Close to the finish line

It's becoming a distinct reality that I'll be leaving Moldova in less than two months -- certainly the prospect gives me pause, a long pause.  My M28 group had its COS conference on Apr 22-24 (COS stands for closing-out-service).  We reflected on our past two years in Moldova as Peace Corps volunteers, and also looking ahead at post-PC life, crucial for the younger volunteers who are looking for jobs or applying to graduate schools.

Here's the whole M28 group in front of the PC office

A few of us "older" volunteers

At our COS conference - sharing our perceptions of our service

Closing out service means I'm faced with a myriad of wrap-up activities ranging from closing out bank accounts, to writing up several project reports for my organization, recording assessments of activities for Peace Corps, getting final medical and dental exams, and so on, and so on.  All of these tasks will no doubt take the full two months to complete.  I'm conscientious enough that I want to ensure my org, AFA, can carry on without a hitch meaning that I want to leave sufficient documentation on project ideas, process improvements, assessment tools, and the like so they can continue to strengthen their capabilities in the ever-changing world of NGOs.  I so want AFA to sustain itself, but one of their weak points is that they get mired in the daily operational concerns, and don't have time to address organizational development and strategic planning.  A positive outlook is that AFA will very likely get a new PCV when the new group of volunteers gets assigned in August.

Besides all the administrative tasks to deal with, of course, I'm dealing with the emotional effects of my departure.  I've grown close to Tatiana, my business partner, and my host "mom" Emilia.  They have been wonderful in keeping me in the present, giving me encouragement, and supporting me in every way.  My other co-workers and colleagues are very dear to me too.  How I will miss them!  I've also made solid ties with a few of the other PCVs - we've faced similar challenges and just being able to kibitz with them was a stress reliever.  I'm thankful that there is an organization for Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (I'll officially be an RPCV on July 9th) which will help me with maintaining connections, assist me with other opportunities to volunteer within the PC community, and keep me informed of local events with other RPCVs.  I've now got another "family"!

Regarding existing projects with AFA, I'm finishing up work with two crafts workshop which were set up for the disabled beneficiaries who completed training in various vocational skills in order to be able to find employment or establish their own small businesses.  I had succeeded in getting a grant from Peace Corps Partnership Program to help fund the equipment purchase.

Igor is apprenticing at the woodworking shop

We recently bought machines and tools to outfit a woodworking station where 5 disabled people will be further mentored by a master woodworker, Alexei, who is also disabled.  He has been operating a successful furniture-making business for several years now, himself a beneficiary from AFA's various training sessions.  He has been a great partner with us.

Some of the machinery for the woodworking shop

Working on wall box

No doubt, the beneficiaries have developed greater skills as a result of their time during this project.  They’ve developed holistically, not just acquiring a marketable skill.  They’ve exercised their minds even if their own bodies may not be fully functioning.  For the direct beneficiaries, they acquired both practical and theoretical knowledge that they applied to advance their vocations through a series of trainings - life skills, entrepreneurship, marketing, accounting, developing a business plan, even in producing PowerPoint presentations and social media tools.  

Natalia and me with candle-making apparatus

Another workshop geared towards crafts was also furnished with equipment/tools and supplies from the grant.  These were purchased from a Ukrainian company which was the nearest company supplying candle-making resources for our workshop at the Dezdna Center for the Disabled in Singerei.  Eight beneficiaries have learned to craft artisan candles and will be able to produce high-quality candles with this set of materials.  They have succeeded early on, and are selling their candles in the local market already.

Anastasia and Angela are quick learners

Selling candles at local exposition

 

Crafts like woodworking and candle-making are not unique in Moldova, of course.  However, the kinds of products made have not been contemporary in style. Coming up with creative ideas in these age-old crafts are what will distinguish their product lines from the more traditional ones.  These crafts will never become obsolete, but the crafts people have to continue to be innovative and creative in their designs to ensure the continuing success of their workshops.




I'll likely have a few more postings to my blog as I try to sum up the many different experiences I have had here on a cultural, educational, political, etc. level, each one giving me insights into Moldova (and into me).  I just need some downtime to process all these inputs first.  I'm looking forward to downtime after I return home!

Thanks to all my family and friends who have kept in touch - you've kept me grounded!