the Program/ Project

Here is a concise description of my future program in Togo: "The Natural Resource Management Project is focused on assisting individuals, extension agents, groups/associations and communities to evaluate the condition of and plan for the sustainable utilization of their existing local natural resources. The project focuses on promoting a wise and sustainable use of natural resources through forestry and agroforestry techniques to improve the general environmental condition and the quality of life in the communities where we work." In addition, Peace Corps volunteers have the option to pursue a second project in a field of their choice, whether this be HIV/AIDS, Computer Science, tutoring etc...

Indian/ Togolese Auto Rickshaws (Tempos)

Well, I have found a link between my time in India and my Peace Corps placement in Togo. It happens that a Togolese entrepreneur is the first in Africa to import Indian taxis, called "tempos" with 2 or 4 stroke engines. So, the two places in the world where one can be sure to find Indian tempos (or taxi tempos as they are called in Togo) are downtown Delhi and downtown Lomé, the capital of Togo. Apparently Togolese women prefer the taxi tempo because its comfort far surpasses that of the back of a scooter or motorcycle that was often the only taxi-like transport available in town...

Here is a photo of the inside of one and one in the distance: http://www.flickr.com/photos

/thompsoncw/117671912/

Togo or not to go

Well, in the mail this morning I found an invitation from the Peace Corps to spend 2 years in a small West African country...have a look at the links to the right for more information on the Republic of Togo. Departure is scheduled for June 6, 2006.