Today we begin our 2nd day in Makeni Township. Yesterday, we metwith local members ( volunteers) of the makeni branch and sat in on a vibrant meeting of 75 youth who were entering the YMCA’s vocational/technical school this year. All of the students were war combatants, commercial sex workers, or orphans, and all were energetic and speaking candidly to the teachers and YMCA officials. After, we also took a walk around the city with all of the members and at the end of the day, participated in a national radio talk show on the YMCA!Today, we meet with the mayor of makeni then head off to Kabala to see a project there.
Our hosts have been gracuious and helpful. Sierra Leone ,is a beautiful country and the people we have met have been warm and welcoming. The opportunity to partner here in Makeni and in Kenmah is strong and both ouf our YMCA’s have skills and knowlege that can assist the other in providing services. Clearly, our YMCA can help to provide resources and funding to assist the well thought out plans that YMCA staff and volunteers havs laid out.
Loving the food! My favorite so far is rice with cassava leaves, and boiled cassava! Although the goat, and eggs and sardine sandwhich i had this morning ws pretty good too!
Jeannie Siegler said
Sounds like “connecting” has become a reality! Great job! I’ve posted the blog spot on the FOSL (Friends of Sierra Leone) listserve which goes to hundreds of former Peace Corps volunteers, Sierra Leoneans in and outside Sierra Leone, as well as FOSL members. Kabala is a beautiful place and you’ll pass through Kamabai (my first official teaching position) on the way north. Enjoy! Jeannie
Kelli said
It’s remarkable to hear you have already been so many places and met so many people. I can’t wait to hear details from your meeting with 75 youth. I’m also interested to hear about the children of SL. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Kelli
Aaron said
Very cool. I LOVE goat, egg and sardine sandwiches!
And I can’t wait to see pictures.
Shawn said
What an amazing experience for the three of you and the Missoula Family YMCA. I can’t wait to hear all of the wonderful stories and begin to for our partnership between the two YMCA’s. Safe Travels!