Bess' Narrative on her Gossi Trash Collection Project

Bess' Narrative on her Gossi Trash Collection Project

(see Pictures Below)

Thanks to all of the support from friends and family back home, the Gossi Trash Collection Project is now officially up and running! After the project received full funding in July, we began purchasing the tools. Group Imidiwan now owns two motorcycles, two carts, ten shovels and rakes, full uniforms including gloves, boots and breathing masks and 50 trash barrels that have been distributed to families in the four quarters of Gossi.
Three days ago, I got dressed in my finest Malian outfit, put on earrings and a necklace and headed to the Mayor’s Office for an official ceremony acknowledging Group Imidiwan as a legitimate service/business of Gossi supported by the governance of Gossi. Jared took pictures of Group Imidiwan in their uniforms, as well as the officials of Gossi who gave inspirational and encouraging speeches. It was a great ceremony and I felt really proud of all Group Imidiwan’s work, and thankful for the support of the Mayor and Chiefs of Gossi.
The same day as the ceremony, we invited the Group and some of the town officials to dine at our house for lunch. Our mom cooked a delicious lunch of couscous for everyone. We sat around for a good part of the afternoon chatting and drinking tea until most of the group fell asleep. Before sleep overtook everyone Jared demonstrated his full belly popping technique when one has had too much to eat, which they all cracked up over. Because the group is all men, and I’m a woman ( and women are second rate citizens here), it really helps that they all love Jared and think he’s the greatest white man to walk the earth.
The best “Peace Corps” moment concerning the trash collection service was when our new Country Director, Mike, came to visit Gossi a few weeks ago. It was his first time visiting the Gao region and he asked to stop in Gossi for lunch. Our mom, again, prepared a delicious lunch of doughy bread with sauce (Weegalla) and afterward we took Mike to the mayor’s office to meet some of the people we work with. I invited the chief of Group Imidiwan to come to the mayor’s office to meet Mike. We arrived at the office, met the people, but no Group Imidiwan. We were about to leave when who comes around the corner, but the entire group! All 14 of them! In their full uniforms! I hadn’t even yet seen them in their uniforms, so to see them all show up and present themselves to Mike, with a formal thank you, made me really happy (I actually got a little choked up). Mike also really enjoyed this and got his picture taken with the group.
The process has not been without its challenges to be sure. From being asked to launder project money to the “big men” in Gossi, to being reprimanded by the mayor, I’ve certainly learned a lot about politics, cultural taboo’s and the not so straightforward communication of Malian’s. But overall I feel confident that the project will succeed and that the people of Gossi will learn the importance of keeping their streets clean and free of trash. I’m also thankful that we are here for another year, to help Group Imidiwan during their first year providing service.
Group Imidiwan has said that they are most excited about cleaning up Gossi, making it a model town as far as trash collection is concerned and someday welcoming the American Ambassador to see their work. J
None of this would have been possible, had it not been for everyone’s support which we are so thankful for. We will keep you updated on the progress of the project with photos and blog updates.