Language & Cross-Cultural Facilitators

Today, we took our final test as Peace Corps Senegal Trainees – a Language Proficiency Interview (LPI). Over the past 2½  months, our days have been filled with new culture, language, and information. Little by little, however, the unfamiliar becomes less foreign.

In Peace Corps Senegal, trainees can be assigned one of 7 languages to learn. In our trainee group of 53 there are 10 of us learning Pulaar.  Early in our training, we are broken into groups of 2 to 4 and paired with a Senegalese teacher, called a Language & Cross-Cultural Facilitator (LCF). Language groups study in formal classes, discuss cultural integration, and experience Community Based Training (see “Ablaye and Sohkna Ba”) in local cities. Throughout this entire process, LCFs are our guides to success.

Before we ever step foot in Senegal, LCFs are planning and preparing. They welcome incoming trainees, and give an incredible example of Senegalese hospitality. Many of their families do not live near the training city, so LCFs stay at the Peace Corps Center for the duration of training – sacrificing time with family and community to help us prepare. LCF’s accept this job on a temporary contract, teaching Peace Corps Senegal’s 2 trainee groups per year (Ag volunteers in the Fall, Health & Community Economic Development in the Spring). Even when trainees are away from the center, LCFs attend seminars and meetings. They are always seeking to improve themselves and the curriculum in order to better prepare volunteers in the field. Peace Corps Senegal holds high expectations for trainees in language, and LCFs are always working to raise the bar.

Our LCF is named Alassane Ba. He is soft spoken but confident, and has a spot on sense of humor. Alassane speaks at least 6 languages, and is constantly challenging himself to learn more. Alassane’s teaching style is patient and steady. He has worked with our group in shared sessions and one-on-ones, intentionally working with our individual learning needs. In addition to Pulaar, he has shared cultural lessons such as the local ceremonies, Islamic Brotherhoods, holidays, and family dynamics. Living with us in our CBT city, Alassane has reinforced and encouraged our relationships with our host family. When cultural differences prove particularly difficult, he is there to listen or assist.

 

 

Yesterday, we said goodbye to the Ba family, our wonderful hosts for CBT.

It was a bittersweet step towards swear-in as volunteers next week. It’s hard to imagine leaving the security of Alassane, our CBT family, and fellow trainees as we head to permanent site soon. Just as relationships have grown and daily life has become predictable and familiar, it’s time to move on again.

In a few days, we will receive the results of our final exam and, Inshallah, be officially approved to swear-in as Peace Corps Volunteers. Until then, we will soak up the time left together with friends and instructors here at the training center.

Many thanks to Alassane and all the LCFs for all your hard work over the last three months.