Wednesday, 4 September 2013

Reflection on my placement and GPI



When I first saw NIGERIA on my placement match email from VSO my initial thought was “WHAT?!?!” I know I wanted a placement in Africa, but Nigeria – really??? A quick search on google did little to reduce my fears, Boko Haram, kidnapping, violence – what was I getting myself into? But when I read about GPI and saw what they are doing, well that was my decision made. How could I not go to volunteer in an organisation that was so obviously needed and so relevant, Empowering young women and helping them live health and happy lives free from violence and oppression – it was a worthy cause and one close to my heart. Having more time to research Calabar reduced my fear a little as it is the safest place in Nigeria and a tourist destination!!



And in the months I have been here it was the best decision I could ever have made to come here. I have loved every single moment. The year has had its challenges – malaria, no light for weeks, washing clothes by hand, heartbreak, accidentally eating nuts and loosing nan. But I’ve also learnt how kind strangers can be, how a simple smile or wave can leave me happy all day, how resilient I am, that I can make friends, live without electricity and a television! I’ve had time to read many books, reflect on my life and decide on my future. I’ve seen marriages, danced Atigy and Azuntu, drank star and guilder, ate cake, travelled along some of the worst roads ever, negotiated awesome deals in the market, made people shriek with laughter at my attempts to speak the local language, posed in hundreds of photos, had some great clothes made, and enjoyed being a local celebrity!



I’ve loved my time in Calabar and recommend people are brave and come and experience Nigeria – it really is not as bad as the media portrays. The people of Calabar are peaceful, kind, welcoming and generous!



And what can I say about GPI? Well, they are a bunch of dedicated and crazy people, but I love each and every single one of them. From day one they made me part of their family and I feel blessed they were my partner organisation. I’ve never been somewhere where everyone is this huge family, and everyone supports one another. Yes there are issues (or why else was I needed) but the team spirit is one thing to never doubt here at GPI.



And the staff – well here are my few words about you all:



Pastor Peter – greets me every day with a smile, laughs at my jokes and has the kindest heart



Nduenso – a great conversationalist, highly intelligent and lovely guy who will go far in this life



John – will always grab me for a hug and makes me laugh whenever I see him



Ine – quiet, strong and dependable, he looks great wearing traditional clothes!



Maggie – keeps my cubicle clean and has a smile that lights up the room and radiates warmness 

Oga Drive - our smiley "pilot" driving us safely to all our destinations!



Mercy – my “Nigerian Mum” and a wonderful friend and mother



Bassey – a princess no less who shares my sense of humour, would make an awesome TV presenter and is so down to earth



Comfort – my first GPI contact with a gorgeous laugh and a relaxed, kind manner



Emilia – my confident and friend through all the good, bad and crazy times!



Dorothy – the best dancer ever! So innocent, kind and intelligent



Arit – I admire her strength, focus and determination, she will achieve in life



Bliss – a deeply devoted Christian, wife, mother and friend whose advice I treasure



Helen – her honesty is refreshing and I learnt a lot from our conversations that challenged my own views



Ndodeye – I lost count of how many times this lady made me laugh – a comedian and natural leader



Maggie U – quiet and elegant, highly considerate of others



Maggie A – always a kind word and beautiful greeting each day, tall and gracious



Emmanuel – my knight in shining armour, protecting and helping me!



Mumsy B – a formidable lady who made all things possible by founding GPI





I will miss everyone from GPI so much and my next workplace has a lot to live up to!! I hope I have managed to meet their expectations and have made a difference. I pledge my continued support to GPI in any way I can and want to remain part of your lives forever.

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