As you’ve been hearing over the past two months, virtually all of my work-time during the month of July was devoted to working with a group of Irish volunteers from the University College of Dublin (www.ucdvo.org). Spending time with this group was one of the most enriching experiences of my Peace Corps service so far for several reasons:
1. I met a lot of great Somoteñans who helped me connect to the true pulse of Somoto. I know now where to go to rent a bus, get a good take out meal, and buy 30 bags of cement at discount prices.
2. I met a lot of great Irish folk who were able to accomplish an enormous task in only 6 weeks. Let’s just say it was nice to work at a faster pace than “Nica-time.”
3. I was able to help in a way that only a Peace Corps volunteer could and in a way that I believe can really help the developing world.
To expand on the third point, the project really needed someone who could translate for the group, but also had knowledge of the area and the various institutions involved. They also needed someone who could step outside of regular responsibilities and devote a significant amount of time to the project before, during, and after the actual construction. Luckily, as a Peace Corps volunteer, my role with the Health Department allowed me to do exactly that, and still stay inside my normal job description.
Secondly, we talk a lot in Peace Corps about sustainable development, which means that the projects we start should be sustainable long after we’re gone. In order to have sustainable development, you have to have community engagement to keep up interest in a project. You also need to have committed volunteers or contributors that can take over a managing kind of role when the program reaches a certain stage of stability. Lastly, most importantly, and perhaps sadly, there needs to be a steady stream of funds to maintain the financial costs and obligations of a project. Step 1 and 2 are fairly easy to accomplish, as long as the project really is for the benefit of the community. However, that last step really is a doozy. If long term funding can’t be guaranteed, the community incentive to even start a project is almost zero, and for good reason.
The volunteers from UCDVO take the time to research a community and it’s needs before committing to a project, but once it’s assured that a real benefit can be provided, they come in and take care of step 3. In this case, the real expense of a health center is the construction and medical equipment. If the Health Department can manage paying for qualified staff (1 nurse 5 days a week and 1 doctor 2 days a week) and building maintenance, then you’ve got yourself a sustainable project!
OK, well, if this kind of boring stuff interests anyone out there, let us know and we’ll write a little more about the theory behind being a Peace Corps volunteer. Until then, take a look at these pictures that show the progression of the project, and finally the inauguration ceremony on Thursday.
1. I met a lot of great Somoteñans who helped me connect to the true pulse of Somoto. I know now where to go to rent a bus, get a good take out meal, and buy 30 bags of cement at discount prices.
2. I met a lot of great Irish folk who were able to accomplish an enormous task in only 6 weeks. Let’s just say it was nice to work at a faster pace than “Nica-time.”
3. I was able to help in a way that only a Peace Corps volunteer could and in a way that I believe can really help the developing world.
To expand on the third point, the project really needed someone who could translate for the group, but also had knowledge of the area and the various institutions involved. They also needed someone who could step outside of regular responsibilities and devote a significant amount of time to the project before, during, and after the actual construction. Luckily, as a Peace Corps volunteer, my role with the Health Department allowed me to do exactly that, and still stay inside my normal job description.
Secondly, we talk a lot in Peace Corps about sustainable development, which means that the projects we start should be sustainable long after we’re gone. In order to have sustainable development, you have to have community engagement to keep up interest in a project. You also need to have committed volunteers or contributors that can take over a managing kind of role when the program reaches a certain stage of stability. Lastly, most importantly, and perhaps sadly, there needs to be a steady stream of funds to maintain the financial costs and obligations of a project. Step 1 and 2 are fairly easy to accomplish, as long as the project really is for the benefit of the community. However, that last step really is a doozy. If long term funding can’t be guaranteed, the community incentive to even start a project is almost zero, and for good reason.
The volunteers from UCDVO take the time to research a community and it’s needs before committing to a project, but once it’s assured that a real benefit can be provided, they come in and take care of step 3. In this case, the real expense of a health center is the construction and medical equipment. If the Health Department can manage paying for qualified staff (1 nurse 5 days a week and 1 doctor 2 days a week) and building maintenance, then you’ve got yourself a sustainable project!
OK, well, if this kind of boring stuff interests anyone out there, let us know and we’ll write a little more about the theory behind being a Peace Corps volunteer. Until then, take a look at these pictures that show the progression of the project, and finally the inauguration ceremony on Thursday.
The project should be finished by the middle of September, so look for final pictures then!
6 comments:
kalimera apo halkida.creece
Matt, I want to know--did you have difficulty going from spanish to english with an irish accent? Looks like Astro did a great job of "supervising" all of you, too! Great work, BTW - I noticed the solar panels on top (and that you'd referenced trying to procure them in an earlier post). You'll have to let me know how well and how efficient those solar panels are, in the interest of pursuing more alternative energy sources!
yes ... please continue the "policy wonk" posts mixed in with the "everyday life" stuff ... from this vantage point, it's a great combination ! ! !
I'm so sorry I missed the Parents Lyttle on their travels through Geneva ... life has been a little hectic lately! Have a GREAT visit / reunion ... I know I owe you a Facebook message or an email or something to update you on life in G-town ... trust me, that will come soon ... after we get through "Extreme Makeover: Geneva Edition" !!!
Love & Peace,
Stu
yes ... please continue the "policy wonk" posts mixed in with the "everyday life" stuff ... from this vantage point, it's a great combination ! ! !
I'm so sorry I missed the Parents Lyttle on their travels through Geneva ... life has been a little hectic lately! Have a GREAT visit / reunion ... I know I owe you a Facebook message or an email or something to update you on life in G-town ... trust me, that will come soon ... after we get through "Extreme Makeover: Geneva Edition" !!!
Love & Peace,
Stu
Hooray for sustainability! It's not boring at all--it's common sense.
Hey Matt and Jess,
The centro looks fantastic! Congratulations again and thanks for your hard work and dedication...I know it took a lot, but you have a lot to be proud of! Now get out there and give some charlas! Alison
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