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 We
invited all the families to join us for a small party before the
students left for "the interior". Katherine and Rebecca each said
a few words (in French) of appreciation about their families. Andre's
host mother entertained us all with a hilarious recounting of some
of his gastrointestinal difficulties(!) Students sang and then performed
a couple of skits--one about riding
a gbaka (minibus).
 Much
as we had done when the students first came, we called each student
and family up by name and the students gave a thank you flower to
their host family. Having been together for six weeks it was a much
more relaxed occasion this time around.
The students and leaders were all wearing clothing made of material
bought in "Rue de Commerce" a part of the business district with
dozens of shops selling fabric. At about $6 for 2 meters, the material
costs are not so different here. Then we had it made into shirts,
dresses, or skirts at a tailor shop run by Dustin's host mother.
That the tailor made the shirts for about $5 each (not an unusual
price) shows how different is the cost of labor here.
The test was their chance
to show us how much they have learned from the lectures, field trips,
readings, and living here in Abidjan. While six weeks is a short
time, and we can't pretend to having definitive answers, nevertheless
we can say they have learned a great deal. Here we share some of
the insights about Côte d'Ivoire that came out of their responses.
The limits on who may become president of CI... This is a
matter of some importance for the elections coming in the fall
of 2000. One of the more surprising requirements is that the candidate
most be born of two parents who are themselves Ivoirian by birth.
That is a very stringent requirement in a country whose population
may be more than 25% foreigners. Some have suggested that this
law was designed specifically to exclude certain challengers.
In any case there is some question as to whether one of the opposition
leaders meets the requirement.
Regarding the apparent relative stability and prosperity of Côte
d'Ivoire compared to other African nations... We heard several
ideas from different sources. They didn't throw out the French
at independence, they chose good economic policies, major exports
have been profitable, the small size of each individual ethnic
group has necessitated coalitions.
On women and the village 'secret societies'... Some of the
ethnic groups have secret societies into which men are initiated
as they come of age. But women are typically excluded until they
are much older--typically only when they are no longer menstruating.
Regarding the different attitudes towards education here and
in the U.S.... Many North Americans regard education as a fundamental
right of everyone. But here, those seeking knowledge are expected
to prove themselves worthy of it. The educational system here
emphasizes very difficult tests at several stages that many do
not pass. Especially in the arts, education happens chiefly by
apprenticeship. The apprentice may spend years doing menial tasks
before being taught the finer points of the craft.
Early reports by Western explorers and missionaries about religion
in Africa... Some early mission workers and colonists reported
that the Africans had no religious beliefs. Apart from
a few minor "superstitions" they thought Africa was devoid of
all religion and was a "cursed" continent. They explained this
by suggesting that the African people were not yet civilized enough
to even have religion. In fact, Africans did have deep traditional
beliefs and rituals that touched all areas of life. What many
Africans did not do was gather regularly to worship in a (Western)
organized way.
 A
couple days later we all went to the bus station to send them off
to their individual destinations for the six weeks of the service
portion of the term. The bus system here works quite well. Several
bus companies have daily routes throughout the country. Students
rode for 3 to 8 hours to reach their locations aboard very comfortable
buses. At many stops, including the original bus station, there
are vendors selling snacks and other necessities from "floral-like"
arrangements in a tub on their heads. See also:
Here is the list of locations: Adam and Peter in Bangolo; Andre
and Raphael in Biankouma; Angie and Nathan in Bouafle; Bridget,
Michael, and Ned in Guiglo; Dustin, Erin, and Ross in Danane; Janine
and Melody in Blolekin; Kara in Grand Bassam; Katherine and Rebecca
in Guiberoua; Rhiannon and Steve in Daloa. We have gotten word (late
June) from each site that the students arrived safely and found
their families and work assignments.
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