Fear of the Unknown

When I first arrived in Cameroon, I came with no expectations. It's better this way, when you are doing research, or development work, because when you create expectations, you're bound to be disappointed. Of course you should have goals, but those can be achieved in a variety of ways, so you don't box yourself in.

When I first arrived at Tassah Academy, I was immediately expected to present myself, my reason for being there, and what I hoped to do. I almost felt like a salesperson, selling an idea. In fact, every time I have to approach ISSP in a different way (for more information, visit my work blog: http://internationalschooltoschoolpartnerships.org/category/laura/ ) Every presentation was completely different - some were easy sells - a "yes, you have me already, sign me up!" those were the local ngos, or the younger, up to date teachers, who were excited to have more internet access and technology.

Others were a little harder though. The first round of teachers, as they stared at the screen (you know that 4 PM glaze teachers, when you've just finished a day of teaching). As they watched my powerpoint, some stares were just stares. Others were more concerned: "I don't get it, we already have a computer, why do we need tablets?" or "How are we going to use this in our classroom?" The parents were the same: "Why?" Well, normally I would say this is a perfect example of a program NOT to implement, because the community doesn't see value in it, right? Wrong.

Then came the parents who all signed up to learn more, or the father who showed up in the office, sat down, and said, "I would like to buy one of those tablets." Ok, or the teachers that showed up at the house at 8 PM to skype with teachers from California, and talked with us until 10:30, discussing how to move forward. Or the students who eagerly signed up for the classes offered their first week of summer break. Sure, there are many challenges, but we have faith that this is worth it. The next generation is a new generation of technology users, and the more advantages we give them, the better prepared they will be for the work force.

So excited to see what happens next.

Football and Tradition

I will probably never forget the final to the Europe Cup of Athletics vs real. Not because it was a horrible game and real only won through unfair advantages. No, I will remember the game because instead of sitting at a bar, having a beer, I was sitting on a couch with two elderly ladies sat across from me, laughing and chattering away in the local Bamenda dialect, while we ate "achoo" and some sort of soup while the kids sat by, trying to stay awake.

In other words, I had crashed a party in Cameroon, and not just any party. A month after a child is born, it is custom for the aunts and female cousins to come visit and spend the night, celebrating and welcoming a new child to the family. Not expecting it, I was surprised when my host's brother allowed us to join the festivities, last minute. More surprising was when the eldest woman and head of ceremony made a huge speech welcoming me and inviting me to eat first. This was after I was hug attacked at the door by a mob of delightful grandmas.

As we danced and sang praising Michael's adorable new daughter, Athletics scored its one and only goal of the night, which turned Cousin Ben's dance into a cheer. As we ate, the aunties commented on the game to ours and their amusement. They even demonstrated how to cheer, which they thought was silly. I was pleased when I was able to drink a little whiskey on the rocks in the company of one of my new lady friends.

Being part of a tradition like that may seem routine to some, but for me it was an honor I can and will never forget. When you watch a family rejoice like that, and see the happiness it brings, it is hard not to be humbled and awed. As I looked into the infant's eyes I could only see my hopes for her reflected in my own. I gave her my own blessing, hoping that she will live to have better opportunities and choices than any of us, that she may take on the burden on her shoulders to make her world just a little better.