Apia, Samoa; Friday, April 19, 2013
We’ve
spent the last week in Apia for Early Service Training (EST). This is a
week-long program of various technical trainings meant to facilitate
integration into our villages and improve our teaching and classroom
environments. We are on a two-week break between the first and second terms and
EST is normally done after a few months of service in all PC programs
worldwide. It allows PCVs a chance to experience their villages and begin working
on their projects so that they can get more out of the technical trainings. We
stayed at a new hotel and held the EST sessions inside of the Central Bank of
Samoa building. The weather has been rainy which has been a nice change of pace
from the extreme heat and intense sun.
Training
began on Monday with a sharing session in which all the PCVs were given about
15 minutes to share their successes and challenges. This session was
encouraging. It helped me realize the negativity I was bringing into my work
and my village and refocused my energy on the positivity I was experiencing and
bringing. Throughout the week we had technical trainings including Error
Correction, Visual Aid Ideas, Library Organization and Activities, and my own
session on Beginning Writing: 4-Square Writing. We wrapped up the week with a
session on how to report our work to Peace Corps Headquarters. EST really
helped me to reset my expectations and goals to be more successful in my
village. Also, during EST we had another Language Proficiency Assessment.
Afterward, the assessor told me that I had noticeably improved and that he felt
like he was talking to a Samoan who lived abroad. I think it was a bit of an
exaggeration but I definitely appreciated the feedback considering I felt like
I didn’t improve at all during the first term.
During
the first week of the break I spent some time in the village, had a day at a
local resort with fellow PCVs, and took an overnight trip back to our training
village to see my host family there. The break was much needed. I definitely
feel refreshed. The resort day with the other PCVs was entertaining. We had a
barbeque on the beach and stayed up late swimming and letting lose. I stayed
one night in my village and then went to Upolu, the main island, to travel to
Utulaelae. It was incredible to see my old host family, especially my two host
brothers, Asuelu and Vita.
The
hotel we’re staying it is actually the closest to a western style hotel that
we’ve stayed in—it has a TV, a mini-fridge, and a telephone in each room as
well as a bar in the central patio. It’s also located centrally and is within
walking distance of the banks, shopping, restaurants, and training facilities.
We’re all quite happy with it. The only issue has been the weather. It’s been
raining non-stop. But I actually have been enjoying it. It’s reminded me of
Autumn showers and studying in the library during undergrad.
Again,
this has been a very needed rest. I feel excited for next term.
