My training group is called G41 which
stands for Guarambare (our training site) and we are the 41st group
to train in Guarambare. In total we have 23 trainees including me. I would have
to say that we have a pretty good representation of the USA in our G.
Training is 10 weeksish, day 1 we got
some $, met and moved in with our host site parents for the 10 weeks of
training. Unfortunately, our G is split into two host communities because of
availability of willing host families; this split is very commonly done. I am
in a wonderful host community with 11 other Peace Corps Trainees (PCTs) and our
other half is in another community 2 bus rides or 1 hour away from us. As a
whole we usually have training together and hang out some weekends.
Week one: The trainers teach you as much
culturally as they can, along with safety, and medical information. We got
placed in our language classes based off of a Spanish interview with a language
professor. I got placed in Guarani, which is the native language in Paraguay.
*FYI Paraguay has two official languages: Spanish and Guarani, pretty awesome!
So that means that I tested out of Spanish and went straight into Guarani with
4 other PCTs from my host community. So far the language has been hard but I am
really picking up on it quickly. When I listen to conversations between
Paraguayans I can understand about half of what they are saying.
Week two: The main thing during week two
was that we started having language classes consistently throughout the week.
Oh, by the way we have class Monday through Saturday. Which is okay, but I am
always super tired by the end of Saturday. During this week we found out where
we would be visiting for our “Tape’apovo.” This is where the trainers partner
you up with another PCT and you have to find your own way to Asuncion (the
capital). I had a great partner with a good sense of direction so we arrived to
all our assigned places safe and sound. During this adventure we met with the
director of the SNPP, (Social National Promotion Professional) she told us all
about the great things they do in providing professional development and
certifications for free through their offices. They have over 15 different
offices around the country that they work out of along with offering classes in
requesting communities. Our second visit was to the Parque de Salud, this is a
park that is sponsored by hospitals. In the park there are messages promoting
ways to be healthy about every 100 meters. After our visit to the park we
walked around and then made it to the Peace Corps office in Asuncion. Overall I
had a great time in Asuncion and am loving Paragauy!
No comments:
Post a Comment