As many of you know, a week ago I helped with a girls camp. Girls came from all over the country (4 per region) to meet woman professionals (lawyers, administrators, teachers, journalist, tailor, craft-makers, etc), asking how they got to where they are now and what advice they have for achieving their dreams.
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| Aminata Showing Off One of the Female Tailor's Designs |
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| Speaking to Administrator of Gambia Technical Training Institute |
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| Toured Bottling Company |
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Auntie Apsa, the Leader of the Girls Camp
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Peace Corps Volunteers accompanied each group of girls to the camp and helped lead activities, Life Skills curriculum, and the discussions concerning the application component of the week.
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| Fern (PCV) Teaching Girls About Role Models |
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Playing Birdie on a Perch
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We Made Jewelry!
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| Maryama and Maya Performing Skit |
Overall, it was a great week and the girls left saying they were encouraged to pursue their education, say "no" to early marriage, and make a difference in their families, communities and country.
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| Field Trip to Banjul Arch |
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| Camp Just Ended. Girls Tearing Up. I Chose to Laugh as Comic Relief |
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| My Albreda Girls (Maryama, Yassin, Haddy, and Maya) |
It was great to be able to be a mentor, a positive role model in the lives of specifically these 4 girls from my area. In a culture where it's viewed more appropriate for girls to be doing domestic work than homework they need all the support and encouragement they can get. I look forward to seeing where their dedication and determination will take them!
Aw, you look happy AND healthy in these pictures! So are you going to come back to the states with some traditional Gambia clothing? I like the colors.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a very inspiring time with these women. That is totally awesome.