Ambassador Tulinabo Mushingi, Peace Corps Country Director Keith Hackett, and several members of the U.S. Mission traveled to the East Region for the “American Road Show” from May 18 to 19, 2016. The purpose of this Road Show was to highlight the work of some of the Peace Corps Volunteers in the region while connecting with the residents in each of the villages.
Day one began in Bilanga-Yanga with education volunteer Chris Rowell who presented to the Ambassador his solar panel project, which enables students at the secondary school to have light at night to study. He also obtained for the school a computer and printer estimated in value at 3.500.000 CFA with a 25 percent contribution from residents.
The next stop was a visit with the Governor of the East Region at Fada N’gourma, Hyacinthe Yoda. Following the meeting, the governor accompanied the Embassy caravan to Bougui, 7km east of Fada, to see achievements of community economic development Peace Corps Volunteer, Henry Van Damme. The community gave him the nickname Natama Yempabou (God GIves). In collaboration with the association Tinga Finditi (feed the earth and the earth will feed you), Van Damme has encouraged youth in gardening and has worked with residents to reinforce the dam. He has also helped the community build a new market place. During the visit, the village named Ambassador Mushingi Yemboado (God Loves).
Day two started at Nakaba where the Ambassador was received by the traditional chief and health Peace Corps Volunteer Erik Lund, whom villagers have named minister of the chief and the delegates of the region. The Ambassador had the occasion to see a gardening project led by volunteers before visiting the health center.
The last stop was at Nedogo, where health Peace Corps Volunteer Brian Castro and education Volunteer Meghan Butt welcomed the Ambassador. The visit showcased the classrooms and garden project at the secondary school where Meghan teaches mathematics and the health center where Brian works to help sensitize residents on breast feeding, malaria prevention, and HIV/AIDS.
The Ambassador was warmly welcomed in all four villages. He presented books for the schools and seeds for the gardens.
