To all my favorite lovelys!!
Holy Moly Macaroni, I am just kinda amazed by how fast time flies. I remember being informed that I got the position just a few short months ago, and now the pre departure training is almost coming to an end. I can never say enough, how grateful I am to be given this gift, Its so wonderful and I heard some amazing speakers over the past few days. Each day gets better and better if thats even possible. I am just so grateful for all the wonderful people that I meet every day and that inspire me and give me confidence in my work in Lusaka to make change at the grassroots level.
Yesterday morning at the office, started with the Executive Director, Lynn who is absolutely amazing and could tell you stories of Zambia until the cows come home! Lynn had gave the interns a briefing on all of VIDEA's project to kind of give an idea of how VIDEA works in relation to work overseas and what kind of approach that VIDEA takes in relation to conservation and sustainability. I am so honored to be apart of an internship that does so many amazing projects locally and internationally in such a manner which is unique.
Just going to give you an important and quick and concise background on the work VIDEA does, First of all, alot of the projects that they do is to capture and preserve indigenous knowledge, locally in BC First Nations communities as well as in Africa. VIDEA organizes fair trade events, and organizes education programs to be added into the curriculum in terms of conservation and sustainability, they work with teachers in this process. VIDEA also works outside of the school, and not during schools hours. This opens up the topic of sustainability up to a different type of audience. An audience who does not have much education and those who may be able to relate to poverty more than the middle class in Canadian public schools. ( I mean no offense to anyone) VIDEA also does public engagement with local communities and has a Twinning program which links different towns in BC to projects in Africa, an example, is the drought in Kelowna and water management and apply it to problems in Africa. There is more to this issue, but I can write pages on this. VIDEA also assists in child protection polies to help families with trauma in Africa and last but not least, VIDEA is responsible for the International Program overseas like sending interns to different countries to assist in NGO's.
More information can be found on the website :) www.videa.ca You probably should have a look if your interested in learning more about these type of issues.
Basically, I could write for days about all the great work VIDEA does, but at the end of the day, they want to help people in Africa solve their own problems and not do it for them essentially. They want to provide job training and skills because when the Interns are gone they will need to sustain when were away.
Just want to leave you with one quote, before I go, "Africa will always be second rate if they keep trying to stand on European shoulders"
Have so much more to say but I need to prep for tomorrows learning circle at Uvic and talking about my youth engagement and volunteering! Super excited.
Thanks to the UVIC NSU for adding my blog address to their February Updates! you guys rock!
I miss everyone so much, but Ive technically completed one month of the internship. And im excited for the next 5 months. Its going to be great! Xoxo
Ash
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Saturday 28 January 2012
Last Days in T'Sou-ke
To all my favorite lovelys and fam jam!
Sad day here today knowing tonight is our last night in the T'Sou-ke Nation. We will be travelling to Victoria tomorrow to spend the remaining 15 days there prior to flying Africa. Most of the interns will be splitting up and living with homestays in the Victoria area and we will be working at the VIDEA office every day. We still have so much to get through before we go. Its going to start getting intense! I have enjoyed my time so much in the T'Souke community. I have never met a community with so much love and care for eachother. We've been treated so great here and I will always remember my short stay in T'Souke. I will definitely be returning in the summer for a promised camping trip :) Would like to thank every person I've met in T'Souke for welcoming us into your community to live and study.
Yesterday we travelled up the island to sombrio and had a Zero Mile Diet, which was to create a lunch out of items that we could gather from a zero mile radius. So for lunch we had a bunch of berries and mussels. There was some additional items we brought, but for the most part it was smoked salmon and vegetables. In the evening we had our Africa theme party which we had invited guests to our house to enjoy some Zambian Dinsky. We had invited the chief of the T'Sou-ke Nation, members of the VIDEA board, volunteers for VIDEA, Women for Change family, members who work for the T'Sou-ke nation, past presenters, and our friends. It was a great night!!
After all was said and done, I stayed up super later trying to finish my research project for conservation and sustainability. My specific topic was Traditonal beekeeping and how deforestation was interferring with Zambia's woodlands and detering poverty even more. Zambia is rated 165/177 on the Human Development Index. Zambia is in extreme poverty in relation to all other countries in the world.
We presented these conservation issues to our VIDEA Board of Directors. We got some amazing feedback and I learned about the cyclic relationship of how Oil, deforestation, mining, and biodiversity are all interconnected. Its like a web, each one indirectly affects the other. We talked about possible solutions to each of the issues and currently what positive changes are taking place.
Thats all for now! I need to catch up on my zzzz's. These past few days have been extremely long, and packed with so much information. I am so excited, so much to learn and so much to do! :) Just can't wait to get over there and make a difference!
Sad day here today knowing tonight is our last night in the T'Sou-ke Nation. We will be travelling to Victoria tomorrow to spend the remaining 15 days there prior to flying Africa. Most of the interns will be splitting up and living with homestays in the Victoria area and we will be working at the VIDEA office every day. We still have so much to get through before we go. Its going to start getting intense! I have enjoyed my time so much in the T'Souke community. I have never met a community with so much love and care for eachother. We've been treated so great here and I will always remember my short stay in T'Souke. I will definitely be returning in the summer for a promised camping trip :) Would like to thank every person I've met in T'Souke for welcoming us into your community to live and study.
Yesterday we travelled up the island to sombrio and had a Zero Mile Diet, which was to create a lunch out of items that we could gather from a zero mile radius. So for lunch we had a bunch of berries and mussels. There was some additional items we brought, but for the most part it was smoked salmon and vegetables. In the evening we had our Africa theme party which we had invited guests to our house to enjoy some Zambian Dinsky. We had invited the chief of the T'Sou-ke Nation, members of the VIDEA board, volunteers for VIDEA, Women for Change family, members who work for the T'Sou-ke nation, past presenters, and our friends. It was a great night!!
After all was said and done, I stayed up super later trying to finish my research project for conservation and sustainability. My specific topic was Traditonal beekeeping and how deforestation was interferring with Zambia's woodlands and detering poverty even more. Zambia is rated 165/177 on the Human Development Index. Zambia is in extreme poverty in relation to all other countries in the world.
We presented these conservation issues to our VIDEA Board of Directors. We got some amazing feedback and I learned about the cyclic relationship of how Oil, deforestation, mining, and biodiversity are all interconnected. Its like a web, each one indirectly affects the other. We talked about possible solutions to each of the issues and currently what positive changes are taking place.
Thats all for now! I need to catch up on my zzzz's. These past few days have been extremely long, and packed with so much information. I am so excited, so much to learn and so much to do! :) Just can't wait to get over there and make a difference!
Wednesday 25 January 2012
Ladybug Green House
To all my lovelys!
These past few days have been so busy, lots to write today! We've finished the weekend off with CIL training, we learned many things, from intercultural traning, meeting people from Uganda and Zambia, and coping methods for dealing with homesickness. They were long days but we powered through! We had come to the conclusion that we are there for a short period of time but our work will last generations. We did a number of excercises that tested our behaviours and instincts to respect the culture we are going into. We had learned what not to do, but when put in a game like situation we failed and went back to our second nature, so it opened our eyes on how to be cautious of this in Africa. I feel confident from the CIL training and am so thankful Leanne could be apart of our journey.
I have to say, every presenter I have had so far on this amazing journey, I admire their passion for change. I love being around positive energy and it makes me excited for all of these projects. The positive energy of the interns and Rowan ( our mom/boss) keeps my spirits high and I am grateful to be with Aboriginal Youth who want to make and see change within Africa and our own communities.
Today was a great day, we got to work with Wayne and Rick at the ladybug greenhouse! I had so much fun! We got to see how T'Souke nation keeps there levels of sustainability high. The compost system that I wrote about a few posts ago kind of ties into all of this. The ladybug garden grows many plants and vegetables which get sold on "Seedy Saturday" in February. The local farmers share seeds and I learned that the garden has over 30 different tomato seeds! I was shocked, because I know of like 5 tomatoes!
The Ladybug Garden has a large greenhouse and grows many vegetables, which are fed compost soil and organic material. The interns had helped prepare the vegetable beds. The greenhouse is a great project that yet again I would love to bring back to Samson. The greenhouse vegetables supply food for the weekly community dinners and Meals on Wheels. I love the sense of unity in this community (I know im cheesy but this community is amazing) There are painted little rocks all over the gardens of little ladybugs on rocks painted by the local school children. I would love to return in summer to see the greenhouse at max capacity and the berry patches in full bloom.
Yesterday we participated in another conservation work shop with Angie, and watched the Pixar movie Wall-E. This movie is shown to youth for the kids workshops to show the effects Humans will have on Earth if we do not take care of it, and for the remainder of the afternoon we had spent with the youths in the Youth Center doing arts and crafts, and playing games. We then went to culture night at the town hall and we learned to count to ten in the local language.
Every day here is a blessing and I am excited to keep learning and meeting wonderful people who inspire me to do amazing things during and after the internship. Until Next time! xoxo!
These past few days have been so busy, lots to write today! We've finished the weekend off with CIL training, we learned many things, from intercultural traning, meeting people from Uganda and Zambia, and coping methods for dealing with homesickness. They were long days but we powered through! We had come to the conclusion that we are there for a short period of time but our work will last generations. We did a number of excercises that tested our behaviours and instincts to respect the culture we are going into. We had learned what not to do, but when put in a game like situation we failed and went back to our second nature, so it opened our eyes on how to be cautious of this in Africa. I feel confident from the CIL training and am so thankful Leanne could be apart of our journey.
I have to say, every presenter I have had so far on this amazing journey, I admire their passion for change. I love being around positive energy and it makes me excited for all of these projects. The positive energy of the interns and Rowan ( our mom/boss) keeps my spirits high and I am grateful to be with Aboriginal Youth who want to make and see change within Africa and our own communities.
Today was a great day, we got to work with Wayne and Rick at the ladybug greenhouse! I had so much fun! We got to see how T'Souke nation keeps there levels of sustainability high. The compost system that I wrote about a few posts ago kind of ties into all of this. The ladybug garden grows many plants and vegetables which get sold on "Seedy Saturday" in February. The local farmers share seeds and I learned that the garden has over 30 different tomato seeds! I was shocked, because I know of like 5 tomatoes!
The Ladybug Garden has a large greenhouse and grows many vegetables, which are fed compost soil and organic material. The interns had helped prepare the vegetable beds. The greenhouse is a great project that yet again I would love to bring back to Samson. The greenhouse vegetables supply food for the weekly community dinners and Meals on Wheels. I love the sense of unity in this community (I know im cheesy but this community is amazing) There are painted little rocks all over the gardens of little ladybugs on rocks painted by the local school children. I would love to return in summer to see the greenhouse at max capacity and the berry patches in full bloom.
Yesterday we participated in another conservation work shop with Angie, and watched the Pixar movie Wall-E. This movie is shown to youth for the kids workshops to show the effects Humans will have on Earth if we do not take care of it, and for the remainder of the afternoon we had spent with the youths in the Youth Center doing arts and crafts, and playing games. We then went to culture night at the town hall and we learned to count to ten in the local language.
Every day here is a blessing and I am excited to keep learning and meeting wonderful people who inspire me to do amazing things during and after the internship. Until Next time! xoxo!
Sunday 22 January 2012
Intercultural Training
To all my lovelys!
Holy Moly Macaroni- Its been a week since Ive been here In the T'Sou-ke Nation. Time has flown by, and has honestly been a roller coaster. I am basically on a ride of a life time. Sometimes I just need to sit back and thank the creator for this gift, I cannot express how I could not feel more at home here even tho my home is back in Alberta. Everything just feels so right and my happiness in my life right now, I can honestly express has never been more pure.
The response we have had on every person we meet has been outstanding. The thing that I love about this internship, is that we are the first in Canada to ever try what we are about to complete. It inspires me to complete the internship to the absolute best of my ability, and I know we will be great.
xoxo
Ash
Holy Moly Macaroni- Its been a week since Ive been here In the T'Sou-ke Nation. Time has flown by, and has honestly been a roller coaster. I am basically on a ride of a life time. Sometimes I just need to sit back and thank the creator for this gift, I cannot express how I could not feel more at home here even tho my home is back in Alberta. Everything just feels so right and my happiness in my life right now, I can honestly express has never been more pure.
The response we have had on every person we meet has been outstanding. The thing that I love about this internship, is that we are the first in Canada to ever try what we are about to complete. It inspires me to complete the internship to the absolute best of my ability, and I know we will be great.
xoxo
Ash
Friday 20 January 2012
Conservation Work Shops
To all my favorite lovelys!
I apologize in advance, I know this entry is going to be so long. Today was such an exciting day! So much to tell. Im like doing cartwheels im soooooo excited!
So this morning we met for session down at the T'Souke Hall, and we started the day with amazing conservation workshop led by Angie, with the T'Souke Smart Energy Group. This was great because it is applicable to applying back in the Samson Community as well as in Zambia. Angie talked about how the small community of T'Souke has taken a vow to become a more conservative community within the solar panel project. Angie has done workshops with youth in conservation of energy. Her focus group is ages 6-12. She has done things like eco treasure hunts, toy solar car races, earthday star fish stories, and camping nights. Each excercise involves teaching youth to take a more active approach to being more energy efficient. After the whole excercise is done, each youth writes a promise to "turn off the lights after they leave the room" or which ever they thought was important to saving energy.
This was my favorite, Angie did an elders workshop to see how elders can improve on their energy consumption. Angie attempted to run the powerpoint but seriously could not get through all the slides because the elders talked so much and had so many stories to tell....."back in my day....." you get the picture :) Eventually when Angie got through the slides, they played Earth Bingo! How great is that!!
BC has this amazing program that I absolutely loved, Each family on Social Assistance has an Energy Saving Kit where it is free, it involves low flow shower heads, and energy saving light switches etc. Approximately a $75.00 value, This is great on reserves where most of the population is on a fixed income, saving energy is important for obvious reasons. I understand this is difficult when you have very high numbers of people living in one home. I beleive Alberta should think of adopting this process especially on reserves. This would be something I would like to bring to Samson upon returning to Canada.
I know myself personally, I took a vow to reduce the time I spend in the shower and stop using phantom power. :) If kids and grandparents can reduce their energy consumption, So can I. This is great to cut down now, this slowly prepares us for the reality of Africa where we may be lucky to get power for an hour of the day. Thats if were lucky.
One of my ideas is to maybe start a youth symposium for my community and do the same type of work. Angies ideas insprired me so much. I took down so much information that I would like to use for my lesson plans when I become a teacher and I would like to keep in touch with Angie to use these ideas in my community to make Samson Cree Nation a better place. Angie said, that the budget to keep the program going is almost free, everything needed to host a workshop is completely free, recyclable, or eco.
Angie, also runs the community compost program where many members of the community compost and each week (same day as garbage day) the compost is picked up and taken to the ladybug garden and is further composted into feritilizer. Each process T`Souke Nation takes to becoming completely sustainable just wowes the pants off me. I want to bring so much of this knowledge home and implement. I know we have a great community and can acheive similar results.
I have a few links I`d like you all to check out!! Matt told me about 8th Fire. Not sure if you have all heard about it. I guess it has some amazing feedback and is on CBC I beleive. Everyone is raving about it on my facebook.
Also....for a good chuckle, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlkuRCXdu5A
If you`ve been hearing about this Enbridge Gateway Project in the papers and don`t fully understand what is going on. This short clip completely moved me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO4s4P7eFk4
I really didnt like how this is going to hurt the whales and the black bears with rare white fur (sad face)
Also, this young girl is making it big and I always support Aboriginal Youth being positive role models for other youth. Just kinda sending her link to you,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkjIkuC_eWM
In the afternoon session, we did a workshop on digital story telling so hopefully my blogs get a little more exciting as I figure some more technology stuff on this cool blog. Also last but not least. Just want to thank you all for reading. :) Always makes my day to know at least one person checked in :) All this would not be possible without you reading up on my adventures! Thanks. Love and Miss you all at home. Xoxo
I apologize in advance, I know this entry is going to be so long. Today was such an exciting day! So much to tell. Im like doing cartwheels im soooooo excited!
So this morning we met for session down at the T'Souke Hall, and we started the day with amazing conservation workshop led by Angie, with the T'Souke Smart Energy Group. This was great because it is applicable to applying back in the Samson Community as well as in Zambia. Angie talked about how the small community of T'Souke has taken a vow to become a more conservative community within the solar panel project. Angie has done workshops with youth in conservation of energy. Her focus group is ages 6-12. She has done things like eco treasure hunts, toy solar car races, earthday star fish stories, and camping nights. Each excercise involves teaching youth to take a more active approach to being more energy efficient. After the whole excercise is done, each youth writes a promise to "turn off the lights after they leave the room" or which ever they thought was important to saving energy.
This was my favorite, Angie did an elders workshop to see how elders can improve on their energy consumption. Angie attempted to run the powerpoint but seriously could not get through all the slides because the elders talked so much and had so many stories to tell....."back in my day....." you get the picture :) Eventually when Angie got through the slides, they played Earth Bingo! How great is that!!
BC has this amazing program that I absolutely loved, Each family on Social Assistance has an Energy Saving Kit where it is free, it involves low flow shower heads, and energy saving light switches etc. Approximately a $75.00 value, This is great on reserves where most of the population is on a fixed income, saving energy is important for obvious reasons. I understand this is difficult when you have very high numbers of people living in one home. I beleive Alberta should think of adopting this process especially on reserves. This would be something I would like to bring to Samson upon returning to Canada.
I know myself personally, I took a vow to reduce the time I spend in the shower and stop using phantom power. :) If kids and grandparents can reduce their energy consumption, So can I. This is great to cut down now, this slowly prepares us for the reality of Africa where we may be lucky to get power for an hour of the day. Thats if were lucky.
One of my ideas is to maybe start a youth symposium for my community and do the same type of work. Angies ideas insprired me so much. I took down so much information that I would like to use for my lesson plans when I become a teacher and I would like to keep in touch with Angie to use these ideas in my community to make Samson Cree Nation a better place. Angie said, that the budget to keep the program going is almost free, everything needed to host a workshop is completely free, recyclable, or eco.
Angie, also runs the community compost program where many members of the community compost and each week (same day as garbage day) the compost is picked up and taken to the ladybug garden and is further composted into feritilizer. Each process T`Souke Nation takes to becoming completely sustainable just wowes the pants off me. I want to bring so much of this knowledge home and implement. I know we have a great community and can acheive similar results.
I have a few links I`d like you all to check out!! Matt told me about 8th Fire. Not sure if you have all heard about it. I guess it has some amazing feedback and is on CBC I beleive. Everyone is raving about it on my facebook.
Also....for a good chuckle, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlkuRCXdu5A
If you`ve been hearing about this Enbridge Gateway Project in the papers and don`t fully understand what is going on. This short clip completely moved me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO4s4P7eFk4
I really didnt like how this is going to hurt the whales and the black bears with rare white fur (sad face)
Also, this young girl is making it big and I always support Aboriginal Youth being positive role models for other youth. Just kinda sending her link to you,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkjIkuC_eWM
In the afternoon session, we did a workshop on digital story telling so hopefully my blogs get a little more exciting as I figure some more technology stuff on this cool blog. Also last but not least. Just want to thank you all for reading. :) Always makes my day to know at least one person checked in :) All this would not be possible without you reading up on my adventures! Thanks. Love and Miss you all at home. Xoxo
Thursday 19 January 2012
I have decided I officially love blogging. I've been journalling like crazy because I dont want to forget anything and when I'm a super old lady, I would love to give my journals to my kids-grandkids!
Today is our day off, and im still trying to decide how to upload pics for all you lovelys! We've had some amazing work shops and discussions. Im very excited, each intern brings something unique to the table and am excited to see our progress as we continue to work together.
Very exciting news, the Aboriginal Youth Internship program, we are the very first round of interns, we are part of a pilot project and were going to wow the pants off and they will have to continue with the internship program in the future!
I am so glad to be apart of a program that delivers services and help that will last generations and will not stop once I leave Africa. The Harper Gov't only funds 4 projects like this a year so we are extremely lucky. We need help writing letter for grants for Women for Change to secure more funding to keep these services going. This is why I am so excited to help and add something to the team already in Africa working. Praying we can help Women for Change. <3
All the interns are out and about, and im having a cup of coffee sitting by the fire place. So nice to have the day off, but still have lots of correspondance to work on for Africa! I feel great today and cant wait for tomorrow for the conservation work shops and for the CIL to come in and give us an intercultural work shop about being guests in Africa. So blessed for everything the creator has given me.
Xoxo Miss you all back home!
Today is our day off, and im still trying to decide how to upload pics for all you lovelys! We've had some amazing work shops and discussions. Im very excited, each intern brings something unique to the table and am excited to see our progress as we continue to work together.
Very exciting news, the Aboriginal Youth Internship program, we are the very first round of interns, we are part of a pilot project and were going to wow the pants off and they will have to continue with the internship program in the future!
I am so glad to be apart of a program that delivers services and help that will last generations and will not stop once I leave Africa. The Harper Gov't only funds 4 projects like this a year so we are extremely lucky. We need help writing letter for grants for Women for Change to secure more funding to keep these services going. This is why I am so excited to help and add something to the team already in Africa working. Praying we can help Women for Change. <3
All the interns are out and about, and im having a cup of coffee sitting by the fire place. So nice to have the day off, but still have lots of correspondance to work on for Africa! I feel great today and cant wait for tomorrow for the conservation work shops and for the CIL to come in and give us an intercultural work shop about being guests in Africa. So blessed for everything the creator has given me.
Xoxo Miss you all back home!
Wednesday 18 January 2012
Vacination Day
To all my lovelys!
So yesterday was vaccination day! Was not looking forward to that day at all! I now have kind of distinguished myself from the group as being a big baby. I didnt sleep the night before vacinations I was so nervous. If you know me, you know im afraid of two things 1) Spiders 2( Needles. I was beyond nervous to the point where I thought I was going to puke. The feeling you get going into a job interview or a first date kind of thing. Had such bad anxiety. My arm is still pretty sore today. Its a bad time, because me and Shaina share a bunk bed and I have been on the top bunk and have been barely able to life my arms to life my up. LOL so ive been rubbing my muscle balm on and taking tylenol and icing my arm. They are pretty bruised.
ALSO FUNNY STORY....had a little incident at breakfast. I was sitting at the kitchen table and drinking coffee when a little fast black spider fell on the table right beside me. You can tell how I would have reacted. Screamed like a baby. I made the other people laugh, but Ive had to overcome both of my fears in two days! It probably doesnt help that Im carrying around chicky, my little stuffy and bawling my face off on the documentary we watched about Uganda (where 5 of our interns will be located) called War Dance (Amazing Vid...definitely reccomend watching it) Keep some kleenexes near by!!
Will write tomorrow about the insane snow day and all the work shops we have been having!
Miss all you lovelys at home. Thinking about you and miss you!
Xoxo
Ash
So yesterday was vaccination day! Was not looking forward to that day at all! I now have kind of distinguished myself from the group as being a big baby. I didnt sleep the night before vacinations I was so nervous. If you know me, you know im afraid of two things 1) Spiders 2( Needles. I was beyond nervous to the point where I thought I was going to puke. The feeling you get going into a job interview or a first date kind of thing. Had such bad anxiety. My arm is still pretty sore today. Its a bad time, because me and Shaina share a bunk bed and I have been on the top bunk and have been barely able to life my arms to life my up. LOL so ive been rubbing my muscle balm on and taking tylenol and icing my arm. They are pretty bruised.
ALSO FUNNY STORY....had a little incident at breakfast. I was sitting at the kitchen table and drinking coffee when a little fast black spider fell on the table right beside me. You can tell how I would have reacted. Screamed like a baby. I made the other people laugh, but Ive had to overcome both of my fears in two days! It probably doesnt help that Im carrying around chicky, my little stuffy and bawling my face off on the documentary we watched about Uganda (where 5 of our interns will be located) called War Dance (Amazing Vid...definitely reccomend watching it) Keep some kleenexes near by!!
Will write tomorrow about the insane snow day and all the work shops we have been having!
Miss all you lovelys at home. Thinking about you and miss you!
Xoxo
Ash
Monday 16 January 2012
Well these past 48 hours have been amazing!!
I've got to meet all the interns in the program as well as the VIDEA staff who are absolutely awesome. All the interns are great and can contribute something great to the ecelectic team of individuals we have. So far there are 7 girls and 3 boys. Poor Boys have to put up with all this girl talk all the time.
We are staying in Sooke in this amazing little hidden treasure resort. The house is beautiful and over looks the lake. When I grow up and become a big girl, this will definitely be the house I want :)
Today was the first day of training and I absolutely loved it. Seriously, I am like a sponge, I learned so much. We learned how the Sooke Nation is completely run on solar power, and how it adds to Sookes sustainability through out the nation. It was amazing to learn how the autonomy is flipped and not in control of the political officials. The idea of an entire community being run on solar power was absolutely mind blowing, and after reviewing the budgets, viewing all the solar panels from large buildings to a personal tour of a solar panel in someones home, the answer is clear, we should be already be in the process of transitioning to a similiar type of process. I would really like to see this happen with my community. First of all, it would reduce Alberta's dependancy on only one renewable source and eventually we would be saving money. I could talk about this all day, but I dont want to bore you. :)
Got to meet the chief of Sooke and some elders, they prayed for a safe journey and an amazing trip and explained how we are the leaders of tomorrow and will inspire the younger generation. I Just felt so grateful for this opportunity and all the positive things to come.
I miss all you lovelys back at home.
"You can't change Africa, but Africa will change you"-Unknown.
I've got to meet all the interns in the program as well as the VIDEA staff who are absolutely awesome. All the interns are great and can contribute something great to the ecelectic team of individuals we have. So far there are 7 girls and 3 boys. Poor Boys have to put up with all this girl talk all the time.
We are staying in Sooke in this amazing little hidden treasure resort. The house is beautiful and over looks the lake. When I grow up and become a big girl, this will definitely be the house I want :)
Today was the first day of training and I absolutely loved it. Seriously, I am like a sponge, I learned so much. We learned how the Sooke Nation is completely run on solar power, and how it adds to Sookes sustainability through out the nation. It was amazing to learn how the autonomy is flipped and not in control of the political officials. The idea of an entire community being run on solar power was absolutely mind blowing, and after reviewing the budgets, viewing all the solar panels from large buildings to a personal tour of a solar panel in someones home, the answer is clear, we should be already be in the process of transitioning to a similiar type of process. I would really like to see this happen with my community. First of all, it would reduce Alberta's dependancy on only one renewable source and eventually we would be saving money. I could talk about this all day, but I dont want to bore you. :)
Got to meet the chief of Sooke and some elders, they prayed for a safe journey and an amazing trip and explained how we are the leaders of tomorrow and will inspire the younger generation. I Just felt so grateful for this opportunity and all the positive things to come.
I miss all you lovelys back at home.
"You can't change Africa, but Africa will change you"-Unknown.
Saturday 14 January 2012
Jan. 14, 2012
Its the night before fly out back to the island before I go for 4 weeks of intense training. Im all over the place today, happy, sad, excited, I think Ive felt every emotion today.
Just said my final goodbyes to my best friends. Definitely going to miss everyone. I am so grateful to have been able to come back to Alberta for Christmas holidays and enjoy every day with so many wonderful people!
I'd like to thank Jeff from Ponoka News for posting an amazing story, I had so much positive feedback! Thank you!
"I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was" -Mohamed Ali
xoxo
Ash
Its the night before fly out back to the island before I go for 4 weeks of intense training. Im all over the place today, happy, sad, excited, I think Ive felt every emotion today.
Just said my final goodbyes to my best friends. Definitely going to miss everyone. I am so grateful to have been able to come back to Alberta for Christmas holidays and enjoy every day with so many wonderful people!
I'd like to thank Jeff from Ponoka News for posting an amazing story, I had so much positive feedback! Thank you!
"I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was" -Mohamed Ali
xoxo
Ash
Tuesday 10 January 2012
Week before I fly to Vic for training!
Hellooo to all my lovelys!
Just a few days before I fly out to Victoria to begin my training. The reality has totally settled in. Its official. This is actually happening. Its so unreal sometimes I think I need someone to bring me back to Earth. I am excited and I decided I officially hate goodbyes!!
Africa here I come!
Just a few days before I fly out to Victoria to begin my training. The reality has totally settled in. Its official. This is actually happening. Its so unreal sometimes I think I need someone to bring me back to Earth. I am excited and I decided I officially hate goodbyes!!
Africa here I come!
Thursday 5 January 2012
First Entry! January 5, 2012
Hello All,
This is my first blog ever! Pretty exciting! This is where I will be posting all my adventures and sharing my research with you from Zambia, Africa. Once this experience takes off, I will post as often as possible!
xoxo
Ash
This is my first blog ever! Pretty exciting! This is where I will be posting all my adventures and sharing my research with you from Zambia, Africa. Once this experience takes off, I will post as often as possible!
xoxo
Ash
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