My first day at work...

Hello all,

Last week Wednesday we were all sworn in as PC Volunteers. We all are happy to have successfully completed our 10 weeks of training. I can now begin telling you details on my assignment and my work here in the DR:

In my last post I gave very weak details on my project site and assignment (sorry). Since then, I met my project partner and moved all my belongings from Santo Domingo to my campo site in Jarabacoa. My project partner is a very motivated and involved woman from my community. I forsee us working very well together as she does not leave room for ambiguity. Hence, she is straight forward and knows exactly what she wants and needs from me <>

My business project revolves around an community association that has decided to build an eco-lodge that is well on its way in the construction process. The eco lodge is something the community came up with on their very own to bring in more money to benefit the community residents. The association was created back in `84 which addresses every single community need. It is composed of 27 members who democratically come up with ideas and solutions for these needs. They have received some funding from USAID to build this lodge however lacks the second half of the funding which I need to somehow come up with. Peace Corps does train us on grant writing so this is something I will be doing very soon. Beyond the funding I will have to help with the financial management and teach basic business practices to all the community association members.

The eco lodge will be my primary project, but based on the few days I have spet at my site there are many secondary projects I see myself beginning. For example, since my arrival all the young adults have inquired about potential English classes, which I feel I must offer. There are also many young ladies who I feel need guidance in the choices they make in the next years in their lives, so a womans focus group is also a possibility.

By the way my community was not as big as I mentioned before. It is actually a commmunity of 70 or so houses. According to my project partner there are more like 250 residents. As soon as I complete my census and family tree I will be sure to update you all.

During my first three months here at my site, I will be working on community diagnostic and census to better integrate into my community and better understand the needs of indivdual families and the community as a whole. I will also be analysing the ins and outs of this eco lodge. Toward the end of the three months I should have a plan of action for my two years of service which I will present to Peace Corps staff. Starting February I will be waist deep in work and should have my very own home in my community.

I hope I better explained myself in this post. I miss you all

Marite