GAD Camp!

I finally have something interesting to write about! We are in the midst of chaos at Gender and Development camp. We've got 25 kids and various PCVs in and out, 9 Malawian professionals, and unlimited amounts of donated yarn at the CCAP Mzuzu.

The goal of the camp is to expose kids to different professions and the professional lifestyle, and to inspire discussions about gender in Malawi. Every morning -- right now, in fact -- the kids go to various workplaces, to act essentially as interns and absorb whatever knowledge they can. They're shadowing a nun, a hairstylist, a doctor, a nurse, a mechanic, a radio reporter, a grocery store owner, a businesswoman, and a public defender (called a legal aide here in Malawi). We're really excited to expose these kids to places and people they've never seen. They're all kids from the village, whose parents are farmers or fishermen.

Yesterday we had a field trip to the courthouse! We got to meet with a Sheriff of the High Court (there's only two in the northern region) and a President judge, the second highest rank of judge in Malawi. It was so cool to see the kids asking questions about the law, education, and career paths, and I think they really got something out of it. The judge in particular was very helpful, and the Sheriff shared with us his experience dealing with alcoholism in his youth. The judge actually told us he has the best job in the world because nobody can tell him what to do, and he can send anybody to prison whenever he wants to. I'm pretty sure now, especially after dealing with some unruly kids, that I want to be a judge.

It hasn't all been easy -- organizing these professionals has been a challenge, especially because this culture does not exactly value punctuality or other traits that Americans commonly associate with responsibility. That said, the kids actually all got to their offices early this morning! Exciting.

We've also had some interesting discussions. After presenting a drama courtesy of Peace Corps Theater, which depicted some violence and sexual exploitation for the purpose of discussion, the kids all agreed that it was okay to "beat someone to teach them a lesson". They could not be dissuaded. Just pray that you don't ask them to teach you anything.

Got to go now so somebody else can use the internet, but I'll try to post at the end of camp!