Hey everyone,
I've been in the city but haven't written because I don't have much to say. I've been hanging out at the regional house, getting ready to go to Thies for three weeks of training. After that it's a few days in Dakar for the environmental summit, then back to the village to start work.
I think my path's pretty set work-wise. A former volunteer told my host-dad, Bala, about a successful waste management program a volunteer couple had set up in another part of the country. Bala, also the village chief, can't wait for me to get started replicating the project. Apparently the couple's project is still going strong, even making money, which, I think, is what captured Bala's attention.
For the past two weeks Bala's been bringing up the project, then - to my recurring surprise - he's crying and the subject has become his children's futures. He never actually says he wants to make money on the project so he can send his children to Europe, but it doesn't take a very smart person to make the jump.
I have two problems with this. One, the tears. Stop crying! Two, does he realize this money is not going to be his? Yes, he knows it is not supposed to be his. But if the project is successful, and that's a big if, someone's got to keep a close eye on the money. I'm going to have to say it can't be just Bala. Now, how do I say that delicately?
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