Ko pa di? (How's life today? in Luo language)New fundraising total: $2150 USD (using current exchange rate). The exciting thing is that this means I've met the first goal due March 1st.
I received the 48 page information packet from Invisible Children. It contains everything from a packing list to language guide. The dress code for teaching is very similar to the dress code at school in Toronto.
It all feels much more real as I read about the vaccinations, accommodations and security, and itinerary.
The level of detail in the information packet confirms my confidence in the organization. It includes information about visiting people you meet in Gulu, eg. unscheduled visits are common and in those circumstances you should not bring gifts, and when invited for dinner gifts of mangoes or tea are appropriate. There is also a section on faith, emphasizing that Invisible Children is not a faith-based organization. They indicate that most people in Gulu will identify as Christian or Muslim and encourage participants to engage in conversations of faith as it is a very real and important part of everyday life in Uganda.
I enjoyed reading about establishments in Gulu such as the markets and local eating joints. One place, Bomah, is described as the place to go for a nice dinner or massage. The Kope Cafe shows movies on Friday nights. And at Abola Lapok, you can get a plate of chicken, cassava, and cabbage for under $2. Malakwan (don't know what it is yet) and sweet potatoes is supposedly a local delight.
The package included required reading / listening. I have the books now and am almost finished "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" by John Perkins and then will move on to "Pedagogy of the Oppressed" by Paulo Freire. I am amazed at how many people I know have already read the Freire book. I was also instructed to listen to "The Ethics of Aid: One Kenyan's Perspective" http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/2008/ethics_of_aid-kenya/.
I also picked up a book about the history of Uganda ("Uganda: Tarnished Pearl of Africa") and "Girl Soldier: A story of hope for Northern Uganda's Children". I know that I will learn so much more in my six weeks in Northern Uganda than I can ever learn from books, but I hope that by demonstrating an interest in their history, and an attempt to move away from ignorance, I will communicate a respect for my partner teacher, students, and people in the community.Acito Dong (I am leaving now.)
