I would be living in a cave, with only my cunning to survive, I would still be going! It’s just nice to know its not going to be like that!

Everything Arrived at Once!

I just went from not knowing anything to knowing a lot. I got an email this morning detailing my departure. I'm flying to Philadelphia on the 11th of February to start 2 days of orientation (Cultural Classes, Immunizations, New Passport, Ticket To Uganda, Etc.). On the morning of the 13th, I will be flying to Uganda via Brussels, and that is that!

NGO Development Job Description

The is a broad outline of my NGO Development Job

Non-profit organizations, or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), endeavor to fill the gap between government’s provision of services and local needs. Many NGOs have recognized the need to improve their project management and organizational development capabilities. As a Peace Corps Volunteer, you facilitate the development of a strong and effective organization by working with key decision-makers of local NGOs. You do not have a preconceived set of answers, but have the skills, ideas and knowledge to enable an organization to meet the needs of the population served while balancing future consequences. You work as an advisor to non-governmental organizations that deal with the issues of environment, youth, social services, or business development.

Uganda Invitation Package

So things are looking final for Uganda in February!

I received the official invitation from the peace corps with a massive amount of paperwork. I have to get a specialized US passport, and 2 Visas. One for Uganda, and the other one for Kenya. Don't ask me why I need a 27-Month Visa for Kenya. It maybe that part of my job will entail traveling between both countries. If so, that would be Awesome!!

Normally it would take several weeks to get a new passport, and several more weeks to process the Visas. It doesn't seem like a have enough time, but the guy from the Peace Corps office wasn't concerned. Who knows, maybe they bride some of the officials at the consulate to move along the paperwork? Fingers Crossed!