Seeking Support.

As the end of 2010 comes to a close, I am busy planning for 2011. I have so many things I want to try in year two of my Peace Corps service (I am torn between feeling like it will be the longest year of my life and yet the shortest due to everything I want to try to accomplish…) but one of the things that I am really interested in trying is a local girls club. I have a couple of really great prospects (interested groups that are willing to try it with me) at the primary schools in my area with girls in sixth and seventh grades (this is right before they jump to high school which seems to be a really good age).  I have written an outline for about a 4 month trial club that would encompass topics regarding personal leadership, communication, goal setting, sexual health and choices, and of course being a powerful woman! I definitely plan to teach them a bit of yoga throughout the course along with doing fun, educational and empowering activities.
So, that's where you all come in?!  I am seeking a bit of financial support from my family and friends (and, heck, anyone who wants to donate funds really) to get some of the supplies so that I can get the club started…it is entirely voluntarily and please don’t feel obligated. But, if you need a good place to send a donation that will definitely make a difference in the life of a group of girls next year, please send any donation (from $1 to $1 million) to the following address (you can make any checks out to me):

Betty Kingston
18535 E Lawndale Place
Queen Creek, AZ 85142

My wonderful mom will collect your donations and deposit so that I can purchase supplies for the inaugural club. I will keep you updated as to the progress of the club and how your contribution has made a difference!

May you all have a beautiful holiday season among family and friends! I will be celebrating South African style this year but that doesn't mean I won't be thinking of you all and missing you terribly. 

Namaste,

Wendy

Michael Polo.

I feel like I’ve been so…productive?  This is a strange feeling.  It’s been a while. 

Anyway, we had our commencement ceremony for the 2010 Leaders Program last week at a local venue called the River’s Lodge.  It’s an older resort about 45 minutes away from my village on the Olifants River.  It was really a great venue to celebrate the end of the program for our children (the select group of about 35 leaders) at the drop-in centers.  We took them there for the day as an opportunity for an outing/celebration of their hard work.  We reviewed the highlights of the leadership program (talking about what they had learned), handed out certificates, announced the leaders who were selected for the special outing trip (a day trip to Graskop where we will visit some beautiful sites in Blyde River Canyon which I will be sure to tell you all about), and then, the best part, had a braii (the South African equivalent of a barbecue) and let them just play for the afternoon!  

At the resort, there was a big grassy area where the kids could play soccer, a volleyball court (sort of...it was a bit old but we still played), and, yes, a swimming pool.  Unfortunately, no one knows how to swim.  But, this did not stop them from getting in the pool.  They had a great time (while I faked being a lifeguard making sure there were no drownings).  I also tried to teach them how to play, "Marco Polo" which somehow became, "Michael Polo."  Oh, well. they still had fun playing.

And I learned the secret to staying cool.  Just wear wet clothes.  All of the time. 

 Ice Breakers.

Michael Polo.

2010 Phedisang Leaders.

 

Success.

I have posted pictures from the event that we hosted at our local Turkey Clinic in honor of World AIDS Day 2010 yesterday (and I also put up a few pictures from the day before where we baked for almost 8 hours).  I am so proud of my community.  That’s all I can really say.  May the people of South Africa continue to work together to create change...