Sorry, Kuno Ku Malawi

Likoma Island

2012-01-14T15:57:00.001+02:00

Happy New Year!!!! For the holidays this year, I traveled to Nkhata Bay and Likoma Island with two fellow PCV friends. Here is a rundown of my fab travels and holiday!!!

Dec. 22, 2011

PC Headquarters and PEPFAR (Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) representatives visit me at FHI360. They want to observe and learn about PCVs working with NGOs. I share my stories, frustrations, and successes. They seem pleased. They tell me to look into working with PC Office of Global Health & HIV. Pretty cool....

Head out to Nkhotakota with my good friend Chloe and her family. We stay at Fish Eagle Bay. We spend the evening swimming and avoiding the lake flies.

Lake flies gave Lake Malawi the nickname "Lake of Fire." The flies collect over the water, looking more like tornadoes or smoke stacks over the water. Imagine thousands of flies hatching and collecting in one big group to mate. Birds, fish, and other creatures gather to eat them including Malawians. They will collect the bugs into large patties, fry the patty, and eat it. I tried it, it's disgusting, tastes like fish vomit. The enormous plumes of the flies float over the lake with the wind, but sometimes they end up on the shore wreaking havoc on anyone and anything in its way. The insects are tiny enough to enter bed nets, and they are just damn annoying.

Dec. 23, 2011

Spend the morning swimming and kayaking on the lake. For lunch, we walk over to Nkhotakota Pottery for a delicious lunch and some pottery shopping. I ate a salad, mushroom soup and cheesecake...things I never get to eat!!! At night, we watch the lightening dance across the lake. It was almost like a laser show.

Dec. 24, 2011

Eat delicious breakfast of fruit salad before heading out to travel. Travel begins at 8am. I arrive at my destination at 5:30pm...long day of mini buses, dust, and sun. Arrive in Nkhata Bay to stay at Mayoka Village Lodge. Go out dancing with fellow PC friends until 2am...felt like I was in America.

Dec. 25, 2011

Wake up late in morning. Immediately jump in water to swim and cool off! Eat good food all day. Relax and drink with fellow PCVs. For dinner, we head to H&M for butter fish (best tasting bbq fish ever) and kandole, cassava nsima. Kandole resembles raw dough and sits in your stomach for a couple of days, not allowing you to poop. But it is the tastiest meal you can have in Malawi!

Dec. 26, 2011

This is the day we catch the Ilala ferry, but not til the evening. So my friends and I shop for supplies and relax and swim before boarding at 8pm. The ferry takes 10 hours to get to our destination a mere 65km away (about 40 miles). Things just move slowly in Malawi. We first get on 2nd class only to discover its jam packed with people like a minibus. We decide to move to 1st class, the more expensive and roomier option. We sleep on the deck until our early am arrival.

On a boat! First class deck of the Ilala.

Sunrise over Chizimulu Island.

Fishermen around Likoma Island.

Dec. 27, 2011

Upon our arrival to Likoma Island, the rain begins. The Ilala doesn't have a dock on the island, so boats have to escort you to the shore. Needless to say, we were completely soaked! Mango Drift, the backpackers lodge on the island, picks us up in safari vehicle so we avoid the 45 minute hike in the rain.

Great backpackers lodge on the island.

The money shot!

The island is absolutely beautiful, exotic, and isolated. We spend most of our first day resting, swimming, and setting up tent. I snorkeled! The beach is very rocky, which at first was annoying. But when snorkeling you can see that the cichlid fish love to swim near the rocks, so its a very beautiful snorkeling area. Every night, the lodge has a big group dinner. The lodge is hosting 17 JICA volunteers, Japanese version of PC, so they are our party friends for the week!

View from my lounge area. I spent most of the week in this spot!

On Likoma, islanders speak Chichewa, the most common language spoken in Malawi.

Dec. 28, 2011

Most of our days on the island are spent the same way...swimming, snorkeling, sleeping in hammocks, drinking, eating, and repeat. It's a hard life!!!! Don't worry mom, we were slathering the 50spf sunscreen all over ourselves repeatedly!!!! The island was super hot and humid, but the water was a super cool temp.

Sunset over the island.

Likoma is known as the Island of the Baobobs.

Dec. 29, 2011

Swimming, snorkeling, sleeping in hammocks, drinking, eating, and repeat.

View from my hammock.

The stillness of the lake can change drastically and without notice.

Dec. 30, 2011

We trek to a village with the famed Dr. Kumpolatta, a traditional healer. People throughout East Africa come to visit him so he can remove curses and other witchcraft from people who are visibly ill. For a medical anthropologist, this was a super cool excursion and experience. He told us his life story. Basically, he's a schizophrenic who utilizes the respect he has earned from people and the Anglican teachings to rid people of witchcraft. He danced and sang for us and wanted us to take lots of photographs. Legitimately though, I understand why people go to him. There was one woman with obvious rheumatoid arthritis who thought someone had possessed her hand. Medically, there is nothing that can be done for her in Malawi health clinics. RA drugs are nonexistent here. Another boy looked liked he had some sort of palsy, but again, Malawian hospitals can do little for him. So their only hope is to rid evil spirits through means of traditional medicine. The Dr. has lots of Anglican influence and even uses the ANAMED, medicinal plants and such that actually do help alleviate suffering and pain.

Dr. Kumpolatta and his band sing the praises of God to empower his patients.

Dr. Kumpolatta's spiritual clinic.

Dr. Kumpolatta is quite a character.

Anyway, the walk back is super hot but beautiful. Upon our return, all three of us laze in hammocks for several hours. That night, the lodge is supposed to have a NYE party, but the lake flies ruin it...

View from our hike around the island.

Dec. 31, 2011

Last day of lazing on the shores of Likoma Island. We pack and spend the afternoon swimming. The Ilala arrives arrives at 5pm but leaves around 9pm. We board the boat and pitch our tents on the dock. We celebrate on the deck with the friends we've made throughout the week on the island. We attempt to make the boat a party boat, but Malawians don't really celebrate the new year, they just wanted to sleep on the deck. At 2am, the rain pours!!!! I'm caught outside the tent so I get drenched in rain!!!! After 8 hours on the boat, we finally arrive back to Nkhata Bay.

Celebrating the New Years on a boat!

Jan. 1, 2012

Arrive at 5am to Nkhata Bay and get picked up by Mayoka Lodge transport...so nice. We are at the lodge too early, so we sleep for several hours on their cushions and couches. The rest of day is spent lazing about, swimming and eating the last good food before our journeys home.

Jan. 2, 2012

Denial sets in that the vacation is over....Transport home via minibus. Leave at 7:30am to arrive home at 4pm. Eat at Cafe Lahore, the only restaurant in Salima cause I have no food at home. Oh, and waking up this morning, I discover I've scratched my cornea and spent the whole ride home crying. Sleep for 24 hours due to eye and exhaustion.

Likoma Island is now my favorite beach of Lake Malawi.

Happy Fall Y'all!

2011-11-01T11:42:00.002+02:00

Happy Fall Y'all! Just wanted to send cool wishes for fall in America from hot, steamy, dusty Malawi. Currently, sitting in an office wincing at the thermometer reading of 41C (~106F). So Happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Xmas, etc!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS ST. LOUIS CARDINALS...WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONS!!!! Tried explaining baseball to Malawians who have never heard of nor seen a game without much luck :( Maybe I'll get a team started here...

Much love,
Sorry Zed

Hitching a ride on the back of a Chibuku Shake-Shake delivery truck!
Chibuku is cheap, thick, and filling beer that smells like vomit!

What I'm Doing Here, Part II: Peer Education & Hope Kit Training

2011-10-09T15:45:00.000+02:00

FHI 360 has been funding and monitoring Youth Friendly Health Service (YFHS) activities in collaboration with the Salima District since 2008. Seventeen health centres throughout the district implement YFHS. In July 2010, I conducted a training aimed to improve YFHS throughout the district by training health peer educators. Through funding from FHI 360 and Peace Corps Malawi, 51 participants were trained in peer education techniques and facilitation. Thirty-four youth and 17 service providers from the 17 health centres in Salima district attended the five day course.

The training comprised a variety of health topics with a special focus on HIV/AIDS prevention. Each participant received a Hope Kit, a HIV prevention tool that provides and emphasizes activities and actions that individuals or groups of people can take as steps towards HIV prevention or mobilizing communities to respond to the AIDS epidemic in Malawi.

Salima Peer Educators!

Hope Kit Activity

Before the training, it was observed that YFHS were under-utilized by youth in Salima district because trained health personnel were either transferred to other health centres or too busy to properly allocate time and commitment to YFHS activities. In training 34 youths in peer education and the Hope Kit, young leaders will be able to continue YFHS meetings and facilitate discussions amongst peers regarding health, education, and goal setting. YFHS service providers attending the training gained refresher skills and acquired the Hope Kit as a tool to educate not only youths that attend YFHS, but also community members that seek services and health education.

The Hope Kit approach was initiated by the Malawi BRIDGE project in order to reduce the incidence of HIV and AIDS in Malawi through multilevel efforts that seek to change people’s behaviors, attitudes and perceptions regarding the transmission of HIV/ and AIDS. The Journey of Hope is a set of practical experiential learning activities designed to address a range of HIV and AIDS related issues in particular HIV prevention. It guides participants to develop life skills that can help them deal with different situations, linked to staying healthy and achieving their goals and dreams in life. The Journey of Hope provides one of strategies that call for all Malawians to be empowered to choose positively when making decisions. These choices are based on practical experiences that young people as well as adults face in real life situations.

Nditha! (Yes, I can!)

Objectives:

1. To equip the participants with Peer education techniques and methodologies, knowledge and skills, which they will be using in disseminating sexual reproductive health and HIV/AIDS messages to their peers in the communities.

2. To promote ABC prevention methods among youth and young people in the surrounding communities.

Follow up

Each youth developed a three month workplan to facilitate peer education sessions in their communities. I am following up with each youth, observing teaching sessions, and providing feedback. So far, the youth are enthusiastic about peer education.

Me swimming in a sea of Hope Kits!

Reflections...

2011-08-24T15:43:00.000+02:00

Admittedly, I fail at this blogging thing...Sometimes I'm really into it, other times I'm fully aware that I have a global audience of people I've never met (which makes me nervous)!

I've been in Malawi for 13 months now...my, how time flies! So here's a quick review of what I've been up to in Malawi since my last blog in May.

June:

-Participated in Universal Mosquito Net Distribution program with PSI and Peace Corps. In Salima District, more than 190,000 nets were distributed.

Manets! These long life treated nets will provide protection for 3 years!

Women carry manets home.

-Visited Kuti Game Ranch in Salima with Alexis. Walked 3 hours to get there. Avoided a puff adder. Saw some zebra, ostrich, and deer-like animals. Sadly, none of them are Malawian, except the puff adder.

Alexis with Ostrich

Zebra stripes!

-Site visited my friends in Balaka and Ulongwe. Hung out at Mvuu Lodge & Liwonde National Park. Saw some hippos in the Shire River. Ran away from some elephants.

My friend Chloe and I sailing across the Shire River!

Mvuu aka Hippos!

July:

-Celebrated the 4th of July and my 1 year anniversary of being in Malawi at Kande Beach.

-Malawians rioted against the current economic crisis and unpopular politics. Can't provide my own take on what's going down in Malawi, but here is a good article to summarize the situation: IRIN: Malawi's 'Arab Spring'?

-Trained 34 youths and 17 health center staff in peer education and the Hope Kit (blog to come).

August:

-Facilitated sessions on HIV and peer education at Camp Girls Leading Our World (GLOW). Camp GLOW is organized by health volunteers in Malawi each year. Check it out: Camp GLOW

-Attended Mid-Service Training in Dedza with my fellow health volunteers. Wow, it really has been one year of living in Malawi!

-Observed trained peer educators do what I trained them to do! Awesome!!

Thanks for all your love and support this past year! Twelve months of service left, and I'm hoping they are filled with success, adventure, and work.

We Biked to Lake Malawi!!!

2011-05-31T12:44:00.002+02:00

My sitemate, Alexis, and I cycled to Senga Bay and back in one day. In total, we biked 40km. That's right, we're awesome!

You can see a photo of me on Alexis's blog: http://alexisinmalawi.blogspot.com/2011/05/sally-and-i-biked-to-senga-bay-last.html

Maholiday ku Tanzania

2011-05-31T12:33:00.000+02:00

My friend Kim from Atlanta came and visited me in Malawi. We embarked on an African adventure through Malawi to Tanzania via minibuses, buses, trains, boats, and planes! From Lilongwe, Kim and I headed to Karonga, the northern-most district in Malawi to visit an orphanage. From there, we walked across the Malwian-Tanzanian border to catch a minibus to Mbeya, the train depot city. From Mbeya, we rode 24 hours on the Tazara Train Line through southeastern Tanzania. Once we arrived in Dar Es Salaam, we took a ferry boat to the magical island of Zanzibar. For three glorious days, I soaked up the sunny warm rays on the sandy white beaches of Paje. Afterwards, I returned to Dar Es Salaam to hang with another American friend, Colleen, before my return home to Malawi.

Here is my journey in photos:

Tanzanian-Malawi Border

TZ loves green bananas!

Driving that train through the Selous National Park

Selling coconuts from the train window

Arrived in Dar Es Salaam after 24 hour train ride...

Dar Es Salaam Skyline via the Indian Ocean

Goodbye Dar...

Hello Zanzibar!!

Old Fort in Stone Town

Cute resort at Paje Beach!

Even in a tropical paradise, you need to be
reminded that you are in Africa

Creamy white sandy beaches of Paje

My own private beach

The Indian Ocean

Paje at Sunrise

Fisherman at Dawn in Zanzibar

Ode to Lake Malawi

2011-03-11T12:08:00.000+02:00

My New Years Resolution for 2011 is to explore more of Lake Malawi's beautiful beaches! (Easy enough for me to accomplish!) And to avoid Schistosomiasis as much as possible...

Lake Malawi is a respite, a relaxing getaway from the trials and tribulations of being a PCV in Malawi. Thankfully, I live within 20km from Senga Bay, a place I frequent as much as possible even in the rainy season.

So here is where I've been so far...

CHIPOKA BEACH

Chipoka is about 40km from Salima. I visited Chipoka Beach Lodge as part of a field visit with FHI. There is a local community based organization (CBO) in this area that targets vulnerable children. After our field visit, we dined on the beach with this beautiful view.

Chipoka Beach Lodge (My Corona Advertisement Shot)

But just to the right of this serene spot, Malawians are busy washing and laundering in the waters of the lake. And the shoreline was reedy...prime location for Schisto.

Malawians Utilizing the Waters of Lake Malawi

SENGA BAY

The closest beach to Salima, Senga Bay has a variety of hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars and other hot spots on the beach for Malawians and tourists to enjoy. I find myself here at least once a month because of its convenience and beauty plus I need to get my swim on. My most frequented spot is Livingstonia Beach, a Sunbird Hotel resort.

Livingstonia Beach

Girl Collecting Water for Her Family

Sunset Over Lake Malawi

NKHOTAKOTA

Located in the Central Region of Malawi, historically Nkhotakota district played a direct role in the ivory and slave trade of Malawi. Today, its economy is driven by fishing and rice production. It is not an area where one can swim due to the numerous reeds (Schistosomiasis breeding zones) and fishermen. But it is indeed a beautiful fishing community. It is also a malaria prone area, benefiting from numerous mosquito net programs. Unfortunately, many of the nets are used instead for fishing, as illustrated below.

Fishermen Use Mosquito Bed Nets to Fish

Fishing Boat

Iwe in the Sand

Retired Fishing Boats Among the Lily Pads

Damaged Dock

Fishing Village along the Lakeshore

My travel buddy Marla and I ventured to Satima Inn. The inn was built in the 1960s out of old shipping boat materials. The owner is awesome, the food is delicious, and the scenery is breathtaking. The dorms are also reasonably priced, and the showers are nice!

Satima Inn, the Hidden Jewel of Nkhotakota

KANDE BEACH

Known by Malawians as "Candy Beach," the water of Kande Beach is crystal clear. I literally soaked in this water for several hours enjoying the tranquility and quietness of the Lake. The resort is difficult to reach, so there aren't many people. It is more of an oasis surrounded by villages tucked away from modernity. Unfortunately, I didn't take many pictures because I was enjoying the water so much. But this is definitely, so far, my favorite lake spot.

Not only was the scenery beautiful, but the food was absolutely delicious! The service at the resort was top notch, with an adorable waiter eager to serve you. Oh, and I finally found real chocolate cake (no photo though, I ate it all up!). The dorms were reasonably priced, but the showers were tragic...rusty water flowed from the pipes, and if you were able to find a shower without rust, the water was cold. But to adapt to the poor water situation, bathe in the Lake.

Rainclouds Form over the Water

Kande Beach Chalets

NKHATA BAY

Further north along the lakeshore, I found Nkhata Bayi. Yet again, the beaches are beautiful and the water clear (except right after the rains). Tucked away from the town, Chikale Beach is a worthwhile hike to scenic sands and warm water.

Chikale Beach

View of Nkhata Bay Town

My friends and I stayed at Big Bluestar Backpackers, a popular destination amongst PCVs. There are cute and homey shacks along the shores. The food is pretty good. And if you are lucky to be there on your birthday, they will bake you a cake. There is a bar that plays reggae music and provides cold refreshment. But the best part of this hostel is the view of the Lake.

Big Bluestar Backpackers Lounge Area

Seen from a distance (below), the Ilala ship docks in Nkhata Bay. The Ilala is the largest and pretty much only ship in Lake Malawi that travels along the lakeshore. In the near future, I plan to board the Ilala on its week long journey from the southern tip of Cape Maclear up to the northern Likoma Islands.

The Ilala Boat in the Distance

Obviously, I've seen much of Lake Malawi and find myself plotting my next venture to the beaches. However, Malawi has more to offer in the form of National Parks, mountains, and hiking. Plus many friends are scattered across the country, doing a variety of good work to showcase to an eager visitor. I hope to explore more of this breathtakingly beautiful country in the remaining 1.5 years of my time here.

What I'm Doing Here, Part I

2011-03-07T16:24:00.000+02:00

Mkuta Mwana (Surround the Child)

FHI is working in partnership with government entities, health facilities, CBOs and local NGOs to provide comprehensive care and support services for 18,000 vulnerable children and families (VCF) affected by HIV/AIDS in Salima by 2013. These services include health, education, social welfare and livelihood services, and interventions aimed at ensuring children’s’ successful transition to adulthood. The Mkuta Mwana program works within the district development framework to strengthen existing community systems and services, while also providing tailored services through a select team of CBOs reaching children and their families through community volunteers, CBCCs, primary schools, and health centers as entry points. Currently, the program has reached over 12,000 VCF. The program works with district government structures, 17 health facilities, 13 CBOs, one collaborating partner, 3 local NGOs, 10 TAs, and 44 PLHIV support groups.

Specific to health, Mkuta Mwana works with the District Health Office (DHO) to help improve basic infrastructure and train healthcare workers at 17 local health facilities. Thirty-four health personnel were trained in Youth Friendly Health Services (YFHS) in early 2010, which provided support to make health centers more youth-friendly, such as the sensitization of staff, the provision of recreational equipment and health information, education, and communication materials.

Youth Friendly Health Services

Malawian youths (ages 10-24) do not have adequate nor equitable access to sexual and reproductive health and HIV services. Prevailing health problems facing young people include: sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, early pregnancies, malnutrition, alcohol and drug abuse, and mental health problems. To address this health disparity, the Malawian Ministry of Health adopted Youth Friendly Health Services, defined as:

Youth Friendly Health Services are high quality services that are

relevant, accessible, attractive, affordable, appropriate and

acceptable to the young people. The services are provided in line

with the minimum health package and aims to increase

acceptability and use of health services by young people.

FHI collects monthly service provision forms from each of the health centers located in the Salima District Health Office. Reporting has been untimely and not all health centers turn in reports. Reports include service profiles on youths ages 10 to 24 with services including family planning information and services, condom promotion and provision, sexually transmitted infections (STI) management, HIV/AIDS Testing and Counseling (HTC), prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), anti-retroviral treatment (ART), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), peer education, ante-natal care (ANC), maternal health delivery, post natal care, post abortion care, and other health services.

In a three month period between November 1, 2010 and January 31, 2011, 11,362 youths sought out YFHS at Salima District Health Centers. One third of these services were categorized as Other, including malaria, nutrition, prevention of substance use, psychosocial support, injury, management of sexual abuse, etc. More than 12% of YFHS visits were for HTC, an average of 457 HTC visits per month by youths. However, an average of 87 youth males received HTC services per month compared to 370 HTC visits per month by female youths. Also of importance, more than 12% of YFHS visits were pregnancy related. Only 10% of visits were for family planning information and services. It is imperative that more information and guidance be provided to youths in Salima regarding HTC, family planning, and maternal health.

Since November 2010, I have been monitoring and supervising YFHS within the Salima District. Of the 17 health centers, 13 YFHS activity days have been observed. At these activity days, youths congregate at local health centers to participate in recreational activities such as soccer, volleyball, cards, and bawo (local Malawian game). In addition to participating in physical activities, youth also listen to health talks from trained health personnel on topics such as HIV testing, family planning, and condoms. While I visit the youths, I chat with them about their health needs and perceptions. Currently, our conversations are limited due to my lack of Chichewa fluency. I also recently procured updated health education posters, charts, and stickers for health centers to post throughout their facilities.

I will continue supervising this activity along with the District YFHS Coordinator for the next 1.5 years of my service as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Plans for the YFHS program include training of 34 youth (half girls, half boys) and 17 additional health service providers to become peer educators in their communities. Youths and health personnel will be provided with Hope Kits, a prevention tool that provides and emphasizes activities and actions that individuals or groups of people can take as steps towards HIV prevention or mobilizing communities to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Malawi. It also includes a wooden penis for condom demonstrations.

Xmas Vacation

2011-01-20T08:34:00.001+02:00

I'd like to share some photos from my Xmas trip at Cape Maclear, Zomba & Blantyre. Had a fantastic time with new PC friends...

For Xmas, I joined several PCVs at Cape Maclear. On Xmas Day, I went snorkeling among the beautiful cichild fish of Lake Malawi. Unfortunately, don't have any pics of that, but here are some of the beach. After snorkeling, the group had a wonderful Xmas dinner @ Gecko Lounge.

The Island where I snorkeled

Boat that took us snorkeling

View from boat on Lake Malawi

Fish Eagle going for the dive

Malawians Bathing & Washing on beach @ Cape Maclear

Xmas Dinner @ Gecko Lounge

Goodbye Cape Maclear

So the day after Xmas, I joined my newly engaged friends Talia & Terrence on the road toward Zomba. Zomba was the first capital of Malawi and is a busy city as a result. The area is also known for the Zomba Plateau.

Storm is a brewing over Zomba Plateau

Here comes the rain

View of Zomba

Harry Potter-esque Chess Board @ Ku Chawe Sunbird Hotel

Chilling @ Ku Chawe

View from Zomba Plateau

Another View from Zomba Plateau

After chilling out and eating excellent food, I headed down to Blantyre, the largest city in Malawi. I explored the city, but didn't manage to take many photos. I visited PAMET (Paper Making Education Trust) of Malawi, which makes paper products out of Baobob bark, banana leaves, and elephant dung. I was a bit squeamish of the elephant dung, so I bought several cards and a journal made of the other materials. Celebrated the New Year with the Greek community of Malawi. There is a club in Blantyre called Club Mustang Sally, so of course I had to check out the place...the bar had a pool inside that no one swims in, strange.

Mustang Sally

After my tour of Southern Malawi, I headed back home to Salima. My site mate, Alexis, had just arrived back from a trip to the States for Xmas. We decided to extend our vacation one more day by going to Senga Bay, my second home in Malawi.

Baboons living by the lake

Momma baboon & baby trying to steal our chips

View from my swing :)

Safari Beach Lodge View

And that my friends, is how I spent Xmas & NYE sans a decorated tree, snow, presents, or champagne. But it was oh so worth it!!

Packing List

2011-01-04T11:48:00.003+02:00

So there is a new group of volunteers coming to Malawi in February. I remember perusing many blogs leading up to my departure to discover the must needed items I should pack. So here is a list of things I'm very grateful I packed, and some things I wish I hadn't bothered bringing.

**I over packed and my luggage was 100 pounds, way over the 80 pounds PC allows you to bring. For the record, I had a luggage fairy watch over me the entire trip cause I never paid luggage fees. I pleaded my case to many airline employees that I'm a poor Peace Corps volunteer and couldn't pay the exorbitant fees. And they bought it!!! However, this didn't work for anyone else, so be warned. I believe those with oversized luggage ended up paying $150+ out-of-pocket to bring their stuff.**

Clothing:

-long skirts

-capri pants (I live in an urban area so am able to wear these often)

-tons of tank tops (Seriously, it gets hot in most areas of Malawi and you will wear them often)

-jeans

-bathing suit (You can definitely bring your bikini/2 piece, even Malawian women wear them)

-sweatshirt (for those super cold days in Dedza training site)

-leggings (long and knee length)

-tons of underwear (They sell used underwear here...)

-several bras including sports bras

-2 Rain jackets (1 lightweight & easy to carry, 1 heavy duty one)

-Keen Sandals (or Chaco's, Tevas...the quintessential PC accessory)

-flip flops (PC will give you some for shower shoes)

-tennis shoes

-pair of nice, closed toed shoes for those professional moments

-shorts to lounge around in

-hiking socks

Camping Gear:

-headlamp (most used item!) & batteries

-tent (brought a 1 person tent, which is fine, but wished I had something bigger) w/fly (for rain)

-sleeping bag

-sleeping pad (invest in something lightweight and comfortable)

-Leatherman or equivalent

-quick dry towel (absolutely amazing)

-hiking boots

-tarp

-bandannas

-sun protective hat

-2 Nalgene bottles

-carabiners

-bungee cords

-hiking backpack

-sunglasses

Personal Care Items:

**You can get most toiletry items in country, but not during training so bring enough to get you by for the first 2 months. These items can be really pricey in Malawi, so it is nice to have your favorite items sent in care packages.**

-contacts & solution (If you wear them, you should bring them. You'll regret it if you don't...look into Pure Vision monthlies...you literally wear them for 1 month and don't have to take them out or touch your eyes. Yeah, yeah, Peace Corps doesn't want you to bring them, but I'm really glad I did.)

-2 pairs of glasses

-plenty of waxed dental floss (in the US, floss costs less than $1, here in Malawi about $10)

-several tubes of your favorite deodorant

-couple of toothbrushes

-1 tube of toothpaste for training

-enough shampoo & conditioner to get you through training...and then have friends/family ship you your fave stuff cause Pantene is as good as it gets (and it is expensive)

-brush/comb

-favorite face wash (rarity in Malawi)

-enough razors to get you through training

-Ped Egg/pumice stone (Your feet will change into new creatures that you never knew could exist, so bring something to scrub them with)

-nail files

-nail clippers

-sunscreen

-your necessary medications & vitamins

-sanitary products for training...suggest Diva Cup and/or tampons with cardboard applicators (easily burned). PC medical office will provide you with this pads & tampons as needed, so you don't need to buy them in country.

-makeup for the ladies...you'll be glad you brought it

-several sticks of my favorite Chapstix

-Ear Plugs...roosters, cows, and goats wake up super early, even when you don't!

-Q-tips

-several travel size containers for shampoo, conditioner, etc...its easier to use these than carry around large bottles of your products when traveling

Electronics:

-Netbook (strongly recommend bringing your laptop or netbook, you won't regret it!)

-iPod

-Speakers that iPod plugs into to recharge (best thing I brought no doubt!)

-Camera

-Rechargeable batteries

-Solar battery charger

-Solar crank radio

-2 pair of headphones (in case I lose one)

-adapter/converter

Miscellaneous:

-umbrella

-games (I brought Scrabble, cards, Uno)

-puzzle books (crosswords, sudoku)

-pictures of family & friends

-spices

-Crystal Light (recommend the fitness version for those days when you need electrolytes and ORS just doesn't taste good)

-American dollars (PC will safe keep up to $750 USD. Cash is great when you want to travel outside Malawi.)

-sharp kitchen knives

-address book

-envelopes

-American Forever stamps (often volunteers travel back to America and can mail letters for you easily)

-journal

-sewing kit

-scissors

-duct tape

-reading books

-Malawi travel guide such as Lonely Planet

-your favorite candy, gum, snack foods

Host Family gifts:

-candy from America

-little plastic toys for kids

-stickers

-or calendars, things from your hometown

Things I wish I had packed:

-external hard drive (seriously, there are a plethora of movies, music, and resources shared amongst volunteers and I wish I had the capacity to store it all)

-waterproof bag/back pack (rainy season is no joke and you don't want to ruin your electronics or other precious items)

-pajama pants...i just miss them so much!

-electrical tape (just in case your computer cord begins to fray or you have a termite infestation in your walls and want to cover the holes)

-calendar

-small, non-stick fry pan (had one sent in care package and has been a life saver)

-rain protector for hiking backpack...waiting for transport in the rain is unpleasant enough, even worse when all your things get soaked!

-cute, fun, girly clothes

-galoshes for the rain!!!!!

Things I wish I hadn't packed:

-slip (PC makes it seem like a must needed, big deal item. However, no PC volunteer wears them and it is ok not to.)

-solar shower (It's so hot in my area that the water is already warm, but some people do find them very handy)

-medical kit because PC will provide you with a medical kit that has everything you could possibly need during your two years

-white clothing...nothing stays white, nor could you ever wash it well enough to make it look pearly white ever again

Hope this helps! Looking forward to meeting the new group in February :)

The Gingerbread Man has Runaway to Malawi!

2010-12-15T09:46:00.012+02:00

My niece's kindergarten class in Arkansas is working on a class project:

"Hi,

I'm the Gingerbread Man. My friend is in a kindergarten class at Pottsville Elementary. They will be reading lots of stories about gingerbread men the next few weeks, especially one about a gingerbread man that runs away. So I've decided to runaway too! Your friend is helping me. They were asked to send me somewhere fun that they would like to know more about, and they chose to send me to you! Please send a postcard from your area back to them at school. They will track my progress all across the US, and maybe even outside the US. This picture postcard will be posted on a large map. This will help the kids learn about different parts of the world. I know my friends will enjoy hearing from you and learning where I have run. Thank you for your help!

Got to run...

The Gingerbread Man"

(So instead of sending a postcard, because it will take 2 or more months to get to America and Xmas will be over, I've taken photos and recorded a short video of the Gingerbread Man hanging out with children in Chifundo, Salima District, Malawi.)

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The Gingerbread Man has run away to Malawi!!

Malawi is a small country in southern Africa about the size of the state of Indiana. The country's primary language is Chichewa, but numerous other languages are spoken throughout the country. More than 12 million people live in Malawi. The country is divided into three regions. I, the Gingerbread Man, have runaway to Salima located in the Central Region to visit Sally Z., a Peace Corps Health Volunteer.

Christmas in Malawi isn't celebrated the same way as in America. Malawians celebrate Christmas by attending church services with their families and preparing a feast that includes meat. Meat is a rarity in Malawian diets because it is expensive. Most Malawian families live on less than $1 a day, not enough to provide meat on a daily basis. Because of poverty, Malawians rarely exchange gifts on Christmas Day, don't decorate a tree, or bake gingerbread cookies. In fact, ginger is a rare ingredient in Malawi. Therefore, most cookies (or biscuits as they are called here) are made of ufa, or maize flour. Maize is also known as corn.

For some Malawians, gifts are exchanged on Boxing Day, the day following Christmas. This is an English tradition. Boxing Day, Dec. 26, is a time for parties and if they can afford to, exchange gifts of clothing or chitenjes, patterned cloth that is worn like a skirt by women.

I was very popular with children here in Salima, Malawi. To show their joy, they invited me, the Gingerbread Man, to a dance party, Malawian style. Children play music on drums made of plastic buckets or metal pots. Watch the short video to see me celebrate with Malawian children.

Christmas ya bwino! (Merry Christmas)

Gingerbread Man in Chifundo village in Salima. Many Malawians in this area are farmers. You can see the farmland of a family behind me.

I've made new friends in Malawi. December in Salima, Malawi, is the end of hot season and beginning of rainy season. Imagine it is like Arkansas in the summer.

No Christmas trees in Malawi. Instead, the Gingerbread Man is hanging out in mango trees.

Ginger is a rarity in Malawi. Therefore, the Gingerbread Man is made of ufa, or maize flour, in Malawi! She looks like she is going to take a bite out of me...eeeek!

The school schedule in Malawi has three terms. The first term begins in September and ends with exams in the beginning/middle of December. Children have a month off to help their families plant seeds in the fields.

Dancing to the beat of the drums with my new Malawian friends:

Christmas ya bwino chokera ku Malawi (Merry Christmas from Malawi)!

The First 3 Months

2010-11-22T16:42:00.014+02:00

This week, I will travel to Dedza for In Service Training (IST). IST is designed to reconnect first year volunteers and for PCV counterparts to become involved in the development of community projects. The PCV and their counterpart will continue to create a mutual bond and further the process of working together in a constructive and positive manner. In addition, language, technical, medical and safety and security sessions will be held to further train the PCV.

IST follows the first three months of service. Hard to believe, but I've been in country for 5 months now...time just flies by. You are probably wondering, "What has Sally been doing since swearing in as a PCV?"

Hmmmmm, well....the first three months have been a great transition for me. I've adapted to life in a Malawian town, made new friends, struggled with communicating in Chichewa, tested my patience with the Malawian energy company ESCOM, observed Malawian office behavior and politics, and devoured my weight in mangoes. The first few weeks were spent cleaning my new home and learning to cohabitate with spiders, roaches, lizards and my watchman.

Nyumba Yanga (My Home)

In the past three months, I've also become quite popular among the neighborhood children. I host weekly dance parties in my yard where the ana (kids) dance to Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, Bob Marley, Beyonce and Black Eyed Peas (their favorite).

Get that dirt off your shoulders

I've been assigned as a health volunteer to work with FHI's Mkuta Mwana (Surround the Child) project in Salima, Malawi. The program's purpose is to help meet the needs of vulnerable children and their families in Salima district by: a) directly providing quality services and support; and b) strengthening local systems and the capacity of organization, government, households, and communities to more effectively meet those needs efficiently during and after the program, which ends Dec. 2012. The program focuses on four specific domains: health, education, livelihoods and social welfare. I, of course, will be focusing on the health objectives of the project. The project works with 16 implementing partners, three of which are health related.

Specifically, I have been tasked with expanding Youth Friendly Health Services in the 17 health centers throughout the Salima District. I will also help train the 41 support groups for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHIV) in Positive Living, a Malawian based strategy for PLWHIV support groups. I will also provide guidance on health related campaigns that all implementing partners are expected to conduct quarterly. As a secondary project, I will be teaching Life Skills to teenagers at a local orphan training center.

I've got my work cut out for me for year one of PC service; however, for the first 3 months I didn't know my place and was seriously wondering what I was doing here in Malawi as a PCV. But apparently this is exactly how I'm supposed to feel the first three months. Only after participating in FHI's 2011 coordination meeting was my role as a volunteer clearly defined. Now, I am looking forward to the journey ahead :)

Malaria in Malawi (& Darkly Dreaming Sally)

2010-11-09T12:47:00.008+02:00

ok, I admit that I'm not very good at this blogging thing...its been a long time since my last entry. I'll try harder :)

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Malaria is endemic in Malawi and the leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Malaria alone causes 30% of deaths in children under the age of five. Malaria is even more prevalent in areas surrounding Lake Malawi, Salima (my new home) included. The Salima District Hospital is promoting a campaign to conduct Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in every household within the district to prevent an onslaught of malaria in the upcoming rainy season which begins in January and lasts until April. More than 110 people die of malaria every day, nearly half of them under the age of 18. Below is the WHO report on malaria in Malawi, as of 2008:

http://www.who.int/malaria/publications/country-profiles/profile_mwi_en.pdf.

Because of the threat of malaria, PC requires all PCVs to take malarial prophylaxis and to sleep under an insecticide treated net (ITN). I’ve been prescribed mephlaquine. Ah, meph…it’s a drug with a long list of side effects including vividly disturbing dreams and insomnia…which is really affecting me during this extremely hot season in Malawi! The other day it was 38C which is the equivalent to 100F…whew, its hot!

My dreams can be described as tame (friends visiting where I'm actually sleep walking to my door to let them in) to really bizarre and scary. I even dreamed there were ants in my bed, started talking in my sleep, and then woke up my friend up with my ramblings of attacking ants. Ok, I'll share one disturbing dream...one day I accidentally bit into a piece of meat on a pizza (fyi, I'm a veg). That very night, I dreamed that I was a cannibal and was eating my friends! TFU!

Needless to say, I'll be discussing switching medications with the PCMO (PC Medical Officer) the next time I'm in Lilongwe. I just write this blog to A) educate others on malaria in Malawi; B) warn future PCVs about meph; and C) to let my friends and family know that other that nightmares and a few sleepless nights, I'm doing quite well in Malawi. I'm fortunate in that I am able to prevent malaria...malaria would be more unpleasant that a couple of sleepless nights and crazy dreams.

On a good note, PC Malawi is teaming up with PSI/Malawi to distribute 20,000 insecticide treated nets (ITNs) to Malawians before rainy season. I'm helping a local NGO apply for ITNs on behalf of their palliative care patients and families.

"PSI/Malawi distributes both long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets (LLINs) and conventional insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to protect Malawians as they sleep. On behalf of the Government of Malawi’s malaria prevention program and with additional support form the US Presidents Malaria Initiative (PMI), PSI/Malawi distributes green-colored Chitetezo LLINsfree to pregnant women and caregivers with children under 5. PSI/Malawi also socially markets blue conventional mosquito nets with insecticide kits, as well as separate insecticide retreatment kits (M’bwezera Chitetezo brand, which means “restore protection”) to urban residents."

Swearing In as an Official PCV

2010-09-23T08:33:00.009+02:00

On September 1, 2010, 34 health and education trainees were officially sworn in as Peace Corps Volunteers while standing next to both the American and Malawian national flags. The event was held at the US Ambassador's estate (currently, Malawi is sans Ambassador) in Lilongwe. The estate was breathtakingly beautiful including a tennis court, swimming pool, and well manicured garden.

Red, White and Blue-tonniere

The Oath

I was impressed with how great everyone looked, we cleaned up well! You'd never guess we were learning how to shower via a bucket bath, use the pit latrine without falling in and avoiding the spiders, and carry water on our heads without completely soaking ourselves.

New PCV Friends: Debra, Me, Chloe & Talia

More PCV Friends: Eric, Allegra, Izzy, Rachel & Kara

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the new PCVs and PC staff enjoyed delicious appetizers and desserts. We even had pseudo-chocolate cake. I'm not sure real chocolate cake exists in Eastern Africa...even in Ethiopia, the cakes would look delicious with what appeared to be mouth watering chocolate icing and cake; but alas, just kidding, not really chocolate. So I'm now on a mission to find real chocolate cake in Malawi ;)

Pseudo-Chocolate Cake

And of course, we all posed with the cakes before devouring. This was our last day together as a combined group of health and education volunteers. The following day, we each set off to each of our new sites and missions as agents of development in Malawi. Bon voyage!!

The New PCVs of Malawi :)

Updated Mailing Address

2010-09-17T10:35:00.003+02:00

Any future correspondences via snail mail and/or care packages can be sent to the following address:

Sally Z******, PCV

Family Health International

P.O. Box 225

Salima, Malawi

Southern Africa

You can still send me things through the old address which is the Peace Corps Malawi HQ, but this is more direct and things may get to me sooner.

As a side note, if you feel inclined, I am always happy to receive care packages. Yes, it takes some time for them to ultimately reach me...but in the end, I will feel super loved and happy :)

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Suggestions for things to send via care packages:

~magazines, books or other fun reading materials

~chocolate

~foods that require "just add water" such as sauces (alfredo is a particular favorite), soups, etc.

~Ricola throat lozenges, variety of flavors (the dust is killer here on your throat)

~pictures

~granola bars

~fruit leather or dried fruit (fyi, i'm allergic to pineapple)

~nuts (not peanuts though, i can easily get those in Malawi, they fall from the sky they are so common)

~non-perishable foodstuff you think I may enjoy

~sugar free chewing gum like Orbitz or Trident

~crossword or suduko puzzles

Or anything else you may think I would enjoy/need :)

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Recommendation from Peace Corps re: sending packages to volunteers from a previous post:

Sending packages. Family members and Volunteers like to send and receive care packages through the mail. Please be advised that packages can often take 1-2 months, but sometimes as long as 4-6 months. Unfortunately, sending packages can be a frustrating experience for all involved due to the high incidence of theft and heavy customs taxes. You may want to try sending inexpensive items through the mail, though there is no guarantee that these items will arrive. We do not recommend sending costly items through the mail. It is recommended that packages be sent in padded envelopes if possible, as boxes tend to be taxed more heavily.

For lightweight, but important, or time sensitive items (e.g. airline tickets), we recommend using an express mail service. DHL is one possibility and other courier services may operate in Lilongwe. For more information about DHL, please call their toll free number, 1-800-CALL-DHL, or visit their web site at www.dhl.com. We advise you to shop around to find the best prices and service options. If you choose to send items through DHL, you must address the package to:

Sally Z******, PCV

C/O U. S. PEACE CORPS MALAWI

AREA 4 PLOT 70

ACROSS FROM OILCOM DEPOT

LILONGWE, MALAWI

(You’ll also need to include the Peace Corps/Malawi phone number: 265-1-757-157).

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind

2010-09-15T07:48:00.009+02:00

Before I left America, my mom and I both read a book about Malawia that the Fayetteville Public Library highlighted in their Book Club. The book, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba, chronicles the life of William as a young Malawian boy struggling to attend school to feed his passion for science.

"William Kamkwamba was born in Malawi, Africa, a country plagued by AIDS and poverty. Like most people in his village, his family subsisted on the meager crops they could grow, living without the luxuries - considered necessities in the West - of electricity or running water. Already living on the edge, the situation became dire when, in 2002, Malawi experienced the worst famine in 50 years. Struggling to survive, 14-year-old William was forced to drop out of school because his family could not afford the $80-a-year tuition.

Though he was not in a classroom, William continued to think, learn—and dream. Armed with curiosity, determination, and a library book he discovered in a nearby library, he embarked on a daring plan—to build a windmill that could bring his family the electricity only two percent of Malawians could afford. Using scrap metal, tractor parts, and blue-gum trees, William forged a crude yet working windmill, an unlikely hand-built contraption that would successfully power four light bulbs and two radios in his family’s compound. Soon, news of his invention spread, attracting interest and offers of help from around the world. Not only did William return to school but he and was offered the opportunity to visit wind farms in the United States, much like the ones he hopes to build across Africa.

A moving tale of one boy’s struggle to create a better life, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind is William’s amazing story—a journey that offers hope for the lives of other Africans—and the whole world, irrefutably demonstrating that one individual can make a difference."

More about the book

So the book is great, and I recommend that everyone read it! The crazy thing is, he came and spoke to us during PST! Strange...the only celebrity Malawian I'm aware of I get to meet him during my second week of training :) I shook his hand and told him my mom loved him! Plus I got a picture with him.

Village Farewell

2010-09-09T08:12:00.013+02:00

After 5 weeks of homestay, the four villages that hosted PCTs (PC Trainees) were invited to attend a farewell ceremony. Health volunteers conducted demonstrations on healthy behaviors learned during technical trainings. My friends and I demonstrated WaterGuard Wa Ufa & the benefits of clean drinking water!

WaterGuard Wa Ufa in Chichewa

Our host families were invited to attend the ceremony and receive certificates of honor from the PC Country Director. In appreciation, our amayis (mothers) performed a traditional dance in our honor. It was super cute, Chiphazi's amayis all dressed in the same chitenje (traditional cloth worn by all women).

Traditional Dance of Chiphazi Amayis

After all the certificates were handed out and village dances were over, the Gule Wamkulu (The Big Dance) came out to celebrate...The Gule Wamkulu are a special & secret group of men that dress in costumes and masks and provocatively dance when the village chief invites them to special ceremonies. The Gule are considered to be in an animal state when dancing & are not responsible for their behavior. It has been rumored that if you cross a Gule's path, you could be potentially kidnapped. Children run away in fear of them. The dance is symbolic of meshing of the the ancestral spiritual world and the present (hence the dust mops). It was quite a sight to see :)

The Gule Wamkulu

During village homestay, I witnessed a girls' initiation in which the Gule Wamkulu were performing. Many Christian religions forbid their congregants from attending events with in which the Gule perform because of their lewd behavior. At the initiation, 7 girls naked from the waist and decorated with beads danced to the beat of the drums and with the encouragement of the Gule Wamkulu. These girls had reached puberty...the day before the Big Dance, the girls gathered around a large tree to learn about their menses and childbearing. The Gule Wamkulu danced all weekend. The one time I was out late in the village was to watch the Gule in the moonlight...a small group of us danced with them as our azungu (foreigner) faces glowed in the dark!

Here are a couple of videos of the Gule Wamkulu from Village Farewell:

PST in the Phaz :)

2010-09-07T11:05:00.011+02:00

For the first 8 weeks in Malawi, I underwent Pre Service Training (PST). This included health technical trainings, language courses, and Malawian culture lessons. PST was located in Dedza, a mountainous and cold area in the Central region. We were very fortunate to be in such as beautiful location!

My First View of Dedza

During the first week, I climbed Dedza Mountain, a pretty cool mountain located right behind our bunks at training site. From the top, you can see Mozambique and plenty of mountains.

Dedza Mountain

For 5 weeks I lived with a Malawian family for what PC calls Homestay. I was fortunate to stay in Chiphazi or the Phaz as we called it with 8 other PCTs. I lived with a widow and her 2 children (she has 4, one at school, the other is married). They were very accommodating to my strange American behaviors. My amayi (mom) was a excellent cook! My achemwali (sister) Coria helped me with Chichewa. And my achemwene (brother) Phempo was totally pimpin'....he would entertain me with songs and dance. I lived in a modest room, but was living in luxury because I had a bedframe (oh, the simplest things in life are so pleasing). I was a constant source of entertainment for the family, especially when I brought out my camera!

My cute little brother Phempo :)

My Homestay Family

(NOTE: Malawians don't usually smile for photos for some reason)

Not only was I amusing to my family, but the entire village. Wherever I went, I was a constant spectacle to the village children. My friends and I would go for walks which confused many. They would ask us, "Where are you going?" We would respond, "We are just going for a walk." They would ask, "Where?" The concept of exercising is lost on many Malawians.

The Paparazzi

Health Technical trainings consisted of learning a variety of PACA tools (Participatory Action for Community Analysis), health indicators for Malawi, and techniques for community development. My particular favorite was the day we made our host families sanitation platforms for their pit latrines.

Community Mapping

Problem Tree: Insufficient Water Sources

But PST wasn't all work...of course not. My 33 new best friends and I got to enjoy the local dive (Ed's Bar), explore new foods (My friend Talia ate a mouse), and visit the ex-pat hot spots! Dedza Pottery is an amazing venue with fantastic food, especially the cheesecake. It's not really cheesecake, more like egg custard, but delicious nonetheless. I also devoured mushroom and tomato quiche and coffee!!!!!!

CHEESECAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Beautiful New Education PCV Friends Maria (Lady Saga) & Eric

Whew....ok, thats alot for now....plenty more to come in future blogs! Stay tuned for more on PST and swearing in :)

His Excellency President Bingu wa Mutharika

2010-08-18T09:02:00.003+02:00

On July 21, 2010, Peace Corps Malawi Volunteers and Staff attended a formal luncheon at the President of Malawi's estates in Lilongwe. President Bingu wa Mutharika (rhymes with Metallica) hosted a spectacular event for some 100+ PCVs. The luncheon took place within a large air-conditioned tent with three huge chandeliers. The three course luncheon included soup, traditional Malawian fare, and dessert plus a plethora of South African alcohol :)

President Bingu graciously thanked PC for the 40+ years of service in Malawi. After his speech, he invited us onto the dance floor with his wife, First Lady Callista. Yes, I was dancing circles around his Excellency and even shook his hand!!!! Afterwards, he posed for a picture with us (see below).

You probably can't see me, but I'm the gorgeous gal in brown to the far left, second row ;)

Keep in mind, this was during many third week of training. It was a real treat that PCTs got to attend this event during our intensive pre service training period. It was also a nice respite from language classes and health technical demonstrations.

That day, the event was broadcast on Malawian TV and radio stations as well as newspapers. People know of PCVs as the ones who partied with the President :)

You can read about the event here: http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.media.press.view&news_id=1599

Afterwards, all trainees were bussed back to Dedza (our training site). The good mood ended there...on the trip back, the bus I was riding on hit an elderly man crossing the street. Motorvehiclar accidents are unfortunately very common in Malawi, the third leading cause of death. No matter how common, it is still upsetting to witness. Needless to say, July 21 was both the best and worst day so far in Malawi.

Sorry

2010-08-17T14:08:00.003+02:00

Kuna ku Malawi (Here in Malawi), Malawians switch the letters R and L. In America, I was known as Sally (or Stally by my Emory friends). In Malawi, I'm known as Sorry no matter how many times I try to correct them. So I've already changed the name of my blog to match my new Malawian name.

(I'll probably change the blog name numerous times throughout my 2 years in Malawi cuz that's how I roll. Sorry)

I'M ALIVE!!!!!!

2010-08-14T16:02:00.002+02:00

Hey World,

I'm safely in Malawi currently more than halfway done with PC training. I'm happy to report that I will be working with Family Health International in Salima, Malawi, which is close to Lake Malawi! I'm learning Chichewa and have a final examiniation before Swearing In. I've finished homestay and am off to visit my future home. I'm proud to say that in the 6 weeks that I've been in Malawi, I've been up close to both the President and Vice President of Malawi!! Anyway, I'll write more in the future :)

Much love,
Sally

Malawi or bust!!!

2010-07-02T04:13:00.002+02:00

This is my final communication until post-training sometime in September. I promise to have African photos in my future blogs. Tomorrow morning, I embark on a 24 hour journey to the Warm Heart of Africa, Malawi.

Of course, I'm bringing too much stuff, but I figure I'll need most of this stuff during the next 2 years. I'm mainly bringing camping equipment, hiking boots, some professional clothing, lots of books, Scrabble, Uno, and piles of personal hygiene items. I'm limited to 80 pounds and one of my bags is 68 pounds when the limit is 50 lbs for one bag. But this super kind gentleman at the airline waived my fee when I pleaded my case as a Peace Corps volunteer!!!!!

Today was a very busy day of saying goodbye to my loved ones, traveling to Philadelphia, Peace Corps orientation, and meeting new friends. I'm looking forward to the new experiences and relationships I will share with this amazing group of people :)

Please keep in touch by sending me emails or snail mail!!!

Tisanganenge (we shall meet again)!!

Message for friends and family from PC Malawi

2010-06-21T16:56:00.003+02:00

Dear Malawi Trainee: Please give this letter to your family & friends, and ask them to hold on to it for as long as you are in Malawi.

Dear Families & Friends,

Greetings from the Malawi Desk in Washington, D.C.! It is with great pleasure that we welcome your family member to the Peace Corps/Malawi training program. During the past year we have received many questions from Volunteers and family members regarding communication, mail, and travel plans. As we are unable to involve ourselves in the personal arrangements of Volunteers, we would like to offer you advice and assistance in advance by providing specific examples of situations and how we suggest you handle them. Peace Corps service certainly impacts more than just the trainee and we hope that this information will help ease some of the uncertainty which affects the families of Volunteers.

The Peace Corps experience can be an exciting, intimidating, and amazing experience for both the Volunteer and family. The Volunteers will learn a lot about Malawi during their preparation for service and throughout their service of two years. This is also a great time for you to learn more about Malawi, which may alleviate some of your concerns.

Below are a few links to get you started in your discovery:

The World Factbook – Malawi: http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/mi.html

The Lonely Planet: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/africa/malawi/

The Malawi Nation newspaper: http://www.nationmalawi.com/

Friends of Malawi: www.friendsofmalawi.org

1. Irregular Communication. (Please see #3 for the mailing address to Peace Corps' office in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi) The mail service in Malawi is not as efficient as the U.S. Postal Service; thus, it is important to be patient and understanding. It can take three to four weeks for mail coming from Lilongwe to arrive in the United States via the Malawi postal system. From a Volunteer's site, mail might take 1-2 months to reach the United States. Sometimes mail is hand carried to the United States by a traveler and mailed through the U.S. postal system (Volunteers should bring some US stamps). This leg of the trip can take another several weeks as it is also dependent on the frequency of travelers to the U.S. There is a truism that you may wish to embrace as uncomfortable as it is, “No news, is good news!”

On average, it takes approximately four weeks for letters mailed from the United States to reach Lilongwe, and may take an additional six weeks to reach the Volunteer’s site. We suggest that in your first letters, you ask your Volunteer family member to give an estimate of how long it takes to receive your letters and then try to establish a predictable pattern of how often you will write to each other. Also, try numbering your letters so that the Volunteer knows if they have missed one. Postcards should be sent in envelopes – otherwise they may be found on the wall of the local post office! By the end of the Volunteer’s Pre-Service Training they will be able to send you their specific site address.

For the first 8 weeks in country, your family member will be living in a village near the training site (about one hour drive south of Lilongwe) and participating in an intensive, immersion style training program where they will begin to learn language, cultural and technical skills necessary to be a safe and productive Peace Corps Volunteer. During this time, they will NOT have access to email/Internet but can certainly receive and send letters. Receiving mail during this intense period is most welcome and appreciated. Once they are sworn-in as Volunteers, they will have access to the Peace Corps computers in the office and can reestablish email communication. However, you must remember that NO Peace Corps Volunteer in Malawi has daily or even weekly access to email so you should have limited expectations as to immediate replies to any emails you will be sending.

Volunteers often enjoy telling their “war” stories when they write home. Letters might describe recent illnesses, lack of good food, isolation, etc. While the subject matter is good reading material, it is often misinterpreted on the home front. Further, given the lag time in communication by the time you receive certain news, weeks if not months have passed and the Volunteer has moved past a particularly sad moment when they miss you, or that specific illness, and don’t understand why it is that you are so concerned anymore! There are two extremely competent Peace Corps medical doctors at the Peace Corps office in Lilongwe. In the event of a serious illness, the Volunteer is sent to Lilongwe and cared for by our medical staff. If the Volunteer requires medical care that is not available in Malawi s/he will be medically evacuated to Pretoria, South Africa or the United States. Fortunately, these are rare circumstances.

If for some reason your normal communication pattern is broken and you do not hear from your family member for an abnormal amount of time, you may want to contact the Office of Special Services (OSS) at Peace Corps Washington at 1-800-692-1470. The Office of Special Services will then contact the Peace Corps Director in Lilongwe and ask him to check up on the Volunteer. Also, in the case of an emergency at home (death in the family, critical illness, etc.), please do not hesitate to call OSS immediately, so that we can inform the Volunteer. Tell the operator your name, telephone number, and the nature of the emergency and the Duty Officer will call you back.

2. Telephone Calls. The telephone system in Malawi is relatively good and service in and out of Lilongwe to the United States is fairly reliable. In the interior of the country, where most of the Volunteers are located, there are fewer phones and service is more sporadic. Your Volunteer family member, however, will undoubtedly buy or bring a GSM cell phone for use while they are here in Malawi. Cell service is quite good, reliable, and available in most parts of the country. Some Volunteers may have to climb a small hill or walk a distance from their home, but it is a far cry from having to travel several hours or days to get to a working phone as it once did. Volunteers will mostly use text messaging in country, and you may be able to send and receive messages with them.

Please be aware that the Peace Corps staff in Lilongwe and Washington are not able to assist in arranging calls. Your family member will be able to inform you of the actual telephone numbers once they arrive in-country and to their site. The Malawi Desk is in regular communication with the Peace Corps office in Lilongwe. However, this communication is reserved for business only and we cannot relay personal messages. All communication between family members and the Volunteer should be done via international mail, e-mail, or phone calls.

3. Sending packages. Family members and Volunteers like to send and receive care packages through the mail. Please be advised that packages can often take 1-2 months, but sometimes as long as 4-6 months. Unfortunately, sending packages can be a frustrating experience for all involved due to the high incidence of theft and heavy customs taxes. You may want to try sending inexpensive items through the mail, though there is no guarantee that these items will arrive. We do not recommend sending costly items through the mail. It is recommended that packages be sent in padded envelopes if possible, as boxes tend to be taxed more heavily. Even though many Volunteers choose to get local post office boxes, you may always use the following address to send letters and/or packages to your family member:

“John Doe”, PCV

PEACE CORPS/MALAWI

BOX 208

LILONGWE

MALAWI

If you choose to send items through DHL, you must address the package to:

“John Doe”, PCV

c/o U. S. Peace Corps Malawi

AREA 4 PLOT 70

ACROSS FROM OILCOM DEPOT

LILONGWE

MALAWI

(You’ll also need to include the Peace Corps/Malawi phone number: 265-1-757-157).

Trying to send cash or checks is very risky and is discouraged. If your Volunteer family member requests money from you, it is his/her responsibility to arrange receipt of it.

Travel Plans

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July 1, 2010

~ Departing NW Arkansas at 6am to Chicago, then Chicago to Philly arriving at 11:26am

~ Staging stuff from 2pm to 7pm in Philly

July 2, 2010

~ 7am bus from Philly to JFK airport in NYC

~ 4pm flight from JFK to Amsterdam

July 3, 2010

~ Amsterdam to Nairobi

~ Arrive in Lilongwe, Malawi at 11pm after more than 24 hours of travel...eeeeks

Stay in touch with me!!!!

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My address for the first 6 months of service (July - Dec. 2010):

Sally Z, PCT

Peace Corps

P.O. Box 208

Lilongwe, Malawi

Africa

PC volunteers may receive packages for 6 months after arrival without paying duty and customs taxes. This privilege is for work related clothing and household items. Duty may be charged on food and cosmetics. Also, valuable items should not be shipped since they sometimes get lost or held up. If duty is charged, the lower the value, the lower the duty.

It has been recommended that packages sent to Malawi be in padded envelopes, written in red ink, with various Biblical verses on the outside of the package to prevent items from theft.

You of course can also email me at sallyzwei@gmail.com. However, I may have limited access to internet.

PC Assignment Description

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Country: Malawi

Program: Health Personnel Development

Job Title: Health Personnel Trainer

Staging Dates: July 1-2, 2010 in Philadelphia

Pre-Service Training: July 4 - Sept. 2, 2010

Dates of Service: Sept. 3, 2010 - Sept. 2, 2012

Health Personnel Development volunteers serve as health trainers in one of the health training institutions. I will be assisting the health trainers in these institutions. These institutions train health personnel in various disciplines such as nursing and other allied health sciences, and offer in-service trainings to address specific subject and administrative needs, resource mobilization and the development of health personnel. PC presence in Malawi's health training institutions will help improve the standard of healthcare that is provided to community members.

Volunteers are placed throughout Malawi in small towns and villages. Volunteers live in simple housing, usually on health institution grounds. Most houses have no electricity or running water. Health institutions may lack teaching and learning materials, trainers may not have teacher certification and are usually few as compared to the number of students. Although this may sound discouraging, you have the opportunity to collaborate with qualified and experienced fellow trainers to develop teaching resources and help unqualified health trainers and students attain their health training goals.

HISTORY OF THE PROGRAM

The program provides the much-needed technical assistance in the country's development work. Malawi, once a British protectorate know as Nyasaland, is a small country in southeastern Africa. Known for its natural beauty and its warm, hard-working people, Malawi is peaceful and is also considered a success story in African political development. In 1994, after 30 years of one-party rule dating back to independence from Britain, Malawi quietly and peacefully elected a new government committed to multi-party democracy.

Malawi has one of the highest numbers of AIDS cases in the world; therefore, HIV/AIDS is one of the major components of the PC health sector. Malawi has made great strides in certain areas of health improvement and promotion since the mid '90s. However, the health sector is currently facing a crisis in the numbers of qualified health workers in the country. The issues needs to be addressed if the Ministry of Health (MOH) is to achieve the objectives it has set for itself in terms of improving quality and aces of healthcare for people with special attention given to vulnerable groups, poor women and children. The government of Malawi has requested that the PC bring in health worker trainers, in answer to the staff shortage that the MOH is facing presently.

Health trainers will serve as teachers and outreach workers by helping MOH to increase the numbers of trained health workers and improve upon the quality of health for all Malawians.

PRIMARY DUTIES

Health volunteers work with the Ministry of Health and Population (MOPH) and Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM) in the following areas:

1. To improve upon the services offered by the MOH by building the professional capacity of health workers and improving upon existing essential health care.

2. To collaborate with educators, school and health officials in the integration of HIV/AIDS education and basic health practices in school curriculum and extracurricular student activities.

3. To increase numbers of Malawian health professionals qualified to provide quality primary healthcare services in rural areas.

4. To assist communities increase their awareness, knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes prevention of health problems, including HIV/AIDS/STIs prevention and care, and mobilize them to assess and prioritize their needs.

You will function as a member of a Malawian health training institution training team. You will be posted to a health facility with a training institution managed by the government or CHAM. Your local supervisor will be the officer in charge of the training institution who reports to the Medical Officer managing the health institution. You may also be posted to a CHAM institution with a training facility. Your job is structured. You will need creativity in developing and implementing sustainable training programs.

Your counterpart will probably be a health trainer and you will work primarily in the health training institution. Most job activities will be focused on training health professionals and offering in-service training to clinical staff. Job activities may also include assignments with other members of the health team and extension workers to alleviate other community health problems.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Location of Job

PC health personnel trainers will be placed at a health training institution in towns or villages in one of the districts of the 3 regions of Malawi. The training institution is located at a local health center or hospital situation in a local training center surrounded by villages and serves a population of over 10-50,000 people. A typical health institution has in and out patient departments, and under five and nutrition clinic, a maternity ward, a pharmacy and a public health department. You will work with health trainers. The public health department provides community outreach activities such as initiating or strengthening villages health committees.

Work Hours

You will work a full day based on the standards of your organization, a typical work day being usually from 730am to 5pm on weekdays.

Cultural Attitudes and Customs in the Workplace

In Malawi, respect tends to come with age and experience. This reflects a society that favors older employees; therefore, younger volunteers sometimes experience initial difficulties gaining respect from their supervisors, counterparts, and clients. Your professional appearance and work habits along with the deference you demonstrate for your Malawian counterparts will go a long way toward gaining respect in the workplace.

Dress Code

Malawian people dress professionally on the job. Conforming to local clothing norms during and after work will make you a much more effective development agent, and will ease your integration into your community. Professional dress usually implies trousers, shirts for men, and skirts with blouses or dresses that cover the knees for women. Slips are essential in this country. The dress in the capital and some of the district is more formal that what you find in the more rural, smaller towns, where traditional clothing is more common. It is advisable to bring both sport sandals and hiking footwear.

TRAINING FOR YOUR JOB

You will receive 9 weeks of intensive training prior to beginning your assignment. Pre-service training prepares you for your work assignment while you adjust to life in a new culture. In addition, you will also study the Malawian language and culture and learn about a variety of topics including community development. During training, you will also receive a bicycle and bicycle training.

Your technical training will consist of familiarization with policies, programs, and organizations working in the health sector in Malawi, and practical exercises working in the health field. During pre-service training, you will also study the principles of community development and you will be taught how to conduct a community needs assessment. Before you start teaching, you will do 4-6 weeks of orientation in the clinical area to familiarize yourself with the conditions and disease in your area.

LIVING CONDITIONS

Houses in rural areas can vary. Some houses are constructed of bricks, concrete floors and corrugated metal roofs. Others are made of dried mud and have thatched roofs. Your host agency is responsible for providing your housing. Most volunteer houses at health centers are constructed of bricks, concrete floors, and corrugated metal roofs. Electricity and running water varies from one place to the other. One rural area may have running water and/or electricity, while another might have none. In areas without running water, water sources are available from community taps or wells. In areas without electricity, cooking on a wood fire is widely used. Expect to use hurricane lamps and candles, paraffin (kerosene) and Dover (wood) stoves for cooking/heating. For drinking, PC will provide a water filter and other forms of water purification. All areas have at lease the basic necessities such as locally grown staples and household goods.

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