Happy Halloween!

This weekend Tearce celebrated Halloween for the first time. As I approached the school on Friday I could hear the excitement coming through every open -- and closed -- window. The students had been waiting all week, and finally the day arrived. The door to the gym was opened about 97 times and curious eyes, outlined in black and white face paint, peaked in as the English teachers and I prepared for the party. The Macedonian students have their own holidays in which they dress in costume, however for most of the Albanian and Turkish students this was the first time in their lives they've had a reason to "dress up". Much explanation was required throughout the week to ensure the students understood the concept of a "costume" as many of them simply thought it meant they needed to wear their nicest clothes, however it was evident they finally caught on to the idea as princesses, zombies and monsters poured in as the clock clicked over to 1:00.

Bobbing for apples, carving pumpkins and "mummy wrap" were just three of the many games students could choose from throughout the party. School parties such as this are extremely rare, if present at all, throughout Macedonia. Every element was planned in advance, even down to lines taped on the floor to designate where students needed to stand to wait for each game. However even with this, much explanation was needed as students have absolutely no concept of a "line" and seemed to not understand how to stand on the tape. The festivities finally commenced though and it was apparent through shining eyes and wide smiles that the day would never be forgotten.

On Saturday, another party was offered at the American Corner for kids from Tetovo. Again, the children could barely contain their excitement and showed up in costume anywhere from 45 to 30 minutes early. First 7 to 11 year olds came, followed by 3 to 6 year olds. Conor and two other Volunteers came to help with this party which again turned out to be a success. I am also very grateful to the English teachers, our friend and tutor Alek, as well as two high school girls from Club GLOW that volunteered their time to help with the parties.

School Excursion

Yesterday my school organized an "excursion" on the mountain just behind the village. We spent several hours there picnicking and playing games, and at one point I was approached by a crowd of students wanting an "interview". Unfortunately in this video you can't see the large group that surrounded me, but I smile when I think of how creative they were! Several children were holding imaginary cameras and big microphones like the paparazzi. What a great way to practice English!

interview

brothers

roasting chestnuts

Beach Boys Kosovo

Looks like these guys had a little time on their hands --

Click Here for Beach Boys Kosovo

Kacey's Club Glow

A while back Kacey wrote about her experience at the Girls Leading Our World summer camp. Building off the momentum they generated at camp Kacey and the eleven girls from Tetovo who attended the camp have started a Club Glow here in Tetovo. The girls went to every high school in town to recruit other girls before their first meeting last week. At their first meeting over 60 girls showed up! I'm posting a link to an article a local newspaper ran about club (translation below).


Club Glow Newspaper Article


American Corner Tetovo in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy in Macedonia and students of all secondary schools founded Tetovo girls club "Glow Glub. The purpose and mission of this club is to work and develop activities to make women a key factor in society. With the motto "Girls lead our world" they intend to work in various activities planned throughout the next year. "American Experience, in English and led by an American appropriation will enable the language and skills relevant to women was a relevant factor in society", said the coordinator of American Corner, Gim Solomon, adding that the club is led by Kacey Molloy, Peace Corps representative to the U.S. in Macedonia. He explained that girls have now formed the different departments that will enable the functioning of the "Club Glow", while the day of establishment have taken part about 70 girls. Participants of the club say they will be in trend with the world and will work with commitment, to become the online voice of civil society. "Experience we received during the multi-ethnic summer camp, in Pelister, want to share with other girls in Tetovo. Based on our other motto 'Be a woman, be yourself' hope to achieve our mission to deliver awareness and breaking of more than stereotypes already known about the female world, "said Vlora Memedi, one of the founders of this club. Meanwhile, spokesperson of the "Club Glow" says Tetovo is now connected with other clubs in Macedonia and throughout the world. "All girls together aim to develop the natural potential that lies in Tetovo young women by providing them with necessary knowledge to become active leadership in society. All this being carried out through training, construction of personality, leadership profile, the cultivation of team work, problem-solving current and cultivation of creative skills, "said Rexhepi Arjeta, the department responsible for public relations in "Club Glow" Tetovo.

Tetovo, Macedonia

We thought we'd share some short videos of where we live. The following three are of the green market (pazar in Macedonian/treg in Albanian) here in Tetovo. (I must apologize in advance for the shaky camera; I tried to keep it steady while walking but obviously I need more practice.)











A short clip of one of the busy intersections in town:





The following two videos are of our apartment. We have a great place with basically all the amenities we had at home -- nothing like what we pictured when joining the Peace Corps, but we can't complain!




You can see inside our apartment by clicking the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1u-YzSy_28



*Stay tuned for more videos of the village Kacey works in and the municipality and NGO where Conor works!

Camp GLOW - Girls Leading Our World

I must admit that it is often hard to see the impact my work as a Volunteer has here in Macedonia. Because Macedonia is a developing country, Conor and I do not share in the well-digging or school-building type projects in which many other Peace Corps Volunteers partake. In many ways this is more difficult and provides separate challenges from infrastructure building and program building from the ground up. We are here to help change or alter mindsets, and being that our influence is not as physically evident, it is easy to become discouraged and feel as if we aren't making a difference. It really makes me value times that I see changes in behaviors of those I've worked with. I recently had one of those experiences, an experience unlike any I've had before, that made me see the true impact we are having on this little country and it gives me so much hope for the future of Macedonia.

This summer I was selected to be a counselor at a summer camp focusing on girls' leadership and empowerment. Camp GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) is designed by Peace Corps Volunteers and its mission is "to develop the inherent potential found in the young women of Macedonia by providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to become active leaders in their communities". High-school aged girls from all over Macedonia are invited to apply and 80 are selected to attend each year. The Camp is also representative of the ethnic make-up of Macedonia in that 70% of the girls selected are Macedonian, 25% are ethnically Albanian and 5% Rroma, Vlach, Serbian and Macedonian-Muslims. This in itself is a unique opportunity for students here because in their home communities people of different ethnicities rarely interact. In fact almost every school, primary and secondary, is divided by shifts or classes based on ethnicity. The Camp is conducted entirely in English for several reasons, a large one being to create commonality. In addition, Macedonia is a very patriarchal society in which women have very little voice. A program designed specifically for women's leadership here is unheard of.

The first night of Camp

Although Camp GLOW was designed by Peace Corps Volunteers our goal is to make it as sustainable as possible. Therefore, each year components are added that give more responsibility to Macedonians. Jillian, this year's program coordinator, did an outstanding job and further ensured this piece by adding a counselor training. Each PCV counselor was paired with a Senior Counselor (a girl who has previously attended Camp). The PCV and Senior Counselor worked together to lead a small group throughout the week. Four Junior Counselors were also very active in the successfullness of Camp GLOW.

Counselor dance to "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'"

Throughout the week young women attended classes focused on various issues such as: Democracy in Action, Self-esteem & Body Image, Peace Education, Effective Communication, and Diversity Appreciation. (You can find a complete list of classes on the link below.) Each session was taught by a Senior or Junior Counselor with the assistance of a Peace Corps Volunteer. During each of the classes I sat in awe watching the young women teach their peers. I was completely blown away by their poise, knowledge and passion.

Girls maneuver through an obstacle course as a group
during a team-building session

Throughout the week I was honored to be witness to remarkable growth from the girls attending. They came to Camp already outstanding young women, but left with the skills necessary to be active leaders in their communities and in our world. It was inspiring to see Macedonians and Albanians embrace, Rroma and Macedonians stay up into the wee-hours talking, and Vlachs and Albanians laugh and sing together. Tears were shed all around as the girls shared what Camp meant to them on the last night during a candle-lighting ceremony, and I left Camp GLOW knowing that these girls will make a difference in Macedonia.

One girl's dream

Nine girls from our home-town of Tetovo attended Camp this year and one additional girl returned as a Junior Counselor. Immediately following Camp they expressed their sincere interest in starting a Club GLOW here to teach and inspire other young women in our area. We had our initial meeting last week and will have another in just 3 days. In this one week they have been active in designing ways to spread the word about the Club to all eligible girls. Their desire to "be the change they wish to see in the world" is evident on their faces and in their voices as they discuss what it means to lead.

I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such exceptional young women...get ready Macedonia!!


*Please view the following link for more info. (and check out the video from last year!):
http://sites.google.com/site/campglowmacedonia/Home

One Sweet Month!!

We've just finished 5 incredible weeks! Jim and Casey arrived at the end of June and we explored Macedonia. Kacey left us for 11 days to work the Girls Leading Our World summer camp. The four of us then visited Istanbul for 5 days before heading to Athens and the surrounding area for another 5 days. Jim and Casey flew home and we flew on to meet Harry and Jeanne in Rome. We spent three great days in Rome before heading south for two days in Naples and Pompeii. A train took us across Italy to Bari, where, despite a few setbacks -- they canceled our ferry -- we made our way to Durres, Albania. One wild taxi ride later we were back in Macedonia for another fun week of exploration with Harry and Jeanne!

Highlights included: Jim drinking, with much struggle, his second cup of coffee EVER; A Muslim "monk" lecturing on the intricacies of American Democracy; plenty of Rakija -- for details ask Jim or Jeanne; A 4'5" 9 year old girl pitching a baseball to a 6'10" 19 year old who was swinging for the fences -- from 8 feet away; An interesting bonding experience for Kacey and Casey at a traditional Turkish bath; Three straight nights at an Irish Pub in Athens; Harry and Conor screaming at Roman waiters nearly to the point of blows ("Boy, you sure screwed up this time" -- HH); Hours of ear pounding music at an Albanian wedding; Harry and his sheep (no details); Jim learning how to taste wine -- feel free to ask for a demonstration; And one "successful" encounter with Rroma kids in Skopje!

We've created an online photo album at snapfish. Unfortunately you need an account, although the account is free. If you want to check out the pictures email one of us and we can send you an invitation and link.