Inside Togo

After 8 years at Inside Washington Publishers, I couldn't resist paying homage by naming this after my old publication, Inside EPA. Internet access permitting, I'll use it to provide periodic updates on my new life in Togo with the Peace Corps' girls education program. Disclaimer: The views presented here do not represent the views of the Peace Corps or the U.S. government.

Sunday, December 10, 2006

...email access is unreliable

So sorry for failing to post anything in case you were checking this. I only have a few minutes left to use this computer so this will be short but I wanted to let everyone who I havent't been able to email yet or who hasn't emailed me (and shame on you btw!) that I am doing fairly well and survived the almost 3 months of training and am now officially a sworn-in PC volunteer. My whole training group and I are in Togo's capital of Lome for the swearing-in ceremony and festitivies. There was a big event at the ambasador's swanky residence where we got served samosas - my first Indian food in months, and Indian is my favorite -- and ice cream, which is a major treat here. I will post pictures from the swearing in, including one of me giving a speech in the local language I learned (Cotokoli) that was apparently broadcast on TV and the radio. I heard the radio broadcast when I was at an internet cafe the day after the ceremony so I was able to witness my own birth as a Togolese celebrity.

Tomorrow I head up to the site of my posting, Togo's second-biggest city, called Sokode, to work with an NGO that is helping to administer a USAID/US embassy scholarship fund that helps girls stay in school by helping to pay school fees and to pay for books and uniforms and the like. It's a really exciting project and because the city is big there are lots of other NGOs I can approach to see if they need help as well. Being in a bigger city also means lots of amenities -- like good internet access -- as well as a house that was not the mud hut I promised. Instead, I'll be on a compound with a family in my own separate unit that has indoor plumbing, electricity (to run the ceiling fans and fridge!!!), plus 2 large bedrooms.

I'm being kicked off the computer now but hope to post more, including pictures and more information about Togo, soon...

3 Comments:

  • At 11:18 AM, Blogger -Ship said…

    Hey Rachel,
    it would be easier to email you if I hadn't lost your email address. I hope all is well, and that you are enjoying your newfound celebrity. I'd mail you a care package of ice cream, but I fear that would have unfortunate results. Anything else on your wish list?
    -Ship

     
  • At 11:44 AM, Blogger Dawn said…

    Hey Rachel,
    I'm so glad to see a post. I have checked a few times but haven't emailed. Shame. That's awesome you are a Togan (?) celebrity!
    Keep up the good work.
    Dawn

     
  • At 12:14 AM, Blogger Unknown said…

    Hello Rachel,

    I am in Cotonou for last seven months , but after reading ur blog I realized (shocking for me) that I didnt knew anything about this place.

    Keep writing... here I am going to be a regular reader of ur blog.

    Anish
    (readymail@gmail.com)

     

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