That's what my Sunday held in store for me!
Woke up early and headed out to watch Motorsur - very exciting (and very hot!)
Basically what is was - two tracks were dug up in the middle of a pasture area. Big holes, muddy, bumpy - tough. Trucks lined at the start side-by-side and raced each other through the track.
There was a DJ playing really fun, old-school music and Parbo to drink - Ula held our huge umbrella for shade. We had a nice day out!
I had been struggling with writing a project plan for our hiv/aids awareness - TTC program. I made myself sit and finish most of the plan. It's been hard to get into that kind of groove of writing. I feel like I need a constant spell and grammar checker and wordsmith with me! I'm doing the best I can, and learning constantly!
Sunday night we went over to another PCV's house for a potluck. He's got the most adorable puppy - the puppy is going to America soon (his girlfriend is visiting and the dog is going home with her) so he had a going away party for the dog. I of course loved this!
Oliva called me today - I miss her and her family! I hope to see them before I leave to visit home!
17 days!!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Lazy Saturday - much enjoyed!
Being back at the 5-day a week work grind has been hard on me -- but when things start to come together, it feels really good!
I have been working on a really cool program that we hope to launch soon in targeted areas of Suriname. Yesterday I presented this information to the Sur 15s at their Mid-Service Conference.
WHAT IS TEXT TO CHANGE?
Text to Change (TTC) is a non-profit organization, founded in 2007. It uses state of the art mobile phone technology to collect and disseminate health information. TTC has been one of the pioneers in using mobile phones for health monitoring and advocacy in Uganda reaching out to the general public at a large scale. TTC work is demand driven and sets up complete programs with local and international partners. The aim of TTC is to make life saving knowledge easily available to the general public and to community and family level caregivers. TTC is specialized in interactive and incentive based SMS programs addressing a wide range of health issues such as HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Reproductive Health. The website for TTC is http://www.texttochange.org/
TEXT TO CHANGE AND UNICEF SURINAME:
UNICEF and TTC are working to launch an HIV/AIDS awareness quiz for youth age range of 14- 30 in Suriname. This program will run for four months – beginning in September and ending in December, in alignment with World AIDS Day (December 1st). Each month participates will receive a number of multiple choice questions via text message. They then respond back via text. Correct answers are rewarded with a top-off. If a participate responds with an incorrect answer, they will receive the correct answer back via text message. Participates that complete the 4 month long program will be rewarded with free airtime. All text messaging is free to the participants.
As this moves along - I'll be sure to updated you all on the progess.
Today was hot, so I napped and then around 5 (when it cooled off) went off to fly my new kite! Enjoyed a nice easy day. xoxo
I have been working on a really cool program that we hope to launch soon in targeted areas of Suriname. Yesterday I presented this information to the Sur 15s at their Mid-Service Conference.
WHAT IS TEXT TO CHANGE?
Text to Change (TTC) is a non-profit organization, founded in 2007. It uses state of the art mobile phone technology to collect and disseminate health information. TTC has been one of the pioneers in using mobile phones for health monitoring and advocacy in Uganda reaching out to the general public at a large scale. TTC work is demand driven and sets up complete programs with local and international partners. The aim of TTC is to make life saving knowledge easily available to the general public and to community and family level caregivers. TTC is specialized in interactive and incentive based SMS programs addressing a wide range of health issues such as HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Reproductive Health. The website for TTC is http://www.texttochange.org/
TEXT TO CHANGE AND UNICEF SURINAME:
UNICEF and TTC are working to launch an HIV/AIDS awareness quiz for youth age range of 14- 30 in Suriname. This program will run for four months – beginning in September and ending in December, in alignment with World AIDS Day (December 1st). Each month participates will receive a number of multiple choice questions via text message. They then respond back via text. Correct answers are rewarded with a top-off. If a participate responds with an incorrect answer, they will receive the correct answer back via text message. Participates that complete the 4 month long program will be rewarded with free airtime. All text messaging is free to the participants.
As this moves along - I'll be sure to updated you all on the progess.
Today was hot, so I napped and then around 5 (when it cooled off) went off to fly my new kite! Enjoyed a nice easy day. xoxo
Friday, August 27, 2010
Political update - (8/13/010)
BBC Caribbean.com
13 August, 2010 - Published 12:51 GMT
Bouterse gets down to business
Suriname's new leader Desi Bouterse has begun duties for the first time as a democratically-elected leader of this Caricom nation after taking the oath of office on Thursday.
He first came to power in February 1980, when he led a coup that suspended Suriname's constitution and dissolved the Parliament five years after the former Dutch colony gained independence.
He seized power once again in 1990 after leading another coup and has remained a powerful force on the country's political landscape, even after he stopped serving as military chief in 1992.
Mr Bouterse, a convicted drug smuggler, was elected by parliament last month after his Mega Combination coalition won 23 of the 51 seats in the May election.
In his inaugural address, he called for national unity, saying that service and sacrifice will be the base of his work.
Hear BBC Caribbean Report coverage of the inauguration
"The opposition are not our opponents. We see them as co-operation partners to accomplish policy together," he said.
Caricom absence
There was a noticeable absence of his Caribbean Community (Caricom) colleagues at Thursday's inauguration.
Guyana's Prime Minister Sam Hinds was the only high level Caricom government representative present.
Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, the only head of state to say he would attend the ceremony, cancelled at the last minute.
Charges
But while Mr Bouterse has been appealing for national unity, not everyone has forgotten his past.
The international journalists group, Reporters Without Borders, commenting on Mr Bouterse's installation, said it cannot forget that he continues to be charged with the murders of five journalists in 1982, while he was dictator.
The organisation said in a statement that even if legal proceedings are suspended for the duration of Mr Bouterse's presidency, it would be unacceptable if the murders were to go unpunished indefinitely.
The former military ruler is on trial for his alleged role in the abduction and summary execution 15 people, all suspected enemies of his regime.
Mr Bouterse has always denied being directly involved in their deaths.
The victims were rounded up in the night, taken to a military base and executed.
Mr Bouterse has also been convicted by the Netherlands - Suriname's former colonial power - of cocaine trafficking and there is a warrant out for his arrest.
___________________________________________________
Suriname ex-dictator back as elected president
AP
Friday, August 13, 2010
PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) — A former coup leader, convicted drug trafficker and accused murderer swore to uphold the country's laws at his inauguration Thursday without mentioning concerns in Suriname and abroad about his return to power — this time through the democratic process.
President Desi Bouterse pledged in a speech to fight corruption and help impoverished communities in the vast rain forest hinterland of South America's smallest nation. He also said he would strengthen the resource-dependent economy and further distance the former Dutch colony from the Netherlands while forging closer ties with other nations.
But in a ceremony that was avoided by the hemisphere's leaders, Bouterse did not address his history as Suriname's two-time dictator — a past that made his election last month by Parliament uncomfortable for the international community.
The closest Bouterse came to touching on such concerns was his vow to respect the views of others.
"I want to assure you that we will never abandon the principles of consultation and cooperation or make arrogant use of our majority," he said. "The opposition is not our enemy."
Bouterse's return to power in the ethnically diverse country of 500,000 has many wondering whether it will mean a return to a dark past when human rights were trampled and isolated Suriname was a major launching pad for drugs bound for the United States and Europe.
No foreign heads of state attended yesterday's inauguration at a sports arena. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez had been expected to attend but cancelled at the last minute.
Bouterse, 64, has loomed over Surinamese politics for three decades. He first came to power in 1980, when he led a coup that saw the constitution suspended and Parliament dissolved just five years after independence. Under international pressure he allowed the return of civilian rule in 1987, only to launch a second coup in 1990. Even after stepping down as army chief in 1992, he has remained a powerful force.
He also has been dogged by allegations of corruption. Convicted of drug trafficking in absentia in 1999 in the Netherlands -- prosecutors said he was the leader of the "Suri Cartel" -- he was sentenced to 11 years. He avoided that punishment because Suriname doesn't have an extradition treaty with its former colonial ruler, and now he enjoys immunity as head of state during his five-year term.
"Has he changed? I hope so," said Henri Behr, whose younger brother, a journalist and violinist in Suriname's symphony orchestra, was among the 15 opposition leaders abducted and executed by soldiers in 1982. "I'd like to think he will be different, but perhaps that's being naive."
In the past, Bouterse has accepted "political responsibility" for the so-called December killings while denying a direct role in them. As president he is not required to testify, and if convicted, he could potentially engineer a pardon and avoid a 20-year sentence. Some fear he could interfere directly with the trial if testimony gets too uncomfortable.
So far there is no concrete indication that the new president will try to interfere, and his only reference to the judiciary yesterday was to a desire to reform it so that it is no longer based on the Dutch system.
Bouterse has shrugged off his conviction in the Dutch court and the criticism of his record while strengthening his political machine.
His aides declined requests for an interview, and his large security detail discouraged attempts to speak with him as he held a long meeting over drinks before the inauguration.
His son insisted the country has nothing to worry about.
"I know he will be a good president because I know what kind of man he is," Dino Bouterse said. "He will be the best."
13 August, 2010 - Published 12:51 GMT
Bouterse gets down to business
Suriname's new leader Desi Bouterse has begun duties for the first time as a democratically-elected leader of this Caricom nation after taking the oath of office on Thursday.
He first came to power in February 1980, when he led a coup that suspended Suriname's constitution and dissolved the Parliament five years after the former Dutch colony gained independence.
He seized power once again in 1990 after leading another coup and has remained a powerful force on the country's political landscape, even after he stopped serving as military chief in 1992.
Mr Bouterse, a convicted drug smuggler, was elected by parliament last month after his Mega Combination coalition won 23 of the 51 seats in the May election.
In his inaugural address, he called for national unity, saying that service and sacrifice will be the base of his work.
Hear BBC Caribbean Report coverage of the inauguration
"The opposition are not our opponents. We see them as co-operation partners to accomplish policy together," he said.
Caricom absence
There was a noticeable absence of his Caribbean Community (Caricom) colleagues at Thursday's inauguration.
Guyana's Prime Minister Sam Hinds was the only high level Caricom government representative present.
Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, the only head of state to say he would attend the ceremony, cancelled at the last minute.
Charges
But while Mr Bouterse has been appealing for national unity, not everyone has forgotten his past.
The international journalists group, Reporters Without Borders, commenting on Mr Bouterse's installation, said it cannot forget that he continues to be charged with the murders of five journalists in 1982, while he was dictator.
The organisation said in a statement that even if legal proceedings are suspended for the duration of Mr Bouterse's presidency, it would be unacceptable if the murders were to go unpunished indefinitely.
The former military ruler is on trial for his alleged role in the abduction and summary execution 15 people, all suspected enemies of his regime.
Mr Bouterse has always denied being directly involved in their deaths.
The victims were rounded up in the night, taken to a military base and executed.
Mr Bouterse has also been convicted by the Netherlands - Suriname's former colonial power - of cocaine trafficking and there is a warrant out for his arrest.
___________________________________________________
Suriname ex-dictator back as elected president
AP
Friday, August 13, 2010
PARAMARIBO, Suriname (AP) — A former coup leader, convicted drug trafficker and accused murderer swore to uphold the country's laws at his inauguration Thursday without mentioning concerns in Suriname and abroad about his return to power — this time through the democratic process.
President Desi Bouterse pledged in a speech to fight corruption and help impoverished communities in the vast rain forest hinterland of South America's smallest nation. He also said he would strengthen the resource-dependent economy and further distance the former Dutch colony from the Netherlands while forging closer ties with other nations.
But in a ceremony that was avoided by the hemisphere's leaders, Bouterse did not address his history as Suriname's two-time dictator — a past that made his election last month by Parliament uncomfortable for the international community.
The closest Bouterse came to touching on such concerns was his vow to respect the views of others.
"I want to assure you that we will never abandon the principles of consultation and cooperation or make arrogant use of our majority," he said. "The opposition is not our enemy."
Bouterse's return to power in the ethnically diverse country of 500,000 has many wondering whether it will mean a return to a dark past when human rights were trampled and isolated Suriname was a major launching pad for drugs bound for the United States and Europe.
No foreign heads of state attended yesterday's inauguration at a sports arena. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez had been expected to attend but cancelled at the last minute.
Bouterse, 64, has loomed over Surinamese politics for three decades. He first came to power in 1980, when he led a coup that saw the constitution suspended and Parliament dissolved just five years after independence. Under international pressure he allowed the return of civilian rule in 1987, only to launch a second coup in 1990. Even after stepping down as army chief in 1992, he has remained a powerful force.
He also has been dogged by allegations of corruption. Convicted of drug trafficking in absentia in 1999 in the Netherlands -- prosecutors said he was the leader of the "Suri Cartel" -- he was sentenced to 11 years. He avoided that punishment because Suriname doesn't have an extradition treaty with its former colonial ruler, and now he enjoys immunity as head of state during his five-year term.
"Has he changed? I hope so," said Henri Behr, whose younger brother, a journalist and violinist in Suriname's symphony orchestra, was among the 15 opposition leaders abducted and executed by soldiers in 1982. "I'd like to think he will be different, but perhaps that's being naive."
In the past, Bouterse has accepted "political responsibility" for the so-called December killings while denying a direct role in them. As president he is not required to testify, and if convicted, he could potentially engineer a pardon and avoid a 20-year sentence. Some fear he could interfere directly with the trial if testimony gets too uncomfortable.
So far there is no concrete indication that the new president will try to interfere, and his only reference to the judiciary yesterday was to a desire to reform it so that it is no longer based on the Dutch system.
Bouterse has shrugged off his conviction in the Dutch court and the criticism of his record while strengthening his political machine.
His aides declined requests for an interview, and his large security detail discouraged attempts to speak with him as he held a long meeting over drinks before the inauguration.
His son insisted the country has nothing to worry about.
"I know he will be a good president because I know what kind of man he is," Dino Bouterse said. "He will be the best."
Thursday, August 26, 2010
It's the little things
Today I felt SO proud of myself!
There is a public bus system in place here. Unfortuntely it is completely unorganized and drives me crazy!
In the mornings it's pretty simple - I stand on the street and flag down any bus that's heading toward town. I can handle that one.
It's the getting from work BACK home that has caused me to take many detours and to see a lot of town!
One day I rode the PKS bus into work, I got out at the 'end' and took note of where it was parked. After work that day I went back to the exact location, the same line number 3 was on the bus. I got on, waited for the bus to full - then we were off. 10 minutes in I realized this was NOT the bus I was suppose to be in....I ended up on the 'highway' scared to get off cuz I would be totally lost. 2 hours later I had ridden the bus all the way back into town - then got in a 'taxi' to take me home! I apparently was on Line 3. Line 3 goes to Paran. PKS can have any line number on it it wants...cuz no one looks for that. Eessh.
Since that experience I've been taking the bus that I know will drop me by the Peace Corps office, and walking it home. I'm was a little gun sky of this bus stuff.
Today I sucessfully found the PKS waiting area. (Again first I rode til the end of the line. Ironically a different location then the previous time...) After work, I went back to that area- got on the PKS bus - even asked the driver 'are you the PKS, going by Choi' - 'yes ' he replies. I get in the bus. There is just one lady in it with me. After 15 minutes of sitting there alone....the driver starts talking to me in Dutch. I explain I don't understand Dutch. 5 more minutes later the lady turns to me - she talks in Saran tongo - asks me what I'm doing on the bus. I say I'm waiting for it to take me home - and I tell here where I'm going. She replies that I am in fact on the right bus. BUT....this bus is not going anymore today. She was the wife of the driver. She tells me that if I want to take the PKS bus thats running I have to walk over to the market - look for the Line 5 (but don't get on Line 5) infront of Line 5 I will see the PKS bus. Those are the buses that are running.
I thanked her -walked over to the market, saw the Line 5's walked in front of them. And just like she said there was a PKS bus almost ready to go! I took a seat only waiting a few minutes for the rest of the bus to fill...off we went.
A huge smile crossed my face as I saw Choi, pressed the button - and got off exactly where I wanted....success!
There is a public bus system in place here. Unfortuntely it is completely unorganized and drives me crazy!
In the mornings it's pretty simple - I stand on the street and flag down any bus that's heading toward town. I can handle that one.
It's the getting from work BACK home that has caused me to take many detours and to see a lot of town!
One day I rode the PKS bus into work, I got out at the 'end' and took note of where it was parked. After work that day I went back to the exact location, the same line number 3 was on the bus. I got on, waited for the bus to full - then we were off. 10 minutes in I realized this was NOT the bus I was suppose to be in....I ended up on the 'highway' scared to get off cuz I would be totally lost. 2 hours later I had ridden the bus all the way back into town - then got in a 'taxi' to take me home! I apparently was on Line 3. Line 3 goes to Paran. PKS can have any line number on it it wants...cuz no one looks for that. Eessh.
Since that experience I've been taking the bus that I know will drop me by the Peace Corps office, and walking it home. I'm was a little gun sky of this bus stuff.
Today I sucessfully found the PKS waiting area. (Again first I rode til the end of the line. Ironically a different location then the previous time...) After work, I went back to that area- got on the PKS bus - even asked the driver 'are you the PKS, going by Choi' - 'yes ' he replies. I get in the bus. There is just one lady in it with me. After 15 minutes of sitting there alone....the driver starts talking to me in Dutch. I explain I don't understand Dutch. 5 more minutes later the lady turns to me - she talks in Saran tongo - asks me what I'm doing on the bus. I say I'm waiting for it to take me home - and I tell here where I'm going. She replies that I am in fact on the right bus. BUT....this bus is not going anymore today. She was the wife of the driver. She tells me that if I want to take the PKS bus thats running I have to walk over to the market - look for the Line 5 (but don't get on Line 5) infront of Line 5 I will see the PKS bus. Those are the buses that are running.
I thanked her -walked over to the market, saw the Line 5's walked in front of them. And just like she said there was a PKS bus almost ready to go! I took a seat only waiting a few minutes for the rest of the bus to fill...off we went.
A huge smile crossed my face as I saw Choi, pressed the button - and got off exactly where I wanted....success!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Suriname Version 3.0
I know, I'm probably the worst blogger there is...
As I'm sure you can imagine - there is so much that has happened since my last update over 7 months ago. So a really brief recap - and forward on!
Suzy came to visit for three weeks toward the end of my two-years. We had a blast and did lots of fun, silly sister things together. The village loves her, and she loved the village! I'll try to get some photos posted of her vist (there's an album if your on fb)
My two-years came to end in Wan Hati. I moved out of the bush on July 15th and into the city. I extended my peace corps service for a third year! I just love it here that much! I took a position working 5 days a week with UNICEF. It was hard to leave all my friends and the kids in the WH, but I'm so happy that I have another year here to visit them! (I've already been back once!)
I'm working with Innovations for UNICEF. It's exciting, challenging and an office chalked full of fun people. I've been here a little over a month now, and so far so good!
I hope to keep up my posts now that I'm more accessable to a computer.
Can't wait to see a lot of you when I come home in 20(ish) days! It'll be almost 2 1/2 years that I haven't seen friends or Chicago!
Short and sweet for now - but with promises of more soon.
xoxo
As I'm sure you can imagine - there is so much that has happened since my last update over 7 months ago. So a really brief recap - and forward on!
Suzy came to visit for three weeks toward the end of my two-years. We had a blast and did lots of fun, silly sister things together. The village loves her, and she loved the village! I'll try to get some photos posted of her vist (there's an album if your on fb)
My two-years came to end in Wan Hati. I moved out of the bush on July 15th and into the city. I extended my peace corps service for a third year! I just love it here that much! I took a position working 5 days a week with UNICEF. It was hard to leave all my friends and the kids in the WH, but I'm so happy that I have another year here to visit them! (I've already been back once!)
I'm working with Innovations for UNICEF. It's exciting, challenging and an office chalked full of fun people. I've been here a little over a month now, and so far so good!
I hope to keep up my posts now that I'm more accessable to a computer.
Can't wait to see a lot of you when I come home in 20(ish) days! It'll be almost 2 1/2 years that I haven't seen friends or Chicago!
Short and sweet for now - but with promises of more soon.
xoxo
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