Work Experiences: Changes Throughout My Service

When I started working in my community, the people were not motivated to work with a female volunteer. They lacked motivation, and the willpower to engage in the projects. The Mandinkas live day by day and have a poor memory span. They have to be constantly reminded of their tasks and they do not worry because everything is at the tip of their fingers. Some of the strategies I used were to make them above their challenges. I have shown by example that they can have projects established in their communities if they do their share of the work. Most importantly, I challenged them to think outside the box and assess the legacy they would want to leave to their children.  

Beginning of Service	Mid-Service	End of Service
1.    The community does not understand the role of a health volunteer 2.    No previous experience working with Peace Corps volunteers   3.    People think for their interests and not for the community as a whole 4.    Lack of motivation and understanding 5.    The community does not believe in the abilities of the volunteer 6.    Many sensitization meetings are held to help community embrace the volunteer 7.    The people asks unrealistic demands such as buying them a Mercedez Benz or a refrigerator or to take their babies to the United States 8.    The people impose their schedules and expectations on the volunteer 9.    Time spent building relationships with key work partners who have the same vision for community 10.   The people hold pessimistic views on the feasibility and success of these projects 11.   People do not want to place their trust in a foreigner. They think that they are spies and are coming to take advantage of them. 12.   Rote learning: the people cannot think “outside of the box.” The opinions have always been provided for them by institutions. 13.   The people have the belief that they cannot participate or contribute in these activities. 14.   The people are reluctant to share their opinions. They tell you the answers you want to hear 15.   They do not believe find the resources in their communities to obtain the changes they want	1.    Once they see the results of their cooperation in the first project, they have a glimmer of hope for future initiatives 2.    The people become more engaged in meetings and are eager to tell their opinions 3.    The people understand your role as a health volunteer. Slowly but surely, they began to trust you. 4.    The people want to be part of the planning and implementation process of the projects 5.    The people stop asking for cars and fridges. The number of individuals who continue to do so have been greatly reduced. 6.    The people start telling you the truth when you ask them serious questions 7.    During large projects, you might encounter people who will try to steal money 8.    Once in a while, an individual might ask you if you want to become their first, second, third, fourth or even their FIFTH wife. However, the number of people who continue to do so has been greatly reduced 9.    The people start thinking outside of the box and for the community. They are not doing anything for their own profit. 10.   The people believe that they can contribute to the success of any project 11.   The people believe that they are able to find resources within and outside the village to improve the needs of their communities 12.   One has to constantly motivate them to see the next three steps ahead in a project 13.   The community believes in my competencies as a female volunteer 14.   The people start trying to meet the volunteer halfway to find common grounds to resolve the needs of the community	1.   The people are more laid-back because they are preparing your departure 2.   They are very knowledgeable about the projects and start to think about the follow-up work 3.   They are anticipating and motivated for other projects 4.   They are knowledgeable of the importance of networking within and outside of a community 5.   They understand what is expected of them in any project 6.   They believe they can do anything if they are more organized and connect to the right people and organizations 7.   They are willing to ask questions 8.   They are no longer fearful of foreigners and their intentions 9.   They know how to work with female volunteers 10.  They do not take a NO for an answer. They see rejection as an opportunity to learn. 11.  They strive for excellence in all the projects undertaken 12.  They have a sense of regret because they believe they could have done more work during the two years if they had been more involved