Day 16

Sorry for the late blog again but the squarespace app needed an update that would not work on wifi and also is glitching by making Haleigh log in 10 times before it gives her access.

We had a pretty standard day of trainings and were very happy it flowed smoothly. While Chika wasn’t there at 7:30 like she told us she’d be, we still managed to get 4 responder interviews in on the way which got us up to 24 total! We also learned a fist bump here is called a “chop knuckle” and that today is a national holiday for Nigeria but nobody really knows what for.

Our training was at FRSC headquarters, so we were happy to see Officer Tomi again! Some of our trainees were FRSC officers that were all in uniform and there was an official opening address by the chairman. The only problem we ran into was the FRSC projector had a vga cable that didn’t connect to any of our laptops, so we had to use a provided laptop and transfer videos over on the flashdrive, however the computer was too slow to even play the videos. Aayush was in his resourcefulness era and had the great idea to just switch the projectors so the in-person class would use the slow one and the virtual would use the faster one with ability to play videos. Anyways, very minor details that were honestly boring for me to write so apologize for that. Also the music at the introduction of each video has burned into our brains and is kinda a vibe now.

We were very excited to get the exact same number of post tests as number of simulations and even had five simulations running at once for maximum efficiency. After our post-training ritual of chicken and jollof rice, we set out grab dinner with Paschall, Chika, HEI Mary, Tomi, Dr. Popoola, and Dr. Simi. However, on the way, Tomi’s car needed a new tire so we made a brief stop at the mechanic, who started to change the tire while we were still in the car until we decided maybe that wasn’t the best idea. Chika gave all of us Nigerian names each from one of the main languages here: Aayush is Emeka, which is Igbo for grateful, Haleigh is Folashada, which is Hausa for world of joy and Mary is Habibba, which is Yoruba for princess. Upon hearing Mary’s meaning was princess, Aayush tried to get his name changed to mean handsome prince, without any success.

Chika also asked Haleigh and Aayush our interpretations of Nigeria (Mary wasn’t in the car that needed a new tire). Aayush said he was impressed with how welcoming and hospitable everyone was, more than many other places he’s traveled, and how unified and passionate most people are on major issues. For example, on our radio interviews about our programs we got asked almost word for word identical questions about the police presence and paying for victims at the hospital. Everyone seems to know what’s going on in politics, like the names of the new health officials that were elected this week, and be in agreement about most political issues, a very stark difference from America. Haleigh added that everyone here is very invested in our programs and willing to help. In America, most people would probably lack interest, yet here our trainees are not only eager to learn, but quickly and effectively pick up the skills, even with often limited education levels.

The restaurant being named “yellow chili” wasn’t a great sign for our collective spice journeys, but they were kind enough to make our meals lack spice. We were rather underdressed for the location because we were not informed about the plan, but we all had a nice dinner together and even sang happy birthday to another table after they gave us leftover cake. Paschall gave us each the chance to say a few words about the programs and our trip and it was nice to hear how happy everyone was with our progress.

Officer Tomi has become our resident videographer with her Snapchat videos so enjoy some extra pictures and videos today!

8-5

Chika absolutely demolishing Aayush in a rap battle

Aayush teaching Chika a handshake in America #wholesome

Did the officers all just want to sit next to Aayush or was he dealing with video downloads in the other room and came in late and was invited to sit on stage in the middle of the officer’s speech in the middle of the officer’s speech

Mary eagerly helping trainees with the recovery position!

Everyone wanted to take pictures with Mary

Okro soup with goat meat and pounded yams (not pictured) and Aayush looking guilty after picking up the cake in the middle of the table with his hands

Mary and Haleigh learning Yoruba!

Believe it or not, this was a highly coordinated picture with multiple people moving around (for balance idk, we don’t ask questions anymore)

Forewarning for this video, Haleigh is an awful dancer and Aayush (who actually knows how to dance) is only marginally better

And we’ll leave you with Aayush’s singing skills