I applied to be part of the training team, and was able to spend their first weekend with them at their training center. Not only did they switch their arrival date, but they also selected a new training center. So instead of heading to the far north, Ngonini where we all trained, I headed to the far south to Nhlangano.
Peace Corps Volunteer Anna McCrerey in Swaziland: Whoo Hoo, we're not the new kids anymore
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
UPDATE #23: Group 3
Whoo Hoo, we're not the new kids anymore. This past weekend the third group of trainees arrived in Swaziland. While both the first group and my group (#2) arrived at the end of September, they made the executive decision to switch the Swaziland program to a June arrival group, meaning that from now on all new groups will come in June. Needless to say getting new people 4 months earlier than originally planned was thrilling. We are one of the smallest posts in the world, and with only 46 in-country volunteers, we are all more than ready for some fresh faces. This new group includes 3 married couples! (One of which will ultimately be placed very near to me in Siphofaneni, but more on that later).
I applied to be part of the training team, and was able to spend their first weekend with them at their training center. Not only did they switch their arrival date, but they also selected a new training center. So instead of heading to the far north, Ngonini where we all trained, I headed to the far south to Nhlangano. Our training took place in the one of the hottest parts of the country during the hottest months. Theirs is happening in the coldest part of the country during the dead of winter -- quite a change. Coming from my nice warm site in the lowveld, I shivered for the better part of three days. They all seem to be adjusting great with very few problems. The office and training staffs took alot of our feedback, suggestions, and evaluations from our training into account and have made lots of good changes.
I'll help Lindiwe (APCD, my direct boss), do a session on the Project Plan and Volunteer Job Description. Essentially, the nuts and bolts of what we are supposed to do as HIV/AIDS Community Health volunteers; I'll give a volunteer perspective. Then I'll be up a week later to help the technical team do a session on Community Mobilization. And finally, at the end of June, I'll host two trainees for their site visits.
By the numbers:
Just a quick update on the volunteer ET saga. In Group #1, Kevin was medically seperated (sent back to the states permanently) in May, leaving his group at 18 (hitting the 50% ET rate). Sadly, my other direct boss, APCD Gus had a major medical issue and was sent back a week after Kevin. His condition is quite severe, and he won't be returning. I was incredibley close to him, and he was my biggest cheerleader, motivation, and fatherly support out here, so his loss has hit me hard. And, our group had its first ET since swearing-in. Justin decided to go home, so we are down to 28.
