novemeber

Science club AKA geek club, as my fellow volunteers have so lovingly dubbed it, is just another project for which I felt unqualified but which is quickly becoming the best part of what I do here. Solange and I had originally selected about 16 girls at the 4e and 3e levels to participate. With a few no-shows and quite a few girls showing up, begging to join, we ended up with about 25 girls. As opposed to the general nature of the camp, the club is based on what the two classes are currently studying. We start each session by requesting a volunteer from each class to summarize what they have learned that week. Not only does this repetition give them a chance to reinforce their learning, it is also very clear when a topic was not entirely understood, and Abdel can step in to explain and answer any questions. I think this study group portion is quickly becoming the most valuable part of the club experience.

After reviewing (and doing some silly ice-breakers, practically a Peace Corps requirement), we will engage in activities and experiments related to the week’s theme. Baking soda volcanoes, an overdone classic in the states, was a hit. I also try to relate the topics to the girls’ own lives in some kind of practical application. Last week, we were talking about teeth. After going through the parts and diagrams and role in the digestive system and so on, I used the opportunity to talk about dental hygiene. The girls learned how to make toothpaste and practiced using measuring spoons in the process (these girls have never used either before.) I brought my toothbrush and we all brushed together.

While I was back down in Tsevié for my second week with the trainees, I met with a representative from Trésors d’Afrique, an NGO that has begun a program to support girls in the sciences. For now, they administer an annual science competition for girls in the Maritime region, but they are looking to expand to a national audience. And we are a national camp looking for a community partner. So, both parties are pretty pleased with the collaboration. Wait, is this the first I am mentioning of science camp? I have no way of checking right now, but I have a hard time believing that I have not yet alluded to this life-consuming project. Just to be safe, I am organizing a national science camp for girls, Camp ScientiFille, to be held in early August. And now, my shameless begging: PLEASE DONATE. We have a funding request online now. Pass the link along to anyone who might be interested. I’ll leave it at that for now, but know that the pleading will become more desperate as time goes on.