here we go

The program has ended, and two of the Americans have already returned to the US. I have to say I have been absolutely amazed with the quality of work and dedication of every student involved. The final projects were very helpful, and although I had heard every single student’s problems during the projects, I was incredibly amazed with the outcomes.
A few of the program administrators and professors had mentioned to us how cohesive our group was, and how that was different from previous years and this was also confirmed by another student I met who had participated in the program before us. He told us of how his group was segregated, with the Americans sticking to themselves and the same with the Senegalese. I can say without a doubt that I have made close friendships with many of the Senegalese students in the program. I really think that was what made it such a great experience as well. We have definitely learned an amazing amount from our classmates.
I have also managed to get an internship with GENSEN for the summer months. I am to go back to Guédé Chantier and ensure the sustainability of everyone’s projects. I really see my role there as simply connecting people with resources, as I feel that was one area where we all could have done better in. For all of the projects to really be sustainable, we need not only to work in partnership with the community but enable them to get access to the resources that we had provided them with.
Personally, I am very excited to go back. It is one thing to be in the village with the program, but to go there and be the only white person, and the only outsider will be interesting. However, I am not alone, and I have made friends with many members of the village, not mention the fact that there are now many groups of people who are dedicated to working on these projects.
I went to see my friends Gospel concert last night. The most hilarious part is that they are serving beer at the event. Yay for Catholicism