My new workplace!

GPI is a great organization – it really seems to be making a good impact on empowering young women and helping them see they have options and choices and can live healthy and happy lives. I’ve been in the office 3 days now and have been looking at the training curriculum and methods they use to teach the girls. The lessons take place on a Sunday afternoon after church for 3 hours, so I will get to experience my first set of lessons this Sunday! I am looking forward to meeting the girls and seeing the facilitation in action. GPI is also involved in outreach work and training of teachers as well as generally raising awareness of girl’s rights and trying to change some traditional views and beliefs towards young girls.

I have the luxury of having my own desk, laptop with internet connection and printer! I have a little cubicle to myself and I have put up some photos today which have been hugely popular – everyone loves photos here!

Everyone has been so friendly, welcoming and kind here – I’m looking forward to working here, although from what I can see GPI is already a great NGO. It has a very dedicated team and its own premises, which include a conference room and lots of classrooms. The security team have walked me to and from work so I feel confident next week walking on my own, its only a 10-15 minute walk and its entertaining as so many people stop to say hello to me! Leanne and I are the only two white people (macarras) in town so we are like celebrities! Everyone wants to talk to us, the children in particular! Most children shout good morning or wave from a distance but one brave girl came running up to me and cuddled me this morning!!! She was so cute, think she’s definitely a GPI girl – empowered and goes for what she wants!

I’m keen to start work, I’ll be formally introduced at the staff meeting on Tuesday and then I will be able to start work shadowing people and beginning to get a good feel for the organization. I definitely feel like I’ve found a great organization to work with!

 

My little cubicle at work!