-Is she here yet?
-No, she’s at the ferry crossing.
-What! She won’t be here for hours!
-Yes, but it’s very important. She usually never come to the URR.
-Ok, I will return in the evening.
As night fell in the village, the women wait eagerly at the skill center. They are dressed in fine clothes, with drums and whistles. Chatting quickly and breaking into impromptu song and dance they wait for an important guest to arrive.
Finally, after night has fallen and I had almost given up hope, a car arrives!
Maria has come!
The women mob Maria and her companions, singing and dancing! The drum beats out a complex rhythm and Maria is carried into the skill center in the midst of the crowd.
As the women settle onto benches line the walls, Maria and her companions start to speak in Mandinka. Our VDC Chairman translates into Pulaar, and although two languages are being spoken, I have almost no idea what’s going on.
Greetings and introductions are made, and the speech goes on. The village women are all happy, smiling and clapping. At one point they break out into song, and the village griot (singer) sings a special song for the occasion.
Soon, the speaking is over, and the joyous crowd celebrates.
But what were they celebrating?
Now I get to meet Maria, the national Project Manager for the Skill Centers. Maria is finely dressed in a tie-dye dress, but looks worn out and tired as though she has been on the road all day. She greets me warmly and informs me that my village has been chosen for a visit from the president while on his annual tour of the country. Now I see why everyone is so excited!
After a brief meal, Maria is whisked away to her next stop. The women filter back to their compounds to eat dinner and share the exciting news with their families: On May 16th, President Jammeh is coming to visit!
-No, she’s at the ferry crossing.
-What! She won’t be here for hours!
-Yes, but it’s very important. She usually never come to the URR.
-Ok, I will return in the evening.
As night fell in the village, the women wait eagerly at the skill center. They are dressed in fine clothes, with drums and whistles. Chatting quickly and breaking into impromptu song and dance they wait for an important guest to arrive.
Finally, after night has fallen and I had almost given up hope, a car arrives!
Maria has come!
The women mob Maria and her companions, singing and dancing! The drum beats out a complex rhythm and Maria is carried into the skill center in the midst of the crowd.
As the women settle onto benches line the walls, Maria and her companions start to speak in Mandinka. Our VDC Chairman translates into Pulaar, and although two languages are being spoken, I have almost no idea what’s going on.
Greetings and introductions are made, and the speech goes on. The village women are all happy, smiling and clapping. At one point they break out into song, and the village griot (singer) sings a special song for the occasion.
Soon, the speaking is over, and the joyous crowd celebrates.
But what were they celebrating?
Now I get to meet Maria, the national Project Manager for the Skill Centers. Maria is finely dressed in a tie-dye dress, but looks worn out and tired as though she has been on the road all day. She greets me warmly and informs me that my village has been chosen for a visit from the president while on his annual tour of the country. Now I see why everyone is so excited!
After a brief meal, Maria is whisked away to her next stop. The women filter back to their compounds to eat dinner and share the exciting news with their families: On May 16th, President Jammeh is coming to visit!
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