Halloween Carvings

As a Peace Corps Volunteer you have various indicators that have to be reached through your primary project…

“Number of pregnant and lactating women reached regarding the importance of IPTp: Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy.”

“Number of persons who gained five new methods of malaria prevention.”

“Number of youth reached concerning the preventative measures for HIV/AIDS.”

“Number of youth able to demonstrate teamwork.”

This data then goes back to Peace Corps and they are able to quantitatively show the impact we have in numbers.

For example, “1,079 community education activities executed on the prevention and treatment of diarrheal diseases, including use of oral rehydration solution and prevention and treatment of intestinal worms.”

In my opinion, there is so much more behind the numbers and indicators.

There are raw conversations and deep understandings of oneself and others.

There are realizations of society and the future.

Peace Corps recognizes this and thus created three overarching goals.

Number two being my favorite: "To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.”  Simply put it means sharing America with the people of your host country.

I have done this through conversations, pictures, Skyping with my family, Easter egg hunts, and Christmas traditions among others.

Today I added another to the list…. Halloween carving!

Uganda is full of fresh produce and my youth and I decided to experiment with not your stereotypical pumpkin but also peppers and pineapples.

I made a big book about the story of the Jack O’Lantern, accompanied by my own stick figure illustrations, which we read together and then carved away.

The youth loved it. 

The idea of transforming an everyday item to a piece of art was exciting. 

Plus they got some delicious pineapple juice after.

I love facilitating workshops that help the community’s understanding of safe water practices and food handling.  

I love working with youth on self-esteem and communication.

But I love these moments even more.

And don’t worry America.  Peace Corps has a whole goal set aside for you.

Goal three is all about helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.