Yep, Mali
Apologies due
First, I would like to apologize for the months of negligence to this blog. I am still suprised people have found it interesting enough to read/follow so I will do my best to keep it up to date again. I have actually found blogging as a great way to record my experiences and due to my handwriting keeping a journal has just never worked.
Geekcorps Mali
The Geekcorps Mali Team
For those who don’t know, I am now in Bamako, Mali. Upon the end of my first term as a volunteer in Senegal with the Geekcorps, I had the opportunity to apply to be the country director/program coordinator for IESC/Geekcorp’s program in Mali and in the end had the great fortune to be selected. It truly is a dream job for me as I will finally get to pursue my passion for blending IT with development to hopefully help make at least a small difference in Africa. In the future, I will try and elaborate on what exactly our program is trying to achieve. For now, our program website: mali.geekcorps.org (make sure to check out the news section) is a great way to see what we do. I have just finished my first two weeks here and despite the constant smell of burning garbage am starting to adjust well. I have a nice home, an incredible staff to work with and can attest that despite the poverty, Mali has a lot of charm. The depth and diversity of its culture and history alone are staggering.
Fete du Ramadan
My arrival coincided with the end of Ramadan, the month where Muslim’s around the world fast for a month as a testament to their committment in their faith. The end of Ramadan is marked with a huge celebration similar to our Christmas where families are visited and kids are given new clothes and if they’re lucky sunglasses. Moussa one of our local tech geniuses was kind of enough to invite him to share the holiday with his family.
new duds
girl in shadows
Ryan Berg Said,
November 14, 2005 @ 2:10 pm
Hi Matt,
glad to see things are still going well. Some one posted a good link above a water and blood charity for Africa. Here is the link: http://www.bloodwatermission.org/
figure you might want to add this to your blog somewhere. Below is the posting i saw:
Hey! Trying to think of some great Christmas presents? I have a fabulous idea for one! Wouldn’t it be great if you could give someone the gift of clean water and blood for a VERY inexpensive price? Well, good news! You can! Millions of people in Africa are suffering and dying because they don’t have clean water to drink. We all know that water is a necessity for life! Also, people in Africa are contracting the HIV virus and getting AIDS because the blood there is tainted with it. Because of that—they are dying. For just $1…that’s right….$1…you can change someone’s life forever. By giving $1, you’re giving clean water and clean blood to a person for a whole year in Africa. What a way to give someone hope and life! You can donate online at www.bloodwatermission.org
Christmas is all about giving to others. Why not give a gift that will save a life??
Katie Mason Said,
November 24, 2005 @ 8:22 am
Hey Matt,
Congratulations on your new job! I’m really happy that you’re doing what you finally want to do! How is Bamako treating you? I was there this past March, it’s much different than life in Dakar! I heard about you moving from your fellow Thunderbird friends, John and Abraham. I was wondering if anyone was continuing your volunteer project in Dakar? If so, would you give them my contact information in case they want any help? Thanks!
Katie