My friend Blair wrote this for her friends. I thought you would enjoy it too. A good description of the daily frustrations, both with this culture and with our administration in Abidjan.
A Project in the Life of a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV)
June 10, 2002
PCV moves to small village in rural West Africa.
PCV likes village. Village likes PCV.
School in Village asks PCV to help start a chicken farm at the school.
PCV has no clue how to start or run a chicken farm, but seeks out agriculture specialist (ANADER) to come to village and explain how to build and start a chicken farm.
School is excited.
PCV is excited.
PCV writes project proposal for funding.
School signs contract to contribute 35% by constructing the building and buying some supplies.
PCV helps school make a plan on how to run the chicken farm and who will be responsible when.
Months pass.
PCV's project is accepted by SPA (Small Projects Assistance) and is very excited.
Village starts construction of building.
Months pass.
PCV receives note in mail box that says there is no money in the SPA coffers and offered no recourse.
PCV is again frustrated with inefficient PC administration.
PCV seeks help from Super Dad.
Super Dad comes to PCV's rescue and fronts the money.
PCV does not tell village, but hangs banners around country to honor Super Dad (not really).
PCV orders chicks from factory in Abidjan three weeks in advance.
School tells PCV at last minute that set date is not good for them.
PCV changes date.
PCV waits for village to finish construction of chicken farm.
Months pass.
School tells PCV again that date is no good.
PCV frustrated, but changes date again.
Time passes.
School tells PCV date no good, PCV cancels order and goes on vacation.
PCV eats good food, drinks nice wine, and visits with Super Mom and Super Dad.
PCV is happy and has not thought of chicken farm.
PCV comes back from holiday and orders chicks again.
School agrees to meet PCV in Abidjan to get the chicks on set date.
PCV gives everyone detailed instructions and times.
PCV arrives at chicken factory two hours early.
PCV waits until factory closes for school teachers.
No teachers arrive.
PCV takes 200 chirping chicks, 450 pounds of feed, refrigerated vaccines, water feeders, etc. to village alone, 4 hours by transport.
PCV arrives in village in rainstorm.
PCV leaves chicks and feed under a shelter and retreats to house.
PCV helps villagers set up chicken house, warm up the chicks, and give vaccines.
Teachers are nowhere to be found.
PCV angry and tired.
Two teachers show up but do not explain their absence or apologize.
Teachers ready to start on a new project.
PCV decides not to work with teachers on next project.
PCV's feelings are hurt and she is discouraged.
PCV decides that the reason Africa is slow to catch up with developing world is because no one wants to work and everyone expects things as "cadeaux", or gifts - free. Ivoirians are lazy.
PCV talks to neighbors who are not Ivoirian and decides not all Africans are lazy.
PCV's spirits are lifted.
PCV decides to help other villagers on projects.
First, PCV will go on vacation again.
"Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation leans on the doorbell." - Anonymous