So What Do You Do?

Many PCV's get asked the question "So what do you do?" all the time.  It's tough to describe a PCV's job.  It's not as easy as a job description in America.  A PCV's role is defined by the needs of the community.  For Youth Development (YD) PCV's, our job includes many things.  In order for you the reader to understand what it means to be a YD PCV let's define a few things first.

What does youth mean?  Many will probably say someone between the ages of 8 to 21.  Here in Morocco youth is defined by your marital status.  If you're not married, you fall into this category.  Another way that we describe youth is young at heart.  Many PCV's work with married members of their community who are looking to better themselves in some capacity.  Whether that be learning English, learning how to knit, learning about healthy lifestyle choices or learning how to write a grant.  This is one of the challenges of being a YD PCV.  It's up to the discretion of the PCV to determine the needs of their community and then find the best way to meet the goals and objectives of PC as it applies to their community.

Many people think that YD means teaching English but that is not the case.  We're not TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) volunteers.  Many of us teach English as a way to meet people in our community and to have a 'job' in the eyes of the community.  When people ask us what we do and we say we're a volunteer they become very confused.  "Volunteer isn't a job.  I asked you what you do!"  When we respond with "I am a teacher" then they understand why we're here.  It also gives us an amount of respect within the community.  So what does YD mean?

YD means that we are working with youth to prepare them for the world of work, teach them about healthy lifestyle choices and working with community members to present youth with the best opportunities for their future.  This includes many different types of activities; teaching English, creating sports clubs, art clubs, theater clubs, journalism clubs, health clubs, environment clubs, working at camps, helping at Special Olympics, SOS Villages, organizing workshops etc.  It's hard to create a job description so that friends and family back home understand why we left our home and traveled to a foreign land for two years.

A new group of trainees just arrived in Morocco this past Wednesday.  In order to give them an idea of what their job will be like for the next two years, I was asked to gather pictures from current PCV's and create a short video about the current work being done in Morocco by YD PCV's.  You can find the finalized video here.  Hopefully this will help explain exactly what it is YD PCV's do.

So what does YD mean?  Well it means that we do what we can within our communities to help youth and community partners to prepare youth to be successful, contributing members of society.  That might still be too vague a description for most people but how do you explain that you sit at your dar chabab and talk to your kids about stereotypes and opportunities to learn outside of Morocco?  How do you tell people that your job includes sitting at your students house for tea or for couscous and talking with their parents about letting their child attend camp over spring break?  There's no job description that can fully explain a YD PCV's job.  That's just another reason why PC is the toughest job you'll ever love.

Hello! My name is NOT hey sexy!!!

"Bonjour!"

"Ca va ghazhelle!"

"Ciao bella!"

"Hey baby!"

loud whistling noises

These are all forms of street harassment.  In most cases, it is just a shout out to a single person walking by.  Sometimes, it is more intense followed by touching or in extreme cases, being followed.  Some people believe that this is a way to compliment the person walking by.  In reality, it is harassment and it is not ok.

As a PCV, I've experience multiple forms of street harassment.  In Albania, it was usually "ciao bella!". In Morocco, it is usually "ca va ghazelle!".  There have been occasions where I have been touched but thank God it has never been a case where I have felt unsafe or scared.  PCV's worldwide experience street harassment.  It is not limited to places where PCV's serve.  It is in America.  It is in Europe.  It can happen to anyone at any time.  It happens more frequently to the 'outsider'.  As a PCV, we are usually different from everyone else in our community which makes us more susceptible to street harassment.  This week, people around the world are raising awareness on street harassment as the key to ending it is education.

If you have ever been the victim of street harassment, now is the time to speak up.  Tell your communities that it is not ok.  Follow this link to read an article that goes into detail on how people around the world are trying to end it.  Do your part.  There are fliers that you can print out and put up around town.  There are ideas for other projects and activities you can do to to educate your communities.  Tell your story.  Tell the people you know about what you have experienced and how it has affected you.  This is the time to take action.  Now is the time to stop street harassment.  

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

For many women where I live, their day consists of cooking, cleaning and caring for their family.  In their free time they might go to a friends house for tea or maybe to the hammam to get squeaky clean but that's about all the fun they see.  For International Women's Day, I wanted to host an event at the dar chabab for the women in my community to gather, learn something new and get to do one of their favorite things - dance!

The women starting the dance party!

About a year ago, a PCV along with PC staff created a video called "You Can Dream".  It is a short documentary on the lives of six Moroccan women who have looked to help their communities by doing something that is out of the norm for most women in Morocco.  If you would like to see it, it is in Arabic with English subtitles but can be found here.  We watched the video and had a short discussion on the obstacles that the women had to overcome and talked about how things are changing for women in Morocco.  I also put together a short presentation (in French!) about gender roles around the world and we discussed important Moroccan and Muslim women from history.  I think the women really got into it and we had a great discussion.

Without these girls, this wouldn't have been a success

After the nitty-gritty of the day we went on to what the women really came for, dancing!  I had planned on making a few American goodies to the event and I bought soda for everyone.  I was surprised when each woman walking through the door had also bought a treat to share.  These women don't mess around when it comes to parties!  They had bought a buta tank and all the fixing for tea as well.  The women started passing around the drums and as we prepared all the cakes and tea they started doing their different traditional dances.  You know they're getting into it when they need to open the windows and wipe their faces down!  What Moroccan party is complete without dressing up the foreigner?  I was a willing doll once again to be dressed up as a bride and have the wedding song sang to me.  I enjoy it just as much as they do.  

Leslie, an American doll coming to a Moroccan town near you!

Before we knew it, it was 7 and the women started to head out.  After our good-byes and multiple invites for lunch and tea, they left and I stayed behind with my girls for the clean up and to finally eat our share of the goodies.  Without the help from my three students, this event wouldn't have been as big of a success.  I was expecting around 20 women to show up but we had over 40!  At first the women were a little cautious of me and said no pictures.  After they dressed me up though, everyone wanted a picture with me.  I feel as though that counts as part of the success.  

Getting our dance on

It's events like this that make me happy to be where I am.  Even though it's taken me over a year and a half to be invited to a house that isn't my host families, I now have over 10 people who are insisting that I come in the next week.  All the work that's gone into this event and all the cheek kissing has paid off!  I finally feel as though they have accepted me into their community.  I'm one of them.  I couldn't have asked for more :)

Respect the Tape

Last week I had the honor of meeting Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the embassy in Rabat.  Morocco was her last stop before heading back to Washington after a week of travels in North Africa.  She only had a short time in Rabat so the meet and greet was a quick affair.  About 70 volunteers had traveled to Rabat for the event along with PC staff and their families and embassy staff with their families.

After going through the "rules" for the meet and greet, we all stood around holding our spots as close to the front of the courtyard as possible.  The Secretary was slightly delayed to no one's surprise.  About an hour after she was supposed to arrive, we saw the cars pulling up.  First one, then two and finally four big black SUVs.  Everyone was quiet and had their cameras at the ready.  A group of secret service first appeared, then the aides, then Ambassador Kaplan with his wife and finally, Hillary!!

She just looks important

The Ambassador gave a few opening remarks, mentioning PC and the work we do for Morocco, and then gave the floor to the Secretary.  Her posture and gestures through her short speech were perfect for the occasion.  She wasn't stiff or too formal.  She reached out to the different groups of people in attendance and it looked like she made eye contact with everyone in the audience.  I was amazed at her as a public speaker.  Her remarks were short but said it all.  She talked about what a great time it is to be in Morocco and in North Africa.  She talked about how far Morocco has come in the past year but that the journey is still long.  She pointed out the fact that Morocco was the first country to support America as a new country and that our support of Morocco now should be just as strong.  She mentioned the work that PC does (to much applause).  After her speech, she took a picture with the children of the embassy and PC staff and then went around and shook as many hands as she could before being whisked away to break ground at the new embassy complex.

I shook her hand!!

It may have a been a quick event but I'm glad I made the 11 hour journey to Rabat to see her.  It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and what she said only made me prouder to be doing the work I am doing.  Run for office again Hillary!  I'll vote for you!

PC girls of the Souss, represent!

Do You GGLOW?

At the end of last month, I was fortunate enough to attend another volunteers GGLOW camp in Tazenakht (about an hour and a half west of Ouarzazate).  GGLOW stands for Guys and Girls Leading Our World.  At this particular camp, there were 37 girls in attendance, several local men and 8 local women who helped lead activities alongside PCV's.  Sessions touched on topics like, goals, project management, health, physical fitness and Women's rights in Morocco.  It was a huge success and I'm so proud of my girl Aly for pulling it off!

Conga line!!

The Group

The GGLOW camp made me think about things I could do in my site.  Tazenakht is quite a bit bigger than where I am and I don't think I would be able to manage an overnight camp for girls in my area.  However, I do have an amazing mudir who is willing to back me up with all my ideas.  There are also several women in my site who I believe would be willing to take on leadership roles for a daytime activity.  With that said, I have come up with the following project outline for a week's worth of International Women's Day events.


On Wednesday March 7th, women will be invited to the dar chbab for a few hours of fun where they can learn about different home beauty care products.  Facial mask made out of yogurt and mint.  Feet and hand scrub made out of yogurt and sugar.  It will be a fun day to start off the week.  On March 8th, the official International Women's Day, women will gather to watch the video You Can Dream and discuss the issues addressed in the film.  Issues such as girls' education, discrimination in the workplace and Women's rights.  On March 9th, a local doctor will come to the dar chbab to talk to the women about diabetes and heart health.  These two issues are a huge problem for women in Morocco and many do not seek out medical treatment as they usually do not know they have either problem.  To end the week, we will gather to have an aerobics class and end it all with what else but a dance party!


I think it will be a great week for women to have a reason to gather outside of each other's houses and learn a few things in the process.  The great thing about doing this as daytime activities is that no funding is really required.  I will be asking local business owners if they would like to donate tea or cookies for the activities and if nothing else, I will buy it for them.  This is something simple that I can do for the women of my community.  I'm looking forward to the event and have been busily getting things together for it.  Fingers crossed that all goes well!

A Little Valentine's Day Cheer

Happy Valentine's Day to all!  I found this on the National Peace Corps Association today and thought it hit the nail on the head so to speak and wanted to share with everyone.  Enjoy!

12 Reasons to Date a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer
By: Erica Burman

It’s Valentine’s Day!  A day when we celebrate friendship, love, and romance.  Through the years here at the National Peace Corps Association, we’ve heard countless stories of Peace Corps romance.  The couples that met at the airport on the way to training.  The couples that met while serving. The Peace Corps Volunteers that fell in love with a host country national.  And the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers that connected back here in the States, discovering that the shared bond of Peace Corps service was the spark that led to a relationship.

Peace Corps is a life-changing experience that develops a unique set of skills and attributes.  So it goes without saying:  Returned Peace Corps Volunteers make GREAT dates.  And just to prove it, we’ve started a list.

12 reasons to date a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer:

1. We can woo you in multiple languages. Who else is going to whisper sweet nothings to you in everything from Albanian to Hausa to Quechua to Xhosa? That’s right. Only a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer.
2. We’re pretty good dancers. Yeah, we don’t like to brag, but after 27 months in Latin America or Africa we know how to move it.
3. We’ll eat anything. Seriously. No matter how bad your cooking, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers have had worse and will eat it with nary a blink. Sheep’s eyeball? Water buffalo gall bladder? Grasshoppers? Bush rat? Bring it.
4. We know all about safe sex, thanks to our very thorough Peace Corps health training. In fact, there’s a chance that we’ve stood unblushingly in front of hundreds of villagers and demonstrated good condom technique with a large wooden phallus.
5. We’ll kill spiders for you. Well, actually, we’ll nonchalantly scoop them up and put them out of sight.  Same goes for mice, geckos, frogs, snakes. Critters don’t faze Returned Volunteers.
6. We have great date ideas: wandering a street market, checking out a foreign film, taking in a world music concert, volunteering…. Romantic getaway? Our passport is updated and our suitcase is packed. With us, life is always an adventure.
7. We like you for “you”… not your paycheck. Especially if we are freshly back from service, a local joint with “character” will win out over a pretentious eatery.  Living in a group house? Does it have running hot water? What luxury!
8. You won’t get lost when you’re with a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. Navigating local markets on four continents, we’ve honed an uncanny sense of direction. Or else we’ll ask for directions. We’re not afraid to talk to “strangers.”
9. Waiting for a late train or bus? Don’t worry, we’ve been there, done that. We can share lots of funny stories about “the bus ride from hell” that will make the time go quickly and put it all into perspective.
10. Our low-maintenance fashion style. Returned Peace Corps Volunteer guys are secure in their manhood and don’t mind rocking a sarong. Women often prefer flip flops to high heels. We don’t spend hours in front of a mirror getting ready to go out.
11. Marry us, and you won’t just get one family — you’ll get two! When we refer to our “brother” or “mom,” you’ll want to be certain we’re talking about our American one or our Peace Corps one. You might even get two wedding ceremonies, one in the U.S. and one back in our Peace Corps country.
12. And last but not least, we aren’t afraid to get dirty.

I speak Peace Corps

With a new group of trainees heading to Morocco next month, I thought I would post on Peace Corps acronyms.  For any of you who have yet to make it to your PC country, do not be overwhelmed.  Even to many experienced PCV's the following will make no sense.  Be ready to hear acronyms thrown at you all the time.  You're about to be a PCT living in a CBT with a LCF.  Give it time and it will all become clear.  For current PCV's and RPCV's, see if you can follow along...

Congratulations!  You’ve been invited to PC/M!  Until you arrive in country you will communicate with PC/W.  Don’t let the PSQ’s stress you out.  Upon arriving in country you’ll meet the TM and the TA who will manage your PST.  You’ll spend the next 10 weeks with your fellow PCT’s learning the language with your LCF and HCN’s so that you can pass your LPI at the end of PST.  You’ll be living in a CBT with a host family and a LCF and travel to HUB several times during PST.  The HSC will match you with your host family prior to leaving orientation.  Before leaving for your CBT the CD will tell you about the PC/M program and the SSC will give you a general overview of safety in PC/M.  Also, the PTO along with the TM and the TA will go over the PST schedule.  PST may seem like a long time but you will also go through PPST, IST, MSM and COS before becoming a RPCV.  Unless you ET of course.  During PST you will learn about being a YD PCV and TEFL.  During your service you will most likely also do projects that an ENV, HE or SBD PCV would do as well.  Whenever you have questions you can reach out to your RM or the RCM can get you supplies from ICE.  You won’t learn about grant opportunities like PCPP or SPA until PPST.  But I’m getting ahead of myself.  You still have to learn about VAC, GAD, VSN and WWS.    The FA needs to explain how you will get your money and how to handle reimbursements.  If you need a bike and helmet in your final site you’ll have to talk to the GSO.  If you ever have an emergency call the DO.  Once you have completed PST and passed your LPI you will swear in as a PCV.  Not to worry you but at the end of your service you will write a DOS with all your projects on it before COSing.  For now, just enjoy being a PCT and the excitement of being a PCV soon and a RPCV in the future!

To sum up, you are a PCT living in a CBT with HCN’s and a LCF going through PST so that you can pass your LPI and swear in as a PCV.  Your TM, TA, RM, LCF, CD, AO, PTO, FA, GSO, HSC, SSC, PCMO, DO, and RCM are there to help you with questions, comments and concerns.  You just have to make it through PST, PPST, IST, MSM and COS before writing a DOS with your YD, SBD, ENV, HE, TEFL, PCPP and SPA projects on it before become a RPCV.  Got it?  Good!   

If that didn't confuse you give these sentences a try!

The PTO called me to go to PST to talk to the PCT's about the VRF but I have to go to IST to talk to the PCMO about GAD and the CD wants me to talk to VSN because I've been having a hard time in site with several HCN's and my VAST grant is stressing me out!

The CD said that at IST we'll find out about PCPP, VAST and SPA but my RM said to ask the PTO if we'll talk about the new OOC policy and I'm sure the PCMO will come to give us our flu shots but the AO is on AL and won't be coming.  

Understand?  Even from PC country to country some of the acronyms change so don't be alarmed if you're a PCV serving in another country and didn't understand all of this.  If you got all of this, you just passed another LPI!  You speak Peace Corps fluently :)