Food Security Summit 2012

As you might have read on Facebook approximately one month ago, I am invited to attend the West African Food Security Summit in The Gambia. 

The invitation was surreal to say the least, but now that the date is quickly approaching I thought you'd like to know a few specifics. Yes?

When:

July 2 - 6.

Summit Goal:

Assemble PCVs and Food Security Points of Contact to West Africa Food Security Summit in order to encourage, train and equip them to effectively improve regional food security and successfully engage in the West African Food Security Partnership.

Objectives:

1. Inform PCVs on the context, function and components of the West Africa Food Security Partnership.
2. Train PCVs on Monitoring & Evaluation, Communication, Branding & Marketing, and Environmental Impact Analysis.
3. Disfunction, creation, roles and management of PCV Food Security Task Force.
4. Train and equip PCVs to create or further strengthen a national PCV Food Security Task Force in their respective countries.
5. Brainstorm and facilitate linkages between countries in order to benefit from the region approach's synergies and complementarities. Discuss communication needs and develop conceptual solutions.

What will I do?

With my colleague, Benjamin Bogardus, I will do a 15-minute presentation on Togo (e.g. geography, demographics, key challenges); on Togo's food security program/activities and achievements; and on food security-related technologies or techniques used in your country by PCVs. 

Where?

For the safety of myself and others, I will not disclose the location of the summit. For friends and family members, please send a request for further information. 

I will, however, inform you that I'll leave Lome on Friday, June 29 to Cotonou, Benin. 

Looking forward to uploading pictures and sharing stories!

Wish me luck.

One Down, One TO GO: Hard to ignore the cravings

My one-year anniversary in country is today. Needless to say, in the last couple of days, cravings and fantasies occupy the majority of my thoughts–e.g. takeout (or delivery), bacon, hot running water, everything bagel with veggie-light cream cheese, good coffee, Subway (Spicy Italian foot-long sub on Italian herbs and cheese bread), high-healed shoes, movie theaters, real Chinese food, new music, my old wardrobe, cereal other than Corn Flakes, etc.

Really, fantasizing and craving the little things from home is inevitable no matter how long you’ve been away. I find food cravings to be quite random, surprising if you will. Chez nous, some people may stick up their noses at JIF peanut butter, Idahoan instant mashed potatoes and Kraft macaroni and cheese, but here… receiving packages filled with n’importe quoi “is like opening presents on Christmas Day,” says Emily Goldsmith (NRM PCV).

Pre-PCVs may repulse at the thought of consuming processed foods stateside, but here…there’s no shame in any consumption of JELL-O, Oreos, Crystal Light drink mix packets, instant pudding, tuna in a can, pizza crust mix (just add water), etc.

“JELL-O? Who eats JELL-O here?!” asks PCV Maggie Person.

As I bow my head and clench my teeth I respond, “Um, I do.” [I have a fridge.]

“I went through a pound of Velveeta in less than a week. My parents were disgusted,” adds Goldsmith.

We do what we have to do to remain in country. We do what we have to do to stay sane—sometimes that entails increasing our processed-food intake; sometimes that entails major movie marathons; sometimes than entails reading month-old gossip magazines; sometimes that entails dance parties with questionable dance moves; sometimes yoga or morning runs are the answers to our prayers; and sometimes speaking to locals in English is THE stress reliever (Ha You can’t understand me. Sucker!).

Although I highly doubt these cravings will subside in my next and last year in Togo—if anything I’ll have even more—this year sure flew by and I’m ecstatic to blaze through the next 12 months with or without JELL-O.

PS – Not everything we’re gifted is amazing. Although it was fun to design, this gingerbread cookie was gross. We were still grateful because it gave us something different to do. So thank you!