Hello Everyone!

Hey everyone,
So I just found out about my Peace Corps assignment. It seems like just a little while ago that I was starting at CU-Boulder…and now it is the next big phase of my life.. I am really excited and I now that serving as a Peace Corps volunteer will be an amazing experience.
Some Background Information about what I will be doing in Mozambique that I wanted to share with everyone:
* I will be working as a community Development Promoter within the Health and HIV/AIDS Capacity Building Project, which means that I will be assisting non-governmental, or community based organizations in the region. I do not know all the details of where I will be or what I will be doing because I have to first complete a 10-week training Program.
* From Sept 25- December 10: I will be participating in an intensive training program trying to learn Portuguese and an African Dialect as well as try to become accustomed to the culture. I will also be preparing for my volunteer assignment. I will be living with a host family in a rural setting outside of the capital Maputo.
Some Background information about the country of Mozambique:
*Portuguese is the official language. The major ethnic groups each have their own languages: Makhuwa, Tsonga, Lomwe, Sena, and numerous others.
*Mozambique achieved independence from Portugal on January
25,1975. But between 1977 and 1992 up to a million Mozambicans died from fighting and famine in a civil war that ruined the economy and much of the countryside. However Mozambique is known for its ability to move from the civil war period to a peaceful democracy.
* Poverty and Health: Mozambique along with many other African nations are still battling issues of poverty and disease. Poverty remains widespread, with more than 50% of Mozambicans living on less than $1 a day. There are only about 500 Mozambican medical doctors that serve over 19 million people. HIV prevalence is increasing like many of its bordering nations.
* Geography: Mozambique is on the Indian Ocean and is about double the size of California. Its bordering neighbors are South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.
* Mozambique has some of the most beautiful un-touched beaches in the world! Some of the best shell collecting and scuba diving can be done here! As well as some of the coolest most natural animal reserves ranging of a plethora of national parks! So if anyone is traveling, they should come visit!