Peace Corps Niger has had the incredibly unique experience of operating nonstop for 45 years without having to evacuate volunters or temporarily close the program for safety reasons. The Natural Resource Management sector has benefited from this consistency and helped contribute to Niger's success in combatting desertification and growing every more trees over the past 30 years. (See Feb 11 NYTimes article:)
Haoua Petite, our incredible Program Training Assistant, has boundless energy and a tough, hands-on, get dirty attitude. She constantly tells us with her thick almost rastafarian accent; "NRMs, mon, we're hardcore!" She put together an incredible 3 day training trip where we learned applicable technical skills such as dune stabilization, tree plantations, invasive species removal, and live fencing, among others. As the circus master of our hardcore NRM group, she showed us the most backwoods parts of the bush, introduced us to some of the most connected people in the country and imparted her wisdom and experience through projects that kept us moving and inspired.
Early on the first day our caravan of Land Rovers - fondly called ambulances - had to shovel out or Japanese counterparts, the JIKA volunteers, from sand dunes and cheer wildly - Tahi, Tahi!!! Allez Allez!!!!- to inspire our driver and vehicle up and over the steep rocky ravine to see the rock lines and banquettes serving to catch water for plant reclamation. Later, the feathery switches of the Moringa made for a peaceful afternoon stop and our constant drive by the Niger River gave me a sense of comfort with its lushness and calm. The afternoon continued with an inspiring visit to a grade school class where despite our tiredness and the pressing afternoon heat, I was awed by the energy of the class and their pure gratefulness for the lesson and our presence. The students were dressed in their best clothing and looked anxiously for our reactions.
Haoua Petite, our incredible Program Training Assistant, has boundless energy and a tough, hands-on, get dirty attitude. She constantly tells us with her thick almost rastafarian accent; "NRMs, mon, we're hardcore!" She put together an incredible 3 day training trip where we learned applicable technical skills such as dune stabilization, tree plantations, invasive species removal, and live fencing, among others. As the circus master of our hardcore NRM group, she showed us the most backwoods parts of the bush, introduced us to some of the most connected people in the country and imparted her wisdom and experience through projects that kept us moving and inspired.
Early on the first day our caravan of Land Rovers - fondly called ambulances - had to shovel out or Japanese counterparts, the JIKA volunteers, from sand dunes and cheer wildly - Tahi, Tahi!!! Allez Allez!!!!- to inspire our driver and vehicle up and over the steep rocky ravine to see the rock lines and banquettes serving to catch water for plant reclamation. Later, the feathery switches of the Moringa made for a peaceful afternoon stop and our constant drive by the Niger River gave me a sense of comfort with its lushness and calm. The afternoon continued with an inspiring visit to a grade school class where despite our tiredness and the pressing afternoon heat, I was awed by the energy of the class and their pure gratefulness for the lesson and our presence. The students were dressed in their best clothing and looked anxiously for our reactions.
(Photo index: Off roading in the bush. Me, Jamie and Haoua in our ambulance. Planting live fencing.)
2 comments:
Hello Darling!!!!
Love your photos-sounds like your really enjoying the country, the work, and the decision to do this-i'm so happy for you! Keep the posts coming!! Is the address from the first post still okay to send letters to?
xxoo
Beautiful landscapes and lots of smiles, surely a good combo for an amazing experience. Chin up, enjoy sleeping under the stars at night, my dear. Love.
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