Need You Now

He was so excited/interested in this crap.
 It's kids like him that will really benefit from the program 

This blog entry is not going to be so much an entry about a funny story or my reflections on life in senegal, but a plea for donations. In my blog I've talked more about fun adventures, or silly stories, because at the end of the day that is what seems interesting to me. Since I'm doing it everyday I often forget to talk about my work. Well today, I'll fill you guys in a bit on the program I'm starting this month, and will hopefully work on the rest of my time here.

The Reserve expressed interest, last year, in starting a environmental educational program this school year. I jumped at the chance to help with this program. The school system in Popenguine is relatively good for Senegal, but it lacks a strong lessons on secondary subjects, like health, environment, etc. I could work directly with the school to encourage teaching of more environmental lessons, but really the teachers already have a lot on their plate. Therefore, it makes much more sense for the reserve to spear head this program and teach/run activities throughout the school year. While the reserve doesn't have many resources monetarily or materially, it does have quite a few of very well educated and motivated individuals. Pretty much, we've got a great team here and I firmly believe we have all the basics to create a program.

Beach clean up...an example of activities RNP already does with students

This is where my grant, and plea for donations, comes in. To start of the school year, we have planned an environmental camp for 24 local students. Planning this camp has been a great learning experience for me, but especially the reserve workers. As I mentioned they are all very intelligent and motivated, but they have little experience with lesson planning, running activities, and especially organizing camps. However, they have done amazing and it really gives me confidence in our ability to run a year long program of environmental activities. Then, incha'alla, they will have gained enough experience and confidence to continue the program once I'm gone.

So please, if you have the ability, donate to our environmental camp. At this link there is a more in depth explanation of my camp and where the grant money will be going. Thank you all, whoever has continued to read my ramblings, for your interest and support.