Peace Corps Volunteer Says Goodbye to STEA
By Khoua Moua, 2nd year PCV
The experiences of emotions good and bad are what build human character. Coming from the states where some thing in life are readily available and are easily taken for granted I'll admit I've been blinded to the values of what's important in life. I came on a plane from Miami and landed in Jamaica July 7th 2005. At the end of August I was sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer stationed in a small community called Bunker's Hill in the parish of Trelawny, assigned to assist a non-government agency, The Southern Trelawny Environmental Agency.
As a fresh, two month college graduate I was unaware of what path I had chosen for myself. My primary project was to act as an eco-tourism community facilitator between my Agency and the community I resided in. I must say the process in itself, as everything in life is, is a work in progress. A progress that is held upon trust, commitment and understanding by both organizations.
A continuation of my primary project was to assist with any task or projects that my Agency was partaking in. These tasks included aiding in tours, training local community individuals to become tour guides and certifying them as first aid responders through the proper certified agencies. STEA is also actively hosting two annual events, one has been around for nearly ten years while the other will be celebrating its fourth year this October. The first event should be recognized if not known by all of you as the Trelawny Yam Festival. As an unscathed coordinator my first thought when the Festival started to take its full swing was, "A festival about Yam". Little did I know how fulfilling a roast yam could be with some butter and perhaps for certain individuals saltfish along with it. I've come to understand that the festivities of Yam is not just fulfilling but an authentic taste of Jamaica's rich culture and a port of gathering for all. The second event I speak of is the Burwood Beach Volleyball Tournament. Since I've been here the event and commitment by individuals have changed the condition of Burwood Beach for all users.
My secondary project encompasses a school called Unity Primary where the students know my name too well. I'm not a certified teacher but when you're short one teacher and your principal is teaching two grades you can't really say "no I don't want to teach", as neglecting the future of these children is neglecting your own. I wouldn't say I teach so much as assist in educating these students with the help of the other teachers. Spending all that time at Unity Primary school has shown me a sense of respect for teachers worldwide. Their willingness to teach students no matter how ill-mannered the students may be at times shows dedication and a sense of joy, when in the end the student goes beyond what was expected of them.
My Peace Corps service will be concluded in due time and I've gained something perhaps even a scar in the depths of my heart through my experience here in Jamaica. The people I've met, the way the culture moves and how everyone views certain aspects of the here and now quite differently has made me realize the values of life.