After Post Visit

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I am in an internet cafe in Atakpame, the regional capital of the Plateau, and I finlly found an internet cafe that is not excruciatingly slow. I am on my way back to Adeta to finish the last month of stage, or training, but first I will spend the weekend here with all the other regional PCVs to throw a party and stay in the Maison de Passage here. This is where we will come to meet, colect mail, use the bank, and access the biggest market in the area. Also, there is a radion station here that has offered myself and a fellow volunteer our own one hour show each saturday!

So after spending the week at my new home of 2 years, what do I think? For one, life on your own with no electricity or running water and only the most basic foods to survive is not easy! I certainly have more respect that ever for my Togolese family in Adeta and all of their fellow Africans who thrive in these conditions. But my house is big and beautiful, and I ordered a bunch of furniture from thye local carpenter to make it feel less empty. My village is quite small, isolated, and poor, even by Togolese standards, but people are motivated to improve their home. One of the biggest problems is the bridge that has been left unfinished for two years and thus blocks the quickest route to he national highway, and lots of neighboring cities and markets. There is another volunteer ,posted just across the river and we are going to work very hyard to try to see a bridge completed before we leave. I've had some good luck so far: I happened to meet a civil engineer who was working on a building in the area and he promised me a free estimate of the costs. Also, the village council has already drawn up a plan of action with the bridge as one of their chief priorities. Consrucion projects in Africa are of course notorious, but hopefully we can at least mobilize the community and make some progress. If anybody knows of funding, material, or other sources to help, it would be greatly appreciated!

My reception in Elavagnon was warm and welcoming. My advisor, or homologue, is a young and energetic accountant with COOPEC, the local microfinance agency, and he and his family, including his adorable three-year old daughter, took great care of me and cooked for me when I was too tired to cook for myself. Also, there happened to be a charity concert to promote childrens rights in the village when I was there and I of course as the only Yovo, or white person, got VIP treatment. I sat next to the Prefet, the highest governmental official in the area, at center stage and afterwards got to meet the star of the show and African celebrity King Mensah. His music takes some getting used to but it grew on me when I saw him perform. Afterwards he called me over to chat, I got his autograph - something completely foreign to Togolese, and when I thanked him in Ewe he was amazed. His personal managezr even took down my contact information, perhaps to get some exposure in the States.

I'm running out of time but I want to quickly describe my house. It has two bed rooms and a large kitchen-salon and is very well-built and freshly painted. The latrine-shower is nothing to brag about even by Togolese standards but I will make due. I cook with a gas stove and there is a well in the yard for water. I also have several neighbors in my compound to help me out, and they are all very friendly. My landlord is a bit of a nut - an older man with a huge gap in his teeth who flutters around on his moto delivering vaccines to distant villages - but I think he is on top of things.

So that's the news. I'm excited to get back in Adeta and see my friends there but a lot of interesting work awaits me at Elavagnon. If you are in the area, make sure to get in touch!!!

Steve

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Comments

[Sandra Mumford]

Thanks for the up-date.
Hi Steve. Thanks for the up-date. Your Dad and I are starting to plan our trip to see you, so I guess we can stay in your guest bedroom. I hope your plans work out okay for your "HOUSE". It sounds as though things are pretty much as you expected. Your experiences in Madagascar and Stellenbosch, South Africa are paying off. You got another mention in the Columbia U. magazine-they wish you well. I guess that's about it for now, so take care and stay safe. Talk to you again soon. Love, Mom and Dad.