Pedro In Ukraine

Two Weeks in a Coma...not literally

2007-03-24T17:48:00.000+02:00

Recent developments: I received the PEPFAR grant. It was my first
Peace Corps grant; second and half all time. These numbers are going
to go up with my Small Project Assistance (SPA) grant and my other
developing projects.

The SPA grant is a partnership between Peace Corps, British American
Tobacco Company – Ukraine (BAT), and the Pryluky City Council. Each
partner is contributing important sections realize a Business
Assistance Center. The Center is going to provide entrepreneurs with
business skills vital to the growth and development of the city. BAT
is going to provide the training that's how they fit into the
equation.

So beside the PEPFAR grant, my other active project is starting a
little league in the city where I volunteer. Little league! In
Ukraine! I couldn't believe it either, but Basil Tarasko is a native
New Yorker who dedicates time to starting little leagues around
Ukraine. Thus far, he has had a lot of success. Ukraine is the country
with the most active little leagues in Europe. Hopefully, I can help
Ukraine move further ahead in its lead.

These plans took months plan, I am glad it is moving along.

Reading Tom Sawyer...in Ukrainian

2007-03-11T09:08:00.000+02:00

I am reading Tom Sawyer in Ukrainian. It's such a slow process because the vocabulary is ridiculously hard, but the good thing is that I am reading outload. I am hoping that after a month of reading Mark Twain outloud I can at least tell a joke and sound coherent.

The challenge has been, and will be for a while, to sound on key. Because no matter how many vocubulary words you know in this language it just doesn't help if you're off key.

Some days yes, some days "maybe"

2007-03-11T00:26:00.000+02:00

Obviously, I am in Ukraine and learning the language here is important, but what can I do when I just can't do it. For example, today I wrote on my To Do list that I had to read Ukrainian and write my sentences for homework tomorrow. But I just couldn't do it.

It's a combination of things. First, the pen gets really heavy and I can't lift it from the table. I'm serious. Second, the text in the books get blurry and they only clear up after I stop looking at it. I know it's really weird. I don't know why either. I might have to get my book examined that's not exactly normal. Third, I live in a city where a handful of people speak English. For goodness sakes I have to speak in Ukrainian all the time! I can pick the language up by osmosis.

Not as easy as it sounds. Well, I gotta go and hit the books now. This just never ends.

Crazy Day at Work

2007-03-05T18:59:00.000+02:00

"Disorganized," "challenging," "unstructured," "draining": Those are
some of the words that describe my experience working as a Peace Corps
Volunteer.. Some days are more so than others, however, today was not
one of them.

Here's run down. By Wednesday, I have to finish the first draft of my
Small Project Assistant grant. Oksana, my counterpart for the project,
was sick today. We are putting together a Business Center. The BAT
Tobacco company has said that they are willing to pay for trainers and
two consultants for the center. The City Council will provide a
location, pay utilitities, hire and pay a coordinator, and conduct a
marketing plan. Peace Corps will pay for the equipment needed in the
Center.

Oksana was sick because there's a rampant flu epidemic in my town and
I know of at least four that are incredibly sick because of it. Since
Oksana is out, I had to ask Deputy Mayor Yeremenko to provide me with
new colleagues...this took about two hours.

Everyone who was there today was suffering from something else: a
state of idleness. And on top of that, Oksana never finished the work
I assigned her. The work for the project the city wants. The work that
we need. So now we are on a two day deadline to finish a bunch writing
a documents that should have been done weeks ago!

I am sure this happens in America...but no matter where I am, I hate
when this happens to me.

The new people I am working with are asking a bunch of legal questions
that I don't have a clue. So we have to plan another meetng with the
deputy mayor and get this cleared up. There go another two hours.

At the end, the Deputy Mayor cleared everything up and by tomorrow all
of the documents will be finished. Let's hope this is the case cause
if it's not...I will really need to think of what to do next.

Ahh, the sweet music

2007-03-02T16:00:00.000+02:00

I guess I've been holding this back for a while. Why are people still
playing "Can't touch this" like if it just came out yesterday!

Wait, I am in Ukraine. It did come out yesterday. That's why people
are blasting it on the radio when the song comes up.

It's like me friend Rob said, "If they haven't heard it, it's new to them."

Ukraine and the Green Stuff...

2007-03-02T15:57:00.000+02:00

Right now, I am riding in a car coming from the city of Slavutich.
Slavutich is the youngest city in Ukraine. The city was built in 1986
after the Chernobyl disaster. Survivors of Chernobyl were moved to
this city and, now, the city developing at a faster pace than any
comparable municipality in Ukraine. And no, there weren't any green
lakes or glowing animals. Everything I saw and everyone I met looked
fine.

My visit was work related. The median age in Slavutich is 37. Besides
it being the youngest city in Ukraine, it is also has the youngest
population. Therefore, the youth and newness to it has energized its
population to reach for its potential. The average income in the city
is double the national average, their communal services were reformed,
they have a business center and incubator, and their economy is
strong. Not bad for a city in Ukraine of 25,000 people.

The city has such an unique history that I hope what I learned today
from my meetings will be useful at my site.

The Uneventful Event

2007-02-24T23:35:00.000+02:00

Just a regular day for me today. I went to the library to help my
interpreter's sister get started on an internship application to work
in the States. I said an internship application because she has
various to choose from. Maryna's english is incredibly good, she works
really hard on her language and it shows. From our conversations, I
can tell that her vocabulary is rich and grammar is punctual. She
would be an asset to any of the internships that she is considering,
which are: Work and Study Program (sponsored by U.S. Embassy -
Ukraine), the Ukrainian Embassy at Washington D.C. (sponsored by The
Washington Group), and CCUSA (a summer camp program).

Last week, I got two really good ideas for projects. I noticed that
the people I work with are diligent but disorganized during their
planning process. Therefore, I am suggesting to first organize a
series of office management and project management seminars for
private and public employees. Second, I am planning on developing a
business based internship program. The internship program will be very
similar to the MAGNET program I attend at James J. Ferris high school
in Jersey City. I want student to learn about economics, the stock
market, and management for a year, and then have the opportunity to do
meaningful work in companies in their city.

I will be proposing two of these ideas this week, I will develop an
outline for them and get moving on them. Developing this idea, in
addition to the projects I already have at hand will be a challenge,
but one I am looking forward to succeed in.

PEPFAR

2007-02-22T20:47:00.000+02:00

The President Emergency Plan for Aids Reliefs.

I am one of those people that believe President Bush will be
remembered as one of the worst presidents in history. But I guess
every bad apple had its good day. And PEPFAR is that for Bush.

Tomorrow I am submiting my PEPFAR grant to provide trainings in my
community. I am doing my part to help Ukraine.

Why are people so surprised?

2007-02-11T21:47:00.000+02:00

Eleven. That's the number of months I have lived in Ukraine. And I can
honestly say that I love this country. But why are other Ukrainians
surprised when I share my enthusiasm?

The youth are scornful and apathetic to their country and countrymen.
The elders believe that the country hit its point of no return a long
time ago, and will never be prosperous. In fact, elders want Communism
to return. They say things were more staible then. And the babies,
well, babies are babies and they laugh at just about everything.

At first glance, Ukrainians appear to have a "tough shell". There is a
hesitance to develop a relationship, especially strangers, but once
the ice is broken everything changes. I love this country because
people are bright and kind. Above all things, I comfortable in Ukraine
in spite of earlier warning that my ethnic background might be a
factor. I discovered that Ukrainians are hospitable and caring. I have
lived with three host families and I never felt uncared for.
Especially, when I fell ill. At work, when I am happy, my colleagues
are engaging. When I am down, they try to cheer me in amusing ways.

I think the spirit of the people says a lot about its future. Even
though apathy might exist, there will be a time when things turn
around. I am a firm believer that good prevails over evil. Especially
over mentalities. And when there are good people that will spread.

A Thought...Still in Development

2007-02-07T21:11:00.000+02:00

After working in a Ukrainian city council for eight months, I highly
recommend my friends and colleagues to read about Lenin and Communism.
The white army versus the red army. Lenin's plight to power. The death
of Lenin and the rise of Stalin. Then, post-Lenin era rivalries of
Truman versus Stalin and the Cold War. In Ukraine, many objects here
remind me of my high school U.S. history book. It seems that his
remnant is evident in Ukraine. (I am strictly referring to objects -
monuments, buildings, and statues.)

The Soviet style of government is still intact in Ukraine because
after independence the type of government changed, but not the
structure. The other day, I was answering a practice question in the
Foreign Service exam prep book and it read as follows:

"Many of the developing nations that achieved independence after 1945
have become noted for their chronic instability. Which of the
following factors contributes LEAST to this instability?"

A)The rise of political factionalism
B)The large numbers of unassimilated ethnic or religious minorities
C) The artificiality of national boundaries drawn by former colonial rulers
D) The continued use of administrative systems inherited from colonial powers

D is the correct answer because the administrative systems from one
government to another stays the same. However, if you read the
political news in Ukraine you would think that it MOST contributes to
instability. I am fascinated by American politics, but in Ukrainian
politics needs to tone it down. People are really becoming
disillusioned by the behavior of their politicians. Fighting in the
parliment, setting backroom deals, and constant lying to the public. I
have been a witness to people disillusions with government and it
hurts patriotism and pride for ones motherland.

Even though, in general, politics is considers to be profession of
elitist and carpetbaggers. (And that the truly good minds are in
business, not government.) I believe that public service provides an
opportunity for a leader to produce change and have a positive impact
in society. A public servant in the highest post should provide hope
to those that lack it, but introducing policy that promote the needs
of society.

Who Ever Said this Blog Wasn't Active, Guess Again

2007-02-04T20:50:00.000+02:00

Now that my new internet connection has improved, I will be writing on
my blog more frequently. Thank the cell phone company "Life" which
provides me with 1 gigabyte of internet memory a month for seven
dollars. How does that work? My cell phone acts as a modem and is
connected to my computer with a USB cord. Thank god for technology and
a realiable Compaq notebook, that no matter how many falls, hits, and
toilet sickings continues to work. I heard HP is making a comeback as
the #1 PC company, I guess now you know why now.

So, I am planning on tackling the next issues over the course of the
week: my host family, work, language, and life in Ukraine. Hopefully,
it will be of interest to someone out there. Hopefully, though, no
creepy people:-)

Take care and I hope you are nice and cozy in AMERICA!!!

First Posting in Ukraine

2006-06-04T16:47:00.000+03:00

Sorry for the delay to post my entry, but the village I lived at did not have internet access. This blog entry highlights my activities during the past three months. Now, I am living in a small city that does have internet access.

I have written this blog and a diary on Sundays, which PC-Ukrainians calls my Reflection Day. During training, Sunday was the only day off during the week. This day allowed me to reflect on the absurd amount of information I receive during the week. Working and studying six days a week can be exhausting, so it was extremely important to rest.

A lot has changed the last three months. I don’t expect anyone to read the 22 pages on Microsoft Word I have written, but it has been about my life the last three months. Please keep in mind, that I do see my role as a volunteer very seriously. I am focusing on the professional aspects of experience most of all. Since the main reason for me to join Peace Corps is to develop myself further as a young professional.

WEEK 13: MY FIRST WEEK AT SITE

I finally arrived to my site called _______. I realized after a week being here that I am a really lucky volunteer. I live in a relatively small city of 61, 000, but this city is alive and running. There is public transportation system, restaurants, internet
cafes, hotels, and bunch of other assortments to keep me busy.
I say I am lucky because other volunteers have none of those
commodities. However, it's not to say that my town doesn't need me.
They need help in areas of organization and motivation. There are
plenty of organizations to work with, whether it’s public, private or
non-profit org. I do believe I got the best of both world: 1) a
developed community 2) a community that really needs what I have to
offer.

Also, in the Peace Corps I realized my love for languages. It is so
interesting that in the last three month I have learned a language
that was completely foreign. Out of a group of 5, two passed the
Ukrainian language exam at the end of May. The score needed to pass
was an Intermediate-Mid Level of understanding. Luckily, I was one of
the two in my group.

______, my home for the next two years, is an incredible community.
Not only do they speak Ukrainian, but almost everyone speaks fluent Russian
and a small number of people speak Polish. It is my goal to try to
learn Ukrainian and Russian fluently, and have a decent understanding
of Polish. The opportunity to live in a community where you have to
learn the language to survive is a difficult challenge. But one full
of opportunities to learn, because everyday I am learning.

My mind feels open to learning. I feel like a child that
wants to know what everything is. Everything I see I want to know how to say it in the Ukrainian language. I am beginning to write things down on my hands just so I don't forget.

WEEK 12: SWEARING-IN CEREMONY

LPI Scores

My cluster consisted of five people. None of us had previous knowledge of the Ukrainian or Russian language. It was all new to us. However, the Peace Corps expected that all trainees reach an Intermediate-Mid level of the language. That means that an individual can have a conversation about oneself, background, hobbies, professional career, and our role as a Peace Corps volunteer.

Two out of the five people in my cluster got the required Intermediate-Mid level in the language. Luckily, I was one of them! That was a very exciting time for me, I tried to work really hard in the language and it worked out.

Swearing-In Ceremony

I made it! The past three months were very difficult and intense. There were many challenges, but the day to celebrate every small victory that was here.

The ceremony was very interesting considering that Peace Corps – Ukraine and the U.S. Embassy are both at a transition period. Our previous country director moved to the Philippines and our new country director has not arrived. Also, President Bush appointed a new ambassador to Ukraine and he has not been sworn in yet. So, in both cases we had an Acting Country Director of Peace Corps and the Deputy Ambassador attending the Swearing-In Ceremony.

The Ceremony was attended by the volunteers, our coordinator at site, our host families, future partner organizations, U.S. Embassy representative, and a representative for the President of Ukraine.

I do believe that the true excitement of the Ceremony was that the next day we had to leave to our sites. The place where I will be living for the two years of my life! The place that I have to leave better than how I found it. My community set clear goals, all of which are on their website. I will have to do the best I can to make them true.

BEING EXCITED (Week of March 1st -7th),

I have reread my blog the last couple of days and I had the opportunity to reflect on my thoughts. I know I sound like an over ambitious child, but I realized that is probably the most challenging experience in my life. I have been in this program for a few days and I already know that it is not easy. I gave up comfort and a descent salary to be here. I am here by choice and I am looking forward to this challenge.

I am here for so many reasons. I have listed my reasons on the About Me page. Now, that I am here. I have to prove that can to do it and excel in it. Overall, my goal is to become a not a good volunteer, but a great one.

This past week my enthusiasm has been over flowing. My attitude is positive and proactive and I am feeling at a high on emotions. I feel like I can take the world. My joys are plenty and I hope to stay this way for a long time.

Just a random fact

Best Quote by Peace Corps staff thus far, “About 15 percent of the Volunteers that go to Ukraine come back to the states married.”

That’s a very interesting fact.

WEEK 1: THE ARRIVAL

Arrival at Kyiv International Airport

The landing in Ukraine was the most brutal I have ever experienced in recent memory. As the plane landed, the plane skidded and the pilot almost lost control. This happened in the matter of two seconds, but it shocked most of the passenger on the plane. The pilot accidentally landed about forty feet before the road began. So it skidded and it got a little bumpy. But as my fellow Peace Corps Trainees (PCT) said “any landing you walk away from is a good landing.”

The Airport

The Peace Corps does a great job of treating volunteers like “Grade A” humanitarians. I believe the entire Peace Corps – Ukraine staff was at the airport waiting to greet us as we walked through Immigration, Luggage Pick-Up and Check Out. On every step staffers introduced themselves and were anxious to meet us because they had read our applications and prepared training materials. Also, seeing all the Peace Corps signs as we walked through the airport was reassuring that I had joined an organization that truly values its members.

From the airport two buses drove an hour to our Pre-Service Training site. The buses drove us to ______, which was a resort during Soviet times. This place isn’t much, but the PC provided us with food and a room. I have pictures of our placement. It’s really not as bad as it looks. By the time you read this, I should have moved to the next step of my training: Read Introduction with the Host Family.

Peace Corps Ukraine – Volunteers

After dinner, the first day I arrived, the staff coordinated a panel discussion with current volunteers to give us insight on our experience. The volunteers were Shannif, Chris, Johnny and Nicolas. I had e-mailed Shannif right after Thanksgiving because I was afraid to be a minority volunteer in the Ukraine. Her advice ultimately led me to make my final decision to join the Peace Corps. To finally meet Shannif in person was a great . During dinner we had an opportunity to speak with her. She’s just an amazing volunteer.

She has done a lot of work in the Youth Development track as well. Her interest in business has led her to creatively combine her work with Ukrainian. Her model is great for what I would like to do. Therefore, as what I wrote before was perhaps too business oriented since there are many opportunities to work with business and, also, be an educator.

On March 3, 2006 I learned that I was going to work in Youth Development as a teacher and work with children during the summer. However, there are multiple ways to involve businesses with the schools. I cannot wait until that because the case for me as well. I am very anxious to start my job and be integrated with the community.

I want to cope with learning the new language and make the most out of my studies.

Wrapping up the Retreat

At the end of the Retreat, the Peace Corps staff assigned the training location for each volunteer. The announcement was a ceremony with a touch of suspense because none of the volunteers had any idea where our training was going to take place. In total there will be twelve clusters of 4 to 6 trainees. It was very exciting. Every Language Cultural Facilitator (LCF) named the members of their clusters and villages where they are going to live for the next twelve weeks.

Anna, the LCF for my Clusters, was the last language coordinator to announce the people in her clusters. It seems like a pattern. My cluster was the last one to be announced. I was the last person to be called in my cluster. And my cluster is the furthest from Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. But not to worry…if they doubt us, it is because they have yet to see that they left the best for last! (No offense: I love all the members of Peace Corps – Ukraine Group 30.)

Along with Anna, my Cluster includes Mitchell from Washington, DC, Rebecca from Pennsylvania, Jessica from Michigan, and Joyce from California. It’s a group that’s from both east and west coast in the United States. Represented by various nationalities and ideologies and united by the prospect to fulfill an assignment to do better in another country.

Introduction to my Host Family

There was a short breathing period between the announcement ceremony and getting on the bus to our training site. In fact, it felt more or less as fast as a blink of an eye. Before I knew it, I was in a bus with my cluster and other Cluster in my same Kiev Oblast (the equivalent of a state in Ukraine).

The bus ride was homage for all of the volunteers. Let me explain. Even though we had known each volunteer for about five days, the bond we created in this short time was powerful. Our similarities are such that, at least for me, I feel like I have known my fellow colleagues for more than five days. And I feel like they would say the same about me.

So for me to say goodbye them and see them join their host family was a homage for all the memories I have for them.

Then the moment came. My cluster was the last one on the bus. My nerves were steady and calm. My focus was strictly on making a great first impression. I figured a great first impression would create an instant bond between my host family and I.

The bus arrived at our small village and there were our host families, anxiously waiting for our arrival. Anna had given me a piece of paper with my host mom’s name, Rayisa. After I departed the bus, I softly shouted her name. Rayisa came up to me and politely introduce herself. (Mind you, she speaks Ukrainian…and I don’t) It was not easy to communicate in our foreign languages. However, Anna was able to introduce us. Then, less than a minute later I was off, walking with my host mom and dad to where I would be living for the next three months.

Just imagine living with a family that speaks a language you do not understand. Right now, I am just reiterating the Peace Corps message about host families: this is the best way to learn a language.

Learning the Language

Anna is our primary Ukrainian Language teacher. She is a twenty-two years old Ukrainian who learned English because of Peace Corps volunteer. She was lucky enough to win a scholarship to study in Georgia University in the United States and now she is an instructor for the Peace Corps. Which, in my point of view, is a very respected job in Ukraine.

Week one learning Ukrainian is more difficult than I had expected. Once I read that children from ages 3 to 7 learn language easier because their mind is like a sponge. Therefore, my idea was to put make my mind as a child and increase my willingness to learn. However, I have hit a few stumbling blocks along the way. Learning Ukrainian, or any other language for that matter is not just learning the vocabulary. But it is also learning the entire grammatical structure of the language.

Knowing Spanish should help me learn another language. However, Spanish is a very different language. I have already noticed that there are a lot of similar words in Ukrainian that sound similar to English words, but there are very few that sound like Spanish. I guess it is because Ukrainian and English stem from the Indo-European Languages that were developed about six thousand years ago B.C. Words like Café, School and group all sound the same in both language. But it does not in Spanish because it’s a romantic language such as Portuguese, Italian, and French.

Besides the difficulties, I have realized that one of the most effective teaching methods of the Peace Corps is that we are in a community that only speaks the language so we are forced to use the knowledge we have learned. Therefore it is easier to learn the language, but only time will tell is three months is enough to meet the Peace Corps new higher standard of learning the language: To be an Intermediate – Mid speaker of the language.

WEEK 2: INTERNSHIP

Assignment Number One

Right now, I am a Peace Corps Trainee in the Youth Development Track. I am in a small village called _____. It has a population of about 3,000. And word spreads very quickly. The best analogy about the gossip and rumor is that if you sneeze in one part of town and they already know about it at the other end of town. By the way, that is a perfect analogy; no exaggeration.

As an intern, my cluster has to work within the school to organize a health and safety program. However, because we are speaking Ukrainian in the class with possibly two weeks of schooling this assignment is not a walk through the park.

To teach a class on two weeks of a language we are learning is very crazy and out of the way. But, as James Bond says, “Life is full of small challenges.”

That’s the teaching component. In order to have more connections, Mila, the cluster’s Technical Trainer, arranged a meeting with the Mayor of _____. The meeting included discussions and questions about the arrangement of the town. Some questions included, What are organization we could work with? What are some things you would like to see us accomplished? What are areas of needs in the community? Are there any people disadvantage families?

The meeting was productive and we received a few ideas to work with. Personally, I am really interested in helping disadvantage families. Perhaps we can speak to them and develop a fundraiser or some other activities to assist them in a way. My cluster has decided to have another meeting with the mayor and discuss the situation further with the Mayor.

The Most Memorable Feast

Wednesday, March 8 was International Women’s Day. Apparently the holiday is an extremely festive one in Ukraine. The only thing I can compare it to in the United States is Valentine’s Day because men are suppose to get chocolates, flowers, or just a greeting card to women in their lives. But it’s a lot more family oriented than Valentine’s Day.

As always, my cluster had class with Anna and we finished up around 1 pm. At 2pm every cluster member and their host family were invited to Orisa’s house, Mitchell’s host mom, to celebrates the holiday and welcome us to the neighborhood.

When I entered Orisa’s home and went to the living room I saw an extremely large table full with a diverse array of food. I was astonished by the amount of food that was laid on the table. It just seemed like so much compared to the little everyone has.

As everyone arrived, we all took our seats and began to eat. During gatherings, it’s an Ukrainian tradition to toast. And toasting there was. There are at least four toast and I still do not know the specific order, but the first toast is to life, the second is for God, the third is for health, and the fourth love or women. (It’s something like that…I might not be 100% right.) It was a lot to take in.

The first toast was delivered by a host dad, and he said something like “We are glad to have you hear…visiting from such a far land to do good for our country. I want all of you to feel at home, to not be afraid to ask questions, and learn our language. I really appreciate that you are here and your motives.”

At that point I realized my responsibilities as a Peace Corps Trainee. I understand more so why this job is 24/7 with no breaks. Each trainee and volunteer represents the United States in the eyes of the people they encounter. There is no better way to explain in. I mean we are not ambassadors, but we are Americans.

Visiting our link cluster

Every cluster has a “buddy” link cluster. The link cluster is trained by the same Technical Coordinator, Mila, on Saturdays for two hour and an additional hour with our Language Coordinators the Cultural of the Ukrainian people. Both of these classes are a lot of work but they do not compare to the language class which keeps getting more intense as the days go by.

Our link cluster is great because it’s just another group of volunteers that are going through similar experiences in another city, learning a different language. It can all be very confusing at times, but thank goodness we are able to understand ourselves in English.

Anyway, our cluster consist of Mike from Mississippi, Jeromy from Alaska, Emily from Massachusetts, and Annie from Connecticut. They are all a fun time. It is great to have a group of people that at the end of the week we can talk about the weeks activities and upcoming events.

It is not that everyone complains, but it is more like we have all noticed that we entered a form of boot camp for our mind and body. On some days I have walk more miles than I have walked in the states. I took my car for granted in the states. I really miss my car at times but I just keep thinking this is really good for me.

“In da Club”

I will be really short with this one. Do not go to club in a small village if you are an American. All eyes are on you. Every single party goer was looking at me. I never felt as much as an object as I did during that point in time. I never thought too much attention was a bad thing, but if this is how celebrities feel all the time. It’s like being violated of all your freedoms, something was clearly wrong. The lesson has been learned, I will not go to a club that is not in a city smaller than at least 100,000 people.

Till this Point (End of Week 2)

I feel extremely proud to be a member of the U.S. Peace Corps. The people I have met. The bonds I have formed with my fellow Peace Corps member and my host family. I know this experience will last a lifetime.

WEEK THREE AND COUNTING…

Week Three of Training is coming to an end. However, it feels as though I have been here for months. It is not that the days are long or that I dread being here. It’s that there is so much to do and so much to keep up with. Everything in Ukraine is an experience from taking Language Class and Technical Training to staying with my socializing with my host family and practicing Ukrainian. Every challenge seems to take its course and take a long time. I am learning so much.

I also recognize that I am not a perfect individual. I have my flaws and I am trying to recognize them as quickly as possible and amend them. Because this job, does not provide room for mistake. When you are upholding the ideals of your country, and representing them to the highest ideals. There is no room for mistakes.

Omar, my brother, told me when I joined the Peace Corps that had just won a sweepstakes for a 27 month vacation. I knew then he was wrong, and know I am certain that his perceptions of the organization were ill-valid. This organization is a lot of training and work, and through it all we are upholding the reputation of our America.

The Language Lessons are intensifying

Most languages are not easy to learn as an adult. Ukrainian is no exception. I am glad that English and Ukrainian have some similarities in their vocabulary, but unfortunately, the similarities end there. Also, I am glad I studied the Spanish language because the Ukrainian grammatical structure is similar to Spanish in terms of its cases and forms. However, there is an underlining fact about the language that has perplexed me.

The Peace Corps provides is a crash course on the language. However, there is so much information to learn and so little time to process it. During the week, my cluster receives about 20 hours of language training, plus homework and projects, about 3 hours of technical training, plus occasional meetings with local organizations and the office of the mayor, and lastly, about three hours cross-cultural training. All in all, I would estimate it’s about 65 to 75 hours a week of work. I know this sounds a bit redundant, but that does not include time spent with my host family and trying to integrate with the community.

Host Mom Wants me to Learn Ukrainian Faster

My host family is a special one. Rayisa, my mom, knows about ten words in English. In order for us to communicate I have to use the words I learn in class as soon as I get home. The first time I had to do my laundry, I literally had to act out that I had to wash my close because I could not pronunciation the Ukrainian equivalent to washing my cloth. Luckily, my mom prepared the bath tube so I could was my cloth. Really! I had to wash my cloth by had! It’s a lot simpler than you might think. But after doing it a couple of times, my biceps are going to get a lot bigger. I know I don’t have to go to the gym as long as I am here.

This week, Rayisa wants me to speak more Ukrainian to her. Now, I just finished writing a bit about how difficult the language has been and she is pressuring me to speak more. It has not been easy, but I realize that practicing the language will help me become better at it.

Now, during dinner, Rayisa holds back on the fork, knife and spoon until I ask for it in Ukrainian. It’s really cute. And it forces me to learn the language. There are other things my mom does, like make me repeat things in Ukrainian and watch Ukrainian TV. I do not know what else to tell you.

School Internship

In the Peace Corps, I am a Youth Development Trainee focusing on teaching Business Skills and working with businesses in my town to improve Economic Development. I entered the Peace Corps with a background in government. I was a Special Assistant to Rolando Torres, the Commissioner of the Department of Personnel for the State of New Jersey, before that, for a year I was the intern to the Deputy Chief of Staff in the NJ Governor’s Office. In other words, I have no youth development experience. Therefore, during Technical Training, the Peace Corps prepares trainees by giving them the knowledge, tools, and resources to be successful at their sites during our 27 months at service.

Since I had limited teaching experience, Mila, the Technical Trainer decide that my cluster teach a class in a school in a near by town. The class was based on healthy lifestyles and we had to prepare a lesson plan with our goals.

I am someone who truly believes in government. I feel privileged to have seen the inner workings of government in my young career and I have a great deal of respect for our leaders. The Peace Corps is teaching me about aspect of government, our diplomatic dedication to our brothers abroad. America is a great country because, even though at times we struggle with our own economy, we dedicate our resources to help our neighbors in our ever shrinking world.

The Internship is basically us Peace Corps volunteers teaching classes on Democracy and Healthy Lifestyles. Mila, the technical trainer, teaches us how to write a lesson plan and build relationships with schools administrators and students. So I had to teach a class on “the Negative Affects of Smoking” and another on “Child’s Rights”. Both classes were very well presented and I enjoyed teaching.

The Ukrainian education system is very tough for students because teachers’ teach with an iron fist. It’s either their way or the highway. However, Peace Corps teaches us to be interactive with the students and to make them think and reflect on the materials presented for discussion. The conflict between teaching styles is really a lesson in cross cultural learning. Ukrainian teachers see Peace Corps volunteers not as teachers, but entertainers because we interact with students, not lecture to them.

During my class on Child’s Rights the class discussed the United Nation’s International Rights of a child. One of the rights was that everyone has the right to a fair and just trail. The 7th grade students really took this to heart and they were a really smart class. I can only guess why they found this topic really interesting, but I imagine it’s because they have seen a lot of corruption in their city and country. They are tired of being treated unfairly and would like justice to be fair and equal for everyone.

I loved listening to the children express their political views. They were really concerned about this topic. The only thing I could add to this that children are the future. When corruption entrenched in society, then the upcoming generation has the greater power to change it. And everyone in the class is part of that new generation that has the possibility to change their country’s future.

I loved watching the interactions of 7th graders, they have so many opinions and are so eager to share them. Both lessons I though were in the 7th grade. It was a great.

Bogoslav Museum

I have some great pictures of this Museum I visited in a city called Bogoslav. Please look, it’s some great stuff.

WEEK 4: I’M GETTING THERE!!!

Language Class: Realization!

I came up with the best realization this week about my language class. I feel exactly like a first grader right now because my language is so primitive that to say that I am hungry or that I want a drink, I say things in Ukrainian that are literally like, “I want drink.” “I want tea.” When I go some were, I am saying the equivalent of “I walk to school.” Or “I have to study.” I have to say really simple phrases in order to do and ask exactly what I need to get done. This is the tough part of a Peace Corps volunteer, learning a language which is completely foreign to me!

I have learned a new alphabet, the Cyrillic alphabet and a completely new grammatical structure. Different from the languages I do know. The language classes are a treat because any ego that you had, no matter how well you perform, you still feel like a baby. Trying to put together puzzles and pronouncing words which are completely foreign to you. It’s just an incredible feeling to not know anything.

Now I am at a point were I can ask for what I want but my frustrations learning the language still exist. It is not possible to learn an entire language in one month. It is possible to understand the context of the conversation, but to reply and speak in full sentences. That is not possible.

My approach to difficult language courses is participation. Through the 20 or more hours of language training we have a week, I try to participate as often as possible. Even if I do not even know the answer I try to answer the question just to practice the language. Because in my point of view, it does not matter how many times I fall as long as I can get back up. That’s all that matters to me right now: That I keep practicing the language.

I live with a family that speaks Ukrainian and I live in Ukrainian. Most people speak Ukrainian and I need the language to get by. In other words, my options in terms of languages are limited. It’s either learn it now or struggle now and learn it later.

I am not entire sure now Anna feels about me learning the language. At times I do see her being upset. Wishing that I could learn the language faster, but at other times I do see that she is proud of the progress that I have made. It is a very interesting situation to have this kind of pressure from a teacher who is a native speaker and really wants you to perform well.

However, Anna is leaving and is being replaced by another instructor during PST, his name is Volodia. Volodia comes to training for week 5 and he will stay with us until the end of week 8, then Anna returns. Volodia is supposedly one of the coolest and most popular language trainer. I have no idea why, but I was told this by my cluster’s mentor, Jeff. I just can’t wait and see until next week’s language class because it is going to be an interesting one. (Read about Jeff: “Our Cluster has a Mentor: And he’s a Volunteer!”)

Going to Kyiv: The Peace Corps – Ukraine Office

After my second interview, the Deputy Director of Peace Corps Ukraine recommended that I go to Kyiv and interview with the Business Regional Director. I was picked up from my village and driven to Kyiv. It was a beautiful experience. I think that’s the first time I received a first class treatment in country.

Kyiv is a beautiful metropolis. I took some great pictures of the city that you should definitely see. There is just so much history. Kyiv is the birthplace of the Cyrillic languages and Russia. It was the main battleground for World War II, which here is called “The Great Patriot War” and it was the first country to declare independence from the USSR. Throughout the last month, I have learned a lot about the history of this country. The Ukrainian people have a history of being conquered, abused, mistreatment, and then being independent without direction. Luckily, things are changing. The country is in a direction to progress and change the history which was written.

In Kyiv, I went to the Peace Corps office in Ukraine. It’s a beautiful office and right in the center of town. Not far from the President and Parliaments offices, government, museums and business centers. Kyiv is more than a thousand year old and it is blatantly obvious from the city’s architecture. It’s beautiful, I loved it.

Surprisingly, but not really, I saw about five different McDonalds in the Kyiv. It is incredible how McDonalds seems to be every where in the world. It seems as though McDonalds and the world are one.

I had the interview, and next day, my cluster and link cluster joined me in Kyiv to explore the city.

Oh my goodness, I’ve LOST 15 POUNDS IN ONE MONTH… Jenny Craig can’t beat this Diet Plan!!!

During my stay in Kyiv, the Peace Corps Medical Office took advantage of the fact I was there and gave me a third round of shots and immunizations. I’ve been drugged up so much by the doctors here I don’t know what going into my body. But, as it has been explained to me, it’s all for my health and I try not to ask questions. If there are other volunteers who have been here longer than me and they are okay, I am not going to ask any questions.

While I took my shots, I told the doctor that I lost weight. I got on the scale and remarkably I lost about 15 pounds in March. I thought that was pretty bad especially since various times since I’ve been here felt weak. Since I arrived, I have been falling asleep around 8 or 9 pm. That’s really early for me.

I am not malnutrition, but what happened I have been walking so much lately. It takes me 45 minutes to get to class, 45 minutes to get home, and then I walk from my house to the town, which takes about 15 minutes. So what has happened? I have been burning way too many calories for eating two meals a day. It is a miracle I didn’t lose more, but now I know I have to eat a third meal during the day and eat larger portions so I won’t lose more weight. I am not really interested in being a model anorectic.

Our Cluster has a Mentor – And he’s a Volunteer!

PC – Ukraine has a program called Adopt-A-Cluster. Just to recap, I am in a cluster with four other Peace Corps training receiving language, technical, and cultural training. The mentor is a current Peace Corp Volunteer who has a similar experience and background as we do. Our mentor’s name is Jeff and he’s from North Carolina, a Public Relations alumni of North Carolina State University.

Jeff arrived on Friday and our cluster decided to pick him up at the bus stop. Jeff is a down to earth fella. He’s really laid back and cool about his position. Jeff lives in a city of 80,000 people. Which is pretty large compared to the cities that Peace Corps tries to work in. He teaches in a specialized English school where students receive 35 hours of English a week. That’s the most in Ukraine according to my Mila, the technical training.

He teaches basics of life’s safety and enjoys his job very much. The best things about Jeff is that he was genuine about his experience with Peace Corps and that was appreciated by our cluster. For example, he said that his city and worksite had a past volunteer that every student loved. In fact, the students called the past volunteer Piggy because he always played games with them in English like Jeopardy and Wheal of Fortune. Students loved him and Jeff said that that put extra pressure on him. He had to live up to someone else’s expectations. It even got worse, because Piggy’s name was also Jeff. So my mentor Jeff is called Jeff #2.

Jeff was great, he provided some great insight on serving and training. Everything that we are going through right now is just genuine. Everything we are going though now, every volunteer here has gone through. And most importantly, when we get to our site, that experience is completely different the training we received. Jeff could not advise anything on our site, he just said that his experience will most likely not be relevant to mine. Because everything city and village is different, and these locations and situations are site specific.

Finally We Can Teach in Our School…but that starts next WEEK!!!

The school in our village went through several epidemics. First, it had a mumps epidemic, then it was the flu, and lastly they just couldn’t be cleared by the Peace Corps medical office. But this week, we just received word that on Saturday that we could teach and next week we are finally going to be able to speak to the teachers and students and get our project going. It is time to get going because we only have a few weeks to get rolling and finish six weeks of lessons and conducting a special project in our neighborhood.

WEEK 5: PEACE CORPS INTERVIEWS – ROUND 2 & 3

My first Peace Corps interview was to become a Peace Corps Volunteer. That interview took place in New York City and went well. Luckily, I was accepted into an organization where 1 out of 3 people is accepted.

The second interview was conducted by the staff members of Peace Corps in Ukraine. When I arrived to Ukraine, I was a Youth Development Volunteer, but I felt that I could do much more than just teaching.

During the second interview, the Peace Corps staff realized that my resume was stronger for the Community Economic Development track rather than Youth Development. I acquired government and business experience through internships, extracurricular activities and my professional career. I feel that all of those experiences would qualify me to become a Community Economic Development volunteer. Thankfully, the Peace Corps staff agreed and took me to Kyiv for an interview with the Lead Specialist for Community Economic Development track.

My third interview focused on my qualification and management experiences, and I correlated the themes of the interview to how it could benefit Ukraine. The biggest challenge business volunteers’ face is disorganization in the workplace. From what I understood, Ukraine has a very complex business and government environment, people are paid to work, but it does not necessarily mean that they are occupying a function. People are not always willing to work or cooperate. In other words, volunteers have complained that getting cooperation is the most difficult part of their service.

The examples I sited during my interview were in a professional environment where I received cooperation. However, working in Ukraine will be unlike any professional experience I have had. In the past, I have dealt with difficult people through extracurricular activities, especially when I was President of my Student Government, nevertheless this not college and this experience will be very different. The best approach to making people work with you is to develop a series of small projects, where you can succeed, and build up your small victories and confidence and then develop a large project with your co-workers support. With that, the interview concluded.

On Tuesday, April 4th, I received a call from the Peace Corps telling me that I had become the newest Community Economic Development Volunteer. The Economic Development program in Ukraine focuses on “the volunteer highly integrating into his/her community and is working to build the capacity and establish links between local private, public and NGO stakeholders.” I am truly excited about the job responsibilities of this position because, in theory, my site would be the community not a specific company or non-profit organization. My job is to building relations with the community, assess the needs, and by working along side with the community members I need to identify the needs and create a solution with multiple partners.

This job requires me to be creative and have an open mind because, in order to accomplish one of the most important goals of the Peace Corps to leave a mark in my communities after my departure, I must use all the resources available in my community and be creative developing business initiatives.

The job definitely sounds challenging and I cannot wait until it is time to get started on the assignment. The Peace Corps will assign my job placement and assignment on April 13th to 15th during an event called, Site Visit Orientation.

WEEK 6: A 10 DAY EXCURSION AND SITE PLACEMENT CEREMONY

Let me just get to it. Language and technical training are great, but this week is special. On Thursday, April 13 the entire Peace Corps Ukraine Group 30 meets for a two and a half day conference called Site Visit Orientation. During Site Visit Orientation, the Peace Corps staff announces our site placement for the next two years!

Just to think that the next two years of my life will be decided by the Peace Corps Ukraine staff. Before my arrival to the conference, my head had so many questions like:

• What would be my project? And I would I be able to accomplish it?
• What type of organization will I be working for?
• Will I have a good working relationship with my coordinator?
• Where will my site be located? West, Central, South or East of Ukraine.
• Is there another volunteer at site?
• Will my new host family like me?
• Will I be far from my current host family?

All of these questions were answered when Regional Manager 1 (there are seven Regional Managers in total) began her presentation. Unlike my previous experience at the Cluster Announcement Ceremony (Read Week 1 – Wrapping up the Retreat), I was the fourth person called this time around.

My site placement is in a small city called _____. The city has a population of 62,000 people and it is located about 130 kilometers from Kyiv. I will be working in the _____ City Hall on their Economic Development Project. My project, according to the document I received from PC, is to assist in the implementation of creating more business opportunities for the town.

Currently, Ukraine is facing a very serious problem. The majority of its young people ages 17 to 29 are leaving small cities and villages to work in their three major cities (Kyiv, Lviv, and Dnipropetrovs’k). Therefore, the population of these cities and villages is decreasing. My job as an economic development volunteer is to bring employment opportunities into this small city in order to maintain and hopefully increase its population. At the same time, goal number two is to raise the standard of living and bring international organizations into the city.

These are very real and difficult challenges. It will take the community and its leaders to solve them. Even when the problem is solved, it will take years for the community to notice the changes.

Back Tracking…

Before I went to Site Visit Orientation, Rayisa and Olexi were very sad to me see go. I must also admit, they have really grown on me. Rayisa and Olexi are like my Ukrainian parents. They saw me when I arrived in Ukraine and through out training, as I learned the language. I was able to say my first sentence in Ukrainian with them and now we can communicate modestly. What the next 8 weeks have to offer is going to be remarkable. I hope it will just be more bonding experience with them and my community.

WEEK 7: Site Visit Orientation

On Thursday, April 13, my cluster woke up around 5:15 am to get the “Marchutka”, a crowed mini-van, to Kyiv. Our cluster had to arrive at the Peace Corps Training Site before noon and the “Marchutka” was the best form of transportation that could take us there on time. This early in the morning, I only had one thing in my mind… where will the Peace Corps Staff assign me for the next two years…and I was positive my fellow Peace Corps Volunteer were thinking the same thing.

It was an interesting feeling, considering that American culture consist of liberty and independence. And yet, this government program, assigns my location and job for the next two years. It is a very interesting situation. However, I trust that Peace Corps is 45 years old and running, and I have heard many success stories from the program. I can only hope to add myself to that list.

The cluster arrived on time to our assigned location. For the first time, in a long time, all of PC-Ukraine Group 30 was together again. This time was sacred. Each of us could share our experiences at our training communities. It was the perfect opportunity to release the stress we were holding for the past six weeks.

In what seemed to be a matter of no time. It was 2 o’clock and the Site Announcement Ceremony was under progress. For Peace Corps – Ukraine purposes, the organization has divided the country into seven regions and for every region there is a Regional Manager. (The Regional Managers are responsible for making sure each site meets Peace Corps requirement and guideline. They are also the first point of contact for a volunteer if something goes wrong.)

The procedure for site announcement was the following: Each regional manager announced the new volunteers for their region. Regional Manager 1 began calling names. After a name was called, the volunteer had to find the name of the city or village on the map of Ukraine. Then, they received an envelop that stated the location, host organization, partner organizations, coordinator, supervisor, and assignment for the next two years.

Surprisingly, Regional Manager 1 called my name and I was assigned to Pryluky, a city with a population of over 60,000. I will be working along side the deputy mayor of the city, to implement the goals of the Community Economic Development initiatives the Peace Corps and this site have set in place.

During my site visit, I realized that the goals of the organization are the following:

• Develop working partnerships with foreign governmental offices to share experience in the area of local economic development
• Develop projects to increase community involvement and participation
• Conduct trainings and seminars on management and information systems for local staff and entrepreneurs
• Help develop information materials for local business owners to improve current practices
• Facilitate youth education in the area of economics and business

If you are any bit like me, your first reaction to this was…“oh my goodness, Peace Corps is involved in such projects? I thought you suppose to do agricultural work in Peace Corps” Well, as I learned, apparently, we can be professional in Peace Corps. This seems like a great opportunity to do great things with a City Council that wants me to be involved in their business matters.

During my four day site visit, I felt welcomed to be in the ______ City Council office. I was treated like a first class volunteer. The Deputy Mayor introduced me to the head of the Economic Development department. I attended a meeting with the committee of Economic Development City Council members. Aside from them, I met with community leaders and business leaders. The city is very active and has a number of ambitious leaders. As of now, I really cannot foresee any challenges. However, this assignment is going require hard work, and it will be fun to see the development over the next two years.

The Strategic Goal of the city is set in stone, on the webpage below …. Therefore, there are clear cut goals. My success will be measurable in the next two years I will be able to see if I succeed or failed.

I feel extremely lucky to be in a site where I am wanted for my experience and where I could help with the projects they set in place. I am extremely happy to know that my city is progressive and oriented to do multiple projects. When I returned from my site visit, I realized most of my fellow Peace Corps volunteers felt as lucky.

EARNING A TRIP TO THE UKRAINIAN

Before I left the Peace Corps, I had opportunities to work in at respectable places, but I politely declined the offer because I was joined the Peace Corps. Government is a beautiful thing, but I am not interested in living that type of life, my whole life. On the other hand, government is a service to the community. I do believe government is good and those that have this perception succeed in doing good for their country.

With that said, I am interested in the operation of government wherever I am. After I returned from my site visit, the Peace Corps organized a four day conference called Peace Corps Trainee University. The first workshop of the second day was presented Olga Borak, who works for the Secretariat of the Ukrainian President. The Secretariat of the President is the equivalent of the Chief of Staff in the United States. Miss Borak gave a presentation comparing the government structure of Ukraine and U.S. government.

The presentation was very well presented and after its conclusion I approach Miss Borak to express my thoughts. I thanked her for coming and asked her how did she learned English. Apparently, Miss Borak has studied in universities in America and England. She is very well versed in history and politics. Afterwards, I asked her what did her title mean. She told me that she works for the American equivalent to the Deputy Chief of Staff. Ironically, during my senior year in college I had an internship with the Deputy Chief of Staff for the State of New Jersey.

Conversing for a few minutes, we realized how similar our experiences were. Then, I told her that I was going to be working for the ____ City Council. She was even more thrilled and we exchanged numbers. Then, I asked inside the President’s Office are there tours given for visitors? She said no, but she could give me one.

It seems like it was all luck. We scheduled the tour for Tuesday, May 2nd.

WEEK 8: BACK TO THE VILLAGE

The main objective for this week is to complete the community project for my training site. The history of the community project and its purpose are the following:

The cluster at ______ realized that our community lives in harmony and is completely self sufficient. In other words, our cluster assessed that our community’s citizens utilize the available resources and waste very little time, material, and energy. In our short time here, we witnessed that this lifestyle is truly remarkable. However, with all this said, we realized that village life is not for everyone.

On Monday, March 13, the Technical/Cross-Cultural Trainer, Mila Olesksiuk introduced us with the Mayor to get acquainted and assess the needs of the village. During the conversation, the cluster stated the purpose of the Peace Corps and emphasized on our development of a short-term project in the village. The mayor was enthusiastic and expressive with ideas. He mentioned sited possible sponsor to work with, such as the local kindergarten and the school director. Besides this, he briefly mentioned that there were several disadvantaged families that received help aid from the village. After various interviews with the partner organizations, such as the kindergarten and the director of the school, the cluster became more curious about developing a project assisting a disadvantaged community member.

On Friday, March 24, the Mayor promised to help us by developing a meeting with the social worker that assists family in ________. Unfortunately, it took about two weeks to organize this meeting because the Mayor lost the election and was unreachable. However, on Tuesday, April 4th the group met with Olga, the social worker, and she was willing to explore the idea even further. On Monday, April 10, the cluster met with the individual who this project primarily attends to assist.

The moment our cluster arrived at the lady’s home we knew this project would be worthwhile and meaningful. The lady is 73 years old; she has no living siblings or grandchildren; and physically she is very limited to fulfill her daily needs.

Her home needs a lot of work. Her territory needs caring and love. She needs things like having her leaves raked, the house and fences repainted, and any other minor repairs around her territory.

The Community Project will be organized through community members, primarily the youth, in order to complete the task list and revivify the territory of this lady. This project will require assistance from community members, such as parents, local government, teachers, students, and social organizations. For the students, there will be games and competitions to entertain them.

Our objective is promote community service within the community, primarily the youth, and raise awareness of caring for the disadvantaged in the community. The ultimate goal would be to teach the youth and community members that there are disadvantage citizens in their community that need help and assistance fulfill their daily needs. Our goal is for the community to realize, “look, the Peace Corps volunteers were only here for three months and they helped someone who really needed help. There are nine families that need help in this village and cannot survive independently. Let’s go out and help them because it is the right thing to do.”

MTV Ukraine!

The project will be promoted through local newspapers and other media outlets. The big difference however, with my cluster’s project and the other PCV’s project is that MTV is extremely interested filming our project. This is a dream come true. First, to come to Ukraine, where democracy is blooming. Second, to be a Peace Corps volunteer and do great things for a country that wants us here. Third, to get on MTV Ukraine! It’s just a dream come true.

The Grass is GREEN and the Soil is BLACK

Nature is beautiful. I have been able to witness the beauty of Ukraine and its natural resources. Ukrainian was often called the breadbasket of the former Soviet Union. That is evident if you just look at its land. The soil is the richest you will ever see in your life. The soil is black, which means it is minerals and vitamin rich.

I have provided a variety of pictures for you to look at. Because my words cannot fully express the beauty I have seen.

After Completing 2/3 of Training

Even though I am in a different country, I am involved in similar professional activities as I was in the states. I realize now more confident now in my abilities and self. I realize that even if I was not in the U.S. I would be involved in government, community service, and business.

WEEK 9: PRESIDENTIAL TOUR

The tour of the President’s Office was short, but sweet. The Chief Consultant in the Secretariat of the President’s Office (similar to the Chief of Staff position), gave me a tour of the office. The only unfortunate thing that happened was that the security guards in the building took my camera once I entered the building. Therefore, I have no pictures of the inside of the president’s office 

However, the office was beautiful. It was originally built during the soviet times for political leaders of the old government. After Ukraine’s independence in 1992, the building because the official office of the president. The office is now decorated with many pictures of Victor Yuchenko with foreign leaders.

I was also able to learn about the government structure and how information is distributed throughout the offices. It was very interesting to be in the office where the whole world is looking at it, especially after the Orange Revolution. Ukraine right now in its history is in a time of change and to have been in the office was a great honor, especially considering that most Ukrainian citizen are not allowed to visit the office unless they have a special invitation.

WEEK 10: CHANGE OF PLANS IN THE COMMUNITY PROJECT

The community project had to be re-planned because of logistical problems. Therefore, the cluster decided to abandon the efforts to contact MTV – Ukraine and focus on the execution of the project. The logistical problems came about when the craft teacher realized that the condition of the house was too poor to repair and repaint in one day. In fact, he stated that it would take an entire week. However, he suggested to build a new fence. He said that building a new fence would be less costly and time consuming than repainting the home.

Now, the problem became to find additional money to buy wood to build the fence. The money Peace Corps gave us for the Community Project was enough to cover the expenses of the original plan. However, buying new wood is more expensive than paint and paint supplies. Therefore, we went back to the person who gave us sparked the idea to help us. We went to see the mayor.

When we told the mayor of the problem, to our astonishment, he asked, “how much money do you need?” With that question and our answer, he solved our problem. Now, the important thing to do was to do the pre-planning for the project which is to recruit students to attend the event and complete our project.

Interesting Note: The Peace Corps – Ukraine administration often tell volunteers during trainings and seminars that the communities we serve expect us to bring money to them. But this case was the reverse, the community helped us financially. They understood the situation and were sympathetic to help.

WEEK 11: COMMUNITY PROJECT & LANGUAGE EXAM

Community Project Outcome

On Thursday, May 16, I woke up to the vibrant rays of the sun on my face. That was the first sign of a marvelous day because a sunny and warm day was exactly what we wanted. The project our cluster chose was more labor intensive than the other trainees in Peace Corps were doing. Therefore, it was necessary that the weather be clear and beautiful…like it was.

At 8am, our cluster met in front of the school to gather our young recruits. At 8:30am, there were more than thirty students with tools ready to work on the project. I gave a short speech talking about the day’s activities. I told the students, partly in Ukrainian, “that the day is to help one of their own community members. Anna, disadvantaged community member, has no family and she limited to her ability to care for herself. Village life is difficult and she cannot face her difficulties like she used to. That is why she needs your help.”

At 9 am, we arrived to Anna’s home and she was able to meet the young recruits. The students immediately realized that she was someone who really needed help. I believe the introduction of Anna to the children I believe it became a driving mechanism to the students who came to work.

At 11 am, the local television station came to report on our activities for the day. They interviewed Jessica and I, our technical trainer Mila, and two students. (I received a copy of this interview on disc; unfortunately it’s about 1 gigabyte, too big to post on the net.) However, I do have some pictures and I am going to try to post some of them online.

At 1pm, the Peace Corps administrator came to supervise our community project. They were very pleased with outcome of the project, by the time they left at 3 pm, the fence was completely built and painted. They noticed, like our cluster, that the students were incredibly hardworking and motivated.

During the day, we had music playing, a computer station, and plenty of drinks and food. After the completion of the project, our cluster debriefed the days activities with the students. They said that they would never forget Anna and they will continue going to her and other community members that need help.

The next day, we provided certificates to all of the students that participated during their morning gathering. Every morning, student in Ukraine gather for a morning assembly in which all grades. There we were able to recognized students for their accomplishments and post pictures about the project before and after, it was titled “The power of change.”

Language Exam

Peace Corps calls their language exam, the LPI. The LPI is when instructors of the Ukrainian language speak with a student in conversation to assess how much an individual understands the language.

With that said, I know throughout my weeks in language training that I have struggled. The Ukrainian language is hard, that‘s a fact. My host family was upset that I did not understand them several times. They do not speak English therefore we were able to communicate with the words I learned every day.

Also, I believe that I did not have the most experienced teacher. She is younger than any of the cluster member and, at times, was very stubborn when it came to listening to our needs.

However, that was the negatives. The positives are 1) that I live in a community that spoke a great language which I became fascinated with, 2) that people in the community really wanted me to learn and helped as much as they could, and 3) if you think you can, everything becomes a lot easier.

I realized this and I made an attempt to speak with the community members. I tried to speak all the time. Sometimes I was understood; other times I was ignored; and other times I was misunderstood. But as long as you expect that to happen, then you’ll be okay.

The day of the LPI I received a few tips from Mila, the LCF. That also helped me a lot. And with that I entered the exam room to have a conversation.

WEEK 12: HOST FAMILY DEPARTURE

On the morning of Monday, May 23, a Peace Corps vehicle came to pick up the cluster. It was the time to say farewell to our host families. So quickly, we were leaving the families that accepted us as one of their own. The families we learned to speak their language with and introduced us to the Ukrainian way of life.

It was a bit emotional because many of us do not know when would be the next time to see them. I promised my host family that I would visit them again in the future. Besides my host sister is getting married in July and her fiancé invited me to the wedding. So we will see each other again.