Gonging out Ceremony

Wednesday, Grover and I had our "gonging out" ceremony. This is somewhat of a Peace Corps Cameroon tradition, where people who are COSing, right before leaving, have a little ceremony with the Country Director, Program Director and any other staff or volunteers who are around. The gonging calls everyone together and highlights certain moments. During this time the Program Director shares with everyone a little about the volunteers work, and anyone shares any memories or comments about the volunteer, a bit of a hot seat situation. We also have a chance to speak as volunteers. Then certificates are handed out and the Peace Corps Cameroon pin (which we are all encouraged to wear to any job interviews). While usually there are 4 or 5 volunteers, it was only Grover and me COSing this week, which was nice. We came in together, both as agroforestry volunteers, and both of us extended 3 months. We went through the process of our medical clearance and other administration paperwork and interviews together. He flew out last night.

David Tiamadjo and "the gong"

Country Director Lahoma Romocki

Getting language level certificates

Country Director Lahoma Romocki, Agroforestry Program Director Tiki Theophile Manga, and Program and Training Officer Kim Ahanda

Agroforestry Ho'yay

(stop talking to donkeys)