I'm Glad...

Today I was creating a list of activities (from reference material I have) that will help people (mostly men) come in better touch with many aspects of their own gender norms (and the impacts of those norms on other people). Many people are unaware of the actions the take just because of their own, deeply internalized gender norms. Here is an example activity (takne from a book on male engagement):

1. Separate the participants into same-sex groups.

2. Give each group a sheet of newsprint and a marker. Ask the participants to come up with as many endings as they can for the following sentences:

• Male group: I’m glad I’m a man because…
  
• Female group: I’m glad I’m a woman because…
  

3. Give the groups another sheet of newsprint, and ask the participants to come up with as many endings as they can to the following sentences:

• Male group: If I were a woman, I could… 
  
• Female group: If I were a man, I could…
  

4. Tape the sheets on the wall, and discuss the responses by asking the following questions:

• Were any of the responses the same for both genders?
  
• Was it harder for members of either of the gender groups to come up with reasons they are glad of their gender? Why do you think this is? 
  
• How does the first set of responses of one gender group compare to the second set of the other gender?

Frogs

I just finished eating a frog (efuma). It is a tradition to eat frogs here, especially now during the raining season because there is so many frogs around. This email must be short because my battery is dying.

I walked into town today and did some more shopping and also went to the Peace Corps office. It looks like I will be going back into town on Thursday. Its kinda a big affair to go into town and by groceries, the round trip states are --> two 40 minute walks, three taxi rides, carrying groceries, walking around big puddles...

The North, where I am now, seems to be very different from the south.

I'm Here

Things are very different at my new site.

I have no electricity or running water in my house. There is actually no electricity anyplace on the homestead (farm). There is running water on the homestead. I fill a big container of water that I use in my house. There is a nice toilet and shower I can use in a separate building from my house.

I am using a propane stove, and do not have a refrigerator yet...I don't know when I will get one. During the night, I use an old kerosine lamp for light in my house.

It has been raining every night since I have been here, and even raining some of the days. Today (Sunday) I walked to church with the kids. It took 45 minutes through the rain and puddles. I was soaked by the time I got there. I was introduced to the congregation, and soon I will begin working with the youth in the community.

I have already met with the Principal of a nearby school, and have begun helping him with his computers. I will probably be doing some self-esteem courses for the learners at his school. He is reading my materials now. I was able to charge my computer and cell phone while I was fixing his computers. :-)

There are many chickens, goats, 2 pigs, 2 dogs, and 1 cat on the farm. The farm is run by a 77 year old woman. Her name is Kuku Selma (Kuku means grandmother). She doesn't know any English. Most of the time people are only speaking Oshindonga to me.

Its a 45 minute walk just to the tar road. I am told I can get a taxi into town from the tar road...we will see tomorrow, because I will try to go into town.

Next Stop

I'm just finishing up my visit in the States with my family. It has been a good time.

Soon I will be headed back to Namibia to start my 3rd year. I am excited about this 3rd year because I will be trying new things in a new location.

I don't know if I will have Internet access, electricity, or even running water. That's OK though.

Jay.

Ileni

I just created a website the hosts many of my pictures from Namibia. You can check it out at the following link:

www.ileni.com

Jay.