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Somaliland - The International Rescue Committee
PIAF – South Africa
"For the last two weeks I've been working myself into the environment, trying to get a feel for the different programs IRC has going in Somaliland: microcredit, agricultural, health, and educational programs, all aimed at refugees returning from Ethiopia. At the moment, I think I will get most involved in the microcredit and/or agricultural training programs, but that may change in the coming months. (David, my boss, is exceedingly flexible, and I'm able to pick and choose where I spend my time.) For the next few weeks I'm going to be working in Burao -- a small town about 100 km and 4 hours drive from Hargeisa -- helping with the data analysis of a health survey they are conducting there. I'm also spending time going out into the field with each different program, as well as fixing/updating computers around the office. I am taking Somali lessons, and I hope to be at least proficient by the end of the year. At the moment, I feel like a bit of a jerk when I'm in the field, claiming to be helping people, and not even able to hold a basic conversation in their language. That shall soon change. I've also just talked to someone about tutoring math or physics a couple days per week at Hargeisa university, so I'm hoping that will work out." - Damon Clark '01
"It was fantastic day - almost dream like - I was sitting under a tree in my
Somali attire (yes, I do have to cover myself when in the community - no
veil, but a special dress and scarf/wrap around my head) eating goat meat
and potatoes with my hands while listening to women drumming and singing. I
am healthy, happy and excited about the many adventures that await! I'm
finally doing what I've always dreamed about!" - Erin Ferenchick '00
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