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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------{ June 29, 2008 }
Hello Japan
This week our first shipping container for export will go out to Japan! After a lot of issues in preparation and logistics we are finally there. Of course, after this one goes out we get to go through it all over again for the second container, but at least with a better understanding of the process. I am in the capital now so I will hopefully be able to check up on how everything goes in the final stages. Yesterday I had a sector meeting with all of the other CED (Community Economic Development) volunteers and our director about improving the project plan for future trainees. I'm not sure it was very productive, especially since we did the same activity at our 1 year training event, but it was nice to see everyone at least.
In May CODOCAFE put on the second annual DR Quality Coffee Competition. Again the Association and Juncalito area cleaned up in prizes. The Association won 4th, one of our associates (also VP of the association) won two first prizes and two other farmers from the area won prizes, 2nd and 5th respectively. Out of 11 prizes awarded, 5 were out of the Juncalito region.
I am working with the Technology Center on various projects. At the center, I will be leading a youth group based on health issues including, HIV/AIDS, sex ed, self esteem and others and also starting an income generation women's group which will include giving talks on savings and money management as well as creating and marketing a small product (such as floor cleaner or bleach). In addition to these projects with the center, we are working on a grant request for creating scholarships for basic computer classes for children as well as educative weekend camps covering a variety of topics. The grant gets sent through Peace Corps and funded by donors in the states, including friends and family of the volunteer, so you may be receiving letters from me regarding this. For less then $20 a child can take a basic computer course. We are working out the details of the project to decide how many scholarships we are going to include based on the needs of the smaller communities surrounding Juncalito as well as Juncalito itself. I'm excited about this project because a lot of kids really want to learn but come from very poor families and can't afford the classes. They also know that it's incredibly important for them to learn about technology for their futures.
Last weekend one of my best friends in my site got married. It was a nice, small wedding and I had a great time although I will miss her in Juncalito because she moved to Santiago with her husband, who lives there. I will post pictures soon.
In May Susan and Brandon came down to Punta Cana and I met up with them at the resort for a few days. It was beautiful, relaxing and went by way too fast. It was a lot of fun despite the long trip to get there. I left my site at 7 am and didn't get there until around 9. I spent about 2 hours of that in Santo Domingo waiting for a bus but the rest was all travel time although it was more than worth the trip and I hope they come back again. Hint hint!
Posted by katie on June 29, 2008 10:08 AM | Permalink
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