Name: Aja Weston
Age: 27
Hometown: Romeo, Michigan
Primary Job: Health Volunteer- manage HIV cases at the clinic, community garden program coordinator (wow that makes me sound cool), busy work at the hospital like weighing babies, packaging medication, etc.
Site: Mavudzi Ponte, Chiúta, Tete
University of Michigan, my major was Sociology and minor in Women’s Studies: Gender & Health. I worked in animal welfare the years leading up to Peace Corps- SPCA, Humane Society.
2. Why did you want to join PC?
I’ve always been all about helping others. But I also joined for the adventure and knowing that moving to rural Moz wasn’t gonna be easy. To get to know a new culture, master another language, and just do something totally different with my life that a lot of people don’t get the opportunity to do.
3. Describe your site/house/living situation.
I live in a block cement house that feels like a dungon. Tin roof, outdoor latrine and shower area, no running water. I have electricity, but my neighbor’s don’t so there’s always at least two random phones charging at my house at any given time. Surrounded by children from all angles. No yard, no fence, no privacy.
4. What is your favorite PC activity?
Grassroot Soccer!
5. What is one thing you want Americans to know about Moz?
You all aren’t even half as generous or hospitable as the people here! Work on it, Americans!
6. What parts of service have you found most challenging?
Trying to convince people at my site that Peace Corps is much different from all the other NGO’s that have came into the community. Foreign NGO’s would do things for the community like come in deciding what project they need, build structures, give money, give food, etc. Peace Corps focuses on building human capacity, and working side by side with community members to elaborate a project important to them. The former makes Mozambique dependent on foreign countries. In my experience, some communities won’t take initiative in developing their community because they know INGO’s will do it for them. Because it’s always been that way. Trying to tell people that PC doesn’t do it that way has been tough. It makes any project go very slow.
Age: 27
Hometown: Romeo, Michigan
Primary Job: Health Volunteer- manage HIV cases at the clinic, community garden program coordinator (wow that makes me sound cool), busy work at the hospital like weighing babies, packaging medication, etc.
Site: Mavudzi Ponte, Chiúta, Tete
Secondary Projects: REDES (girls empowerment group), Grassroot Soccer, DOT (diversity advocacy work for volunteers/staff), English Theater
1.
Where did you go to school/study? Short background leading up to
Peace Corps!University of Michigan, my major was Sociology and minor in Women’s Studies: Gender & Health. I worked in animal welfare the years leading up to Peace Corps- SPCA, Humane Society.
2. Why did you want to join PC?
I’ve always been all about helping others. But I also joined for the adventure and knowing that moving to rural Moz wasn’t gonna be easy. To get to know a new culture, master another language, and just do something totally different with my life that a lot of people don’t get the opportunity to do.
3. Describe your site/house/living situation.
I live in a block cement house that feels like a dungon. Tin roof, outdoor latrine and shower area, no running water. I have electricity, but my neighbor’s don’t so there’s always at least two random phones charging at my house at any given time. Surrounded by children from all angles. No yard, no fence, no privacy.
4. What is your favorite PC activity?
Grassroot Soccer!
5. What is one thing you want Americans to know about Moz?
You all aren’t even half as generous or hospitable as the people here! Work on it, Americans!
6. What parts of service have you found most challenging?
Trying to convince people at my site that Peace Corps is much different from all the other NGO’s that have came into the community. Foreign NGO’s would do things for the community like come in deciding what project they need, build structures, give money, give food, etc. Peace Corps focuses on building human capacity, and working side by side with community members to elaborate a project important to them. The former makes Mozambique dependent on foreign countries. In my experience, some communities won’t take initiative in developing their community because they know INGO’s will do it for them. Because it’s always been that way. Trying to tell people that PC doesn’t do it that way has been tough. It makes any project go very slow.
7.
What parts have you found most rewarding?
Feeling
like I am truly a part of the community and that I belong here. Having a goofy
and close relationship with so many mães. Walking around and knowing everybody
(because my town is so small). Some children grew up never calling me azungu, and
only know me as Aja.
8.
Do you have a student/friend highlight?
Sure!
This guy- Elisirio. Peace Corps assigned him to be my counterpart, and ever
since then, we’ve been bromie’s. One of the most genuine people I know, and one
of the few people at site that I really trust and open up to about my struggles
in service and life in general. And! I am always impressed by his dedication to
the projects and programs we run together. I’m doubly happy that he has gotten
more confident in his professional life since we’ve begun working together.
Good friend, good counterpart. Would recommend, 10/10. I love Jesus, Amen.
9.
Lastly, FOOD! What’s your favorite or go to meal in Moz?
I don’t
think I’ve ever cooked a good tasting meal for myself in Mozambique (or
anywhere). Therefore, my go to meal is thawed beans from my freezer I made in
bulk two weeks ago, with some rice and avocados. OR! Cheesy popcorn.
OR WHEN I’M OUT: ¼ chicken w/ xima and couve OR ¼ chicken w/
fries and salad. I enjoy both.
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