Welcome to Week 1!

It’s been one week since I left Canada, which means I am due for a blog post! My goal is to write one post a week, so welcome to blog number 1 of the potential 26 or so that I will write in Cameroon.

             In just one week there have already been many adjustments, and I am not just referring to the 8 hour time difference. It’s hard to write too much about the country itself at this point, as I’ve yet to see much beyond our apartment and the VSO office. Since arriving this past weekend, us new arrivals have been attending In Country Orientation in the capital, Yaounde. From here, I will head to Kribi for my placement and further project specific training.

 Above: Views in Bastos, Yaoundé

 

So in my very short time in country, I would like to share a few of my observations thus far:    

1. Street side shopping: Picture this, you are sitting on a patio enjoying your drink and you have a craving for peanuts…. and voila, a peanut vendor comes by. Then the fruit vendor. The cellphone vendor. The shoe salesman, and so on… Whatever it is you need, you can buy it on the street without even moving from your place! Oh, and did I mention, it is likely the vendor you purchase these items from, is carrying them on their head!?  The sheer amount of business and industry happening a cote de la rue est très impressive!
2. Firsthand flexibility: During my Skills for Working in Development Training in Ottawa, it was stressed time and time again to be prepared for the inevitable. You’re doing a presentation? Bring flip chart paper to accompany your laptop and a spare USB. We were given a firsthand experience in the need for flexibility when our office lost power Tuesday, and the back-up generator never kicked in. Don’t take your electricity for granted, people.
3. Share taxis: Prior to arriving in Cameroon, I had heard lots about “share taxis”. Since arriving, I have been lucky enough to experience their often, hilariousness, for myself. How they work: Essentially taxis drive by and honk constantly. If you acknowledge one, it means you want a ride. You say a destination to the driver, and a price. If they honk, they accept. You then hop into the taxi. The drivers then proceeds in the general direction of your destination, BUT continues to pick people up on the way. The end result is a ridiculous, but also remarkable number of people, babies, pets, groceries, etc. in one taxi. Today we had seulement 7 of us in a vehicle meant for 4..
4. “I’m a celebrity- get me out of here!”: As a young, white female in Africa, I know I am a minority and therefore “stick out”. As such, I take precautions with attire, the time of day I am in public etc., but it is likely I will still always be noticeable. This is something I am aware of and have experienced before. It is a first for me though, to have to go everywhere accompanied by a male. As a usually independent female, I am finding this challenging. I do, however, understand I am in a large capital city, but hope for a bit more freedom come Kribi. I am very lucky though, since I have a very supportive group of people around me… which brings me to my last point…..
5. Family: Wherever you go, it’s always important to surround yourself with good people. I already gained one new “CUSO family” after attending training in Ottawa, and have been lucky enough to inherit another here in Yaounde. Makes thanks to these fine folks for keeping me sane and safe during this period of transition.

Above: The "family" at a viewpoint, overlooking Yaoundé.

 

Much love!

- C

Elevator Speeches Gone Awry and Other Introductions

How many of you are familiar with the "elevator speech?" The idea is you pitch or explain an idea or concept to someone in a very short period of time (e.g. during a thirty second elevator ride). The point is to get your message across simply and clearly in under a minute.

While I attended Cuso International's Skills for Working in Development course last week, we practised doing these elevator speeches regarding our new job postings overseas. And try as I might, I can't seem to master my introduction in the allotted timeframe. So instead, I give you the following: the who, what, where, why, when and how lowdown on my posting in Cameroon!*

Who: I'm going to be working as a Market Study and Value Chain Advisor, based out of Kribi, Cameroon. I will be working in the Campo Ma'an Model Forest. The Campo Ma'an Model Forest is supported by CUSO-VSO, the African Model Forest Network, and the International Model Forest Network.

What: So what is a "Model Forest" anyway? A Model Forest isn't actually a typical "model". In fact, its not so much a "thing", but rather, a concept or approach. A Model Forest works to engage all stakeholders in the area to develop a shared vision of environmental, economic, and social sustainability though making informed, balanced and fair decisions on how to manage the forest and its resources. Some of the stakeholders in the Campo Ma'an Model Forest include indigenous groups, subsistence farmers, and park staff. The Campo Ma'an Model Forest actually includes the Campo Ma'an National Park (B on the diagram below), as well as the neighbouring towns and areas (Kribi, Campo, Man etc.).

Where: I basically covered this one already... so, how about a visual? Everybody likes maps... right!?

 

Why: The Model Forest approach combines the needs of local communities (social, cultural, and economic) with the long-term sustainability of the landscape. It brings together a variety of people with a variety of interests and perspectives to collaboratively manage their natural resources. In the Campo Ma'an area, the Model Forest approach is looking at managing natural resources while still ensuring access to food. 

When: The short answer... soon! Tomorrow, I leave the west coast of Canada to fly to the west coast of Cameroon! While I return by Christmas, the project continues thanks to the support of other local and international volunteers.

How: This project has been made possible through the support of CUSO-VSO, the African Model Forest Network, the International Model Forest Network, the Canadian International Development Agency, and through donations from individuals like YOU!!! Consider making a donation to ensure the longevity the Campo Ma'an and other amazing Cuso partnered projects at my fundraising page here.

Still got questions on what the heck I'm doing? Leave 'em in the comments below and I'll try to get back to you as soon as possible! 

Peace and love!
- C  

*Those of you looking for a "cliff notes" summary, or a more visual explanation, should check out Cuso International's video on the project here.