I am so lucky to be in a town with a biking culture, where motorists and pedestrians respect bikers, there are makeshift bike lanes and enough paved roads through and across town that make my commute easy (though, the side streets are a beast). I was reluctant to borrow a bicycle from Peace Corps and spent the first-month walking hours and/or taking taxis to and from town. Over time I mustered the courage and made a request for a bicycle. Now, I’m riding
freely without any fear. I have my preferred biking routes and I found a local bicycle repair shop.
In addition to becoming a biker, I moved into my assigned housing. I also hosted my first Planning Meeting with my colleagues. Peace Corps Response Volunteers in Zambia are supporting the DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) program by providing program management support to communities implementing Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), a framework developed by the Ministry of General
Education in conjunction with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to provide an evidence-based, age–appropriate, and culturally relevant sexual and reproductive health education for students. During our Planning Meeting, we
discussed potential activities for the next quarter and defined our deliverables. I composed a budget with this information and submitted a grant application to Peace Corps Zambia. The grant is under review, and we will commence our activities once we receive funding. We are aiming to increase referrals for students from Guidance Teachers to community organizations, build the capacity of teachers to properly implement CSE, garner more support from administrators to strengthen implementation efforts, and finally pilot a Debate Club in one school with a focus on CSE topics. With our fingers crossed we will host a one-week camp for 20 – 30 girls in December.
jess•make•room 
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