Moamba REDES Exhibition

 

Yesterday, Dia da Paz (Peace Day), a fellow PCV in Moamba threw an exhibition for her REDES group.  Scooter and I traveled to meet her and participate in the festivities.  The REDES group invited government officials throughout Moamba to learn about what REDES is, what the girls do, and how they as community leaders can contribute to and support REDES.  The girls put together several dance pieces and invited students from a secondary school across town to dance and sing.  They then showed pictures of the REDES group and talked about activities they've done throughout the community.  Finally, the girls put together a fashion show of the products they make (everything from earrings, necklaces, and belts to place-mats and bags).  We then all got together for a snack (of DELICIOUS Indian finger foods), browsed and bought items the girls had made, and talked about their REDES experiences.  I don't think this type of event happens often, and I was happy I could participate.  It is a great way for knowledge of a program to spread through a community, gain support from community members and government officials, and motivate the girls to continue working and growing as a group and as individuals.  I was impressed with the leadership they took of the exhibition, and I was extremely impressed with the Mozambican group facilitator and all she did for the event.  I hope other PCVs take this idea and implement it at their sites, encouraging knowledge sharing, support, and participation.