Wanna Dance?

Quick update on my life at site:

1. I got a puppy! His name is Cooper and although he is a pain a lot of the time it is nice to have another living thing at my house.  My village has a history with dogs, a long time ago, and a result none of them own dogs.  So for now, Cooper is the only dog around.  Although he is little a lot of people are terrified of him and his life is confined to my courtyard unless he goes out with me.  Over the two months I've learned I prefer living with other people to being on my own.  Sometimes, I find myself doing wacky things in order to entertain myself.

2. Pre-school has officially started.  Things have been off to a slow start but at least some of the students are starting to come.  This past week 30 of the 90 kids have shown up. I think having the kids come slowly is better than seeing all 90 kids on the first day. I can't even imagine all the crying that would have gone on because they are absolutely terrified of me.

Now down to business. 

During my two years in Burkina Faso I have the privilege to work on a committee that supports and fund volunteer projects dealing with youth development.  Our committee is currently planning a dance marathon or "Dancing For Development".  On November 23rd Middle School students will be competing in the marathon as teams, as well as attending various youth empowerment activities, sessions on HIV/AIDS, malaria, family planning, saving the environment, listening to motivational speakers, and participating in dance contests.  The theme of the event is focused on youth taking charge of their own future and because Burkinabe love to dance a dance marathon is just up their alley.

Peace Corps' Third goal is sharing the culture of Burkina Faso with our friends and family back home in the States. That's why it would be great if you would consider hosting your own "Dancing for Development" dance marathon at your school, office, church, etc.  The theme of your event would be slightly different and focus more on teaching your group about the little West African country of Burkina Faso. Your event could be as huge as a school-wide Saturday night event or as small as a classroom activity one afternoon. As long as you are all learning about Burkina Faso and the Peace Corps.  There is also a flexible timeframe for you to hold your own event, although preferably before the spring.

We are also trying to raise money for our committee so that volunteers can apply for grants through the Youth Development Committee and receive support for their youth-related projects at sire.  So, even if you are not interested in hosting an event, please check out the directions to donate to out project below.  Thanks!

If you are interested in partnering with us and holding your own "Dancing for Development" event, we wanted to make it as easy as possible.  We have already made you a slideshow of pictures, music, and facts about Burkina Faso. Download the slideshow at: pcburkina.org/dance. We created a "Toolkit" with all the information, including more details, helpful tips, flyers, music list, etc. to get you started without too much work on your end.  The Toolkit can also be downloaded at pcburkina.org/dance.  I am also here for more support!

If you are at all interested or have any questions you would like to ask me please do not hesitate to email me at christen.maguire13@gmail.com.  Sorry, I can't promise a timely response due to limited internet access.

Thank you so much for all of your support! It is always nice to know that I have people back home supporting me in my work.

If you are interested in donating follow the directions listed below:

1. You donate to the Burkina Faso Country Fund by going to the Peace Corps website:

www.peacecorps.gov/donate

2. By indicating that you want the funds to go to youth programming, the Burkina Faso Peace Corps office will allocate the funds to the Youth Development Committee.  You MUST type "YDC Projects" into the comments section on the donation site.

3.  YDC will accept grant applications for volunteers' youth-related projects to support Burkinabe youth. Your donation will fund these grants, financing a variety of important youth activities across the country.