The One About Them

It has come to my attention that most (if not all) of my Blog posts have been about ME. So, to make me feel a little less egotistical, I would like to share some information with you about the lives, struggles and aspirations of the people in Buena Esperanza.

Below are 3 different links to a Community Analysis that I have been working on. A full analysis of the community in which you will be working is one of the first steps in Community Development. As Peace Corps Volunteers, we are taught that the way to truly make a difference, using the development model, one must first obtain full knowledge of the community in which they will be working ; Where they come from, what they have been through, what they believe in, how they live, how they want to live, education system, political system, health system, common ailments etc… Basically, you can’t just swoop in pushing your American Ideas, assuming that they are what the people need or even want. The idea of doing development work (and in my case extreme grass roots development work) means that a lot of time must be spent in this initial phase. This is one of the main reasons why Peace Corps is a 2 year commitment.

So, through community interviews and observation, I have been able to compile the following information.

In sharing this with you, I hope that you are able learn something new and interesting about the Ngobe Indians of Buena Esperanza.

Remember that this is a work in progress, as I continue to learn something new each and every day.

If you are unable to click on the link, simple copy and paste it into a new browser.

1. This first link includes a

• FREEHOP- Family, Religion, Education, Economics, Health, Organizations, Politics
• Daily Activities
• Communal and individual SWOT Analysis (strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats)
• Historical Analysis
• Potential Work
  

https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AUr_q1VZTFooZGRrdjkzZjhfMDk2cGNwY2Nk&hl=en

2. This is a Community Map ( I had lots of fun making this on Microsoft paint)https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AUr_q1VZTFooZGRrdjkzZjhfNGZ3NjdyeGRo&hl=en


3.This is a Seasonal Calender
https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AUr_q1VZTFooZGRrdjkzZjhfMmtrcXFobWdu&hl=en

Enjoy!!!

And don't worry, the next Blog post will me all about ME again =)
~Meti