Camp Glow... Reflections

We had just finished sweeping the campus for all lingering trash, plastic bags, pen caps, and other debris from our Olympics when one student, Hippolite, ran up to one of us. In French, he exclaimed, “Thank you! Thank you so much for doing all of this… But, I have a question… Why? Why did you come here and do all of this for us?” It was unbelievable for him that we would set up a week-long camp, free of charge, for students of all backgrounds. Why was he chosen? What did he do to deserve this? Why would we spend so much money on a camp of all things? The volunteer with him said something about being motivated and wanting them to teach the others and Hippolite disappeared to go back and play soccer with the other students. But the question remains- why?

The idea of Camp G²LOW is simple: promote healthy lifestyles, promote gender equality, and empower students. We brought sixty students together with the intent to teach them life skills and empowerment techniques so that when they return to their villages they might teach others, and so on and son until everyone can hear from their own peers about things such as family planning or malaria prevention. The students we chose were motivated and dynamic, influential among their peers. We hope that they can inspire a change in others if, during the camp, we could inspire a change in them. Everyone thinks the future belongs to the youth; the camp was created in order to motivate them to take charge. The very name stands for Guys and Girls Leading Our World. This was a week-long shove in the right direction.

There were so many encouraging moments throughout the camp where the students truly shined but one day in particular jumps to mind. We had one day dedicated to sexual education, a topic which is often avoided at the village level. Many students have little to no knowledge of the anatomy, puberty, or HIV/ AIDS. The subject is taboo. Girls are circumcised in secret. Rape is covered up and HIV rampant. However, for perhaps the first time for some of these students, they were given a safe environment where they could ask questions, find answers, and be fearless. When the boys were having their sexual education session, they asked so many questions that the session ran for almost fifty percent longer than the scheduled time. Each day’s schedule was crowded but we could not afford to put a stop to the students’ search for answers. I feel that this day showed how curious the students are about the world around them and how they are desperate for knowledge. It is a strong indicator that, indeed, they will take the lessons learned at camp this week and teach others.

We can look at the results of the administered post-test to see where the students changed the most. Upon arrival and immediately before departure, our students filled out a small exam for us to evaluate their level of knowledge. The results were outstanding. At the end of the week the number of students who thought both sexes could be doctors rose by 36%, president by 35%, and a stay-at-home parent by 76%! The number of students who could identify three malaria prevention methods rose from 45% to 78%. The number of students who thought mutual consent was needed before sex also rose from 59% to 87%. Clearly, attitudes were progressing throughout the week. Even if some students did not change their opinions entirely, progressive seeds have been planted. Gains have been made. And we are excited to see them change over time.

I am actually most excited about the participation of our junior counselors. We had six students between 10^th and 12^th grade helping with the camp. They were chosen for being excellent, motivated role models for the campers. I remember one conversation with my counterpart Amidou. Amidou is the equivalent of the student body president for my host high school. Upon arrival to the training for the camp, he saw that he would have to teach with an American counterpart on malaria and immediately started seeking resources, information, and help in preparing. He studied the material constantly, practiced with his partner, and took his role seriously. His volunteer counterpart for the lesson confided that he was impressed with Amidou’s performance. Amidou later spoke to me on his observation of life in village. He saw that there was a need for the youth to take an interest in the future of the country, that unless people can volunteer to help others, nothing will change. He talked about personal heroes and how he wants to take the activities from camp back to site. We were heartbroken when he had to return home early due to his mother’s illness.

Anne was another junior counselor who signed up to help the day before training. She struggled a lot at the beginning, wondering what she was getting out of volunteering. It is not a common occurrence in this country and she was being ridiculed by her parents for wanting to work for free. Anne approached me several times asking me about the camp, and volunteering, and American opinions overseas. She confided that she was passionate about stopping female circumcision but felt unqualified and too alone to do anything about it. “Why am I here?” she asked me. We talked for a long time that first night before camp about how she can use this experience to gain confidence, connections and teaching experience. She can go and volunteer at a health clinic and improve her technical knowledge. Despite these original doubts and difficulties, she persevered. She taught on decision making, helped with activities, stayed at camp late and arrived early. She put so much self-sacrifice into this camp for a chance at self-growth despite the ridicule of those close to her. When we presented her the certificate of participation for facilitators, she started crying. I was so proud of her work and courage this past week and wish her luck in her future work in her community.

How can I judge the success of the camp? I can look at the data for the post-test. I can talk with these junior counselors or other host-country counterparts and hear the impact it made on their lives. Or I can remember the sixty crying students the final morning of camp as they prepared to leave the community they had built here. They worked together. They learned together. They grew together. They experienced something entirely out of their comfort zones and flourished. Clearly, this week was meaningful to them. Now that they are all returned back to their respective villages, I know that something will change. Maybe attitudes and behaviors will change. I hope so. I believe so. After all, these were the girls and guys who will be leading our world.