Limbo Land Ends

Perseverance is furthering me to cross the great water. I was beginning to think I wasn't wanted with all the additional required medical clearance stuff I've done, including a psychiatric evaluation. Were they trying to discourage me on purpose? I understand they don't want volunteers to be a liability and I guess as an 'older' volunteer, we are scrutinized more closely. The good news is I'm as healthy as I thought. BTW 7% of PC volunteers are 50+. I guess I am special in that regard.

Medical clearance took so long I missed out on my dream come true nomination to a position in the Caribbean working in a marine protected area doing environmental education outreach. But I had to get over it and remember I am willing to go anywhere the PC decides I'm the best fit and do my best work.

So I received my invitation kit on March 14th and it's the Philippines. I leave for staging July 6th and fly to Pre-Service Training in the Philippines July 9th.

I'll be housed with a host for three months during the intensive language training, orientation, and cultural submersion.

I think this host lives close to where potential project work is.

At the end of three months I can choose whether to stay with the host or move to my own place.

I'm pretty sure I'll stay with the host.

During this training period I'll figure out exactly what I'll be doing depending on how well I adapt to the culture, how proficient I become with the language, and how my skills can be put to best use in "strengthening the capacities of local governments and coastal communities to improve the management and condition of coastal and marine resources and biodiversity, to help reduce poverty, and improve food security in coastal communities."

 I will be assigned to "diverse tasks that may include research, facilitation of Coastal Resource Management(CRM) planning processes. preparation of CRM plans in consultation with community stakeholders, and providing assistance in drafting local policies for environmental protection. I may also undertake field activities such as community organizing, networking, conducting and analyzing biophysical and socio-economic assessments of coastal areas, and assisting in the development and implementation of a wide variety of coastal management projects. These may include marine protected area (MPA) management, integrated coastal use zoning, sustainable coastal tourism, coastal law enforcement strengthening, alternative livelihoods and waste management. I may also assist in developing information, education and communication (IEC) strategies and materials aimed at educating youth and adult community members about various environmental topics."

Is this perfect for me or what? I feel my Huxley Environmental Planning and Policy degree helps make me a perfect fit for this assignment. I'm going to hit the ground running. I can't wait to get started.

Cheers,

Valli