6/19/13 CommUniCATION is EvErYTHInG!

Kids (boys)  in Mongolia love to wrestle. On the beach, in the home, wherever they go, they will expell their energy through wrestling or straight up kick box style fighting. It is interesting to watch, but at times you will see kids, and adults alike walk away with a limp or hunched over. It starts in childhood but this aggressive behavior seems to continue throughout their life.  As American’s we were warned (more so the males in the group) that at some point we could be sized up and depending on how we respond, we could be attacked, especially after a local man has had a few drinks. THis in fact happened tonight to one of my friends while he was playing basketball at his house. He was talking to a gentlemen that clearly had one too many drinks and everything seemed to be going well,; until the man abruptly looked him up and down (he is a sizable guy) and made a fist. My friend’s sister saw this and immediately made him go inside to his room and lock the door.  While this type of behavior occurs in America, it doesn’t seem to be so frequent. We have all met the guy at the bar who gets snockered and picks a fight with the little guy, however,  alcohol abuse is an issue here in Mongolia.  In my classes, we have discussed alcohol abuse as well as aggressive behavior. It is clear that functional life skills classes (that are often taught by gym teachers or homeroom teachers that have a free period and no professional training) are necessary to communicate and help facilitate a plethora of appropriate skills that will impact a Childs’ development and success. The importance for children to be able to communication their feelings effectively so fights do not disrupt the learning process is the foundation to life, as well as being a successful student.  As Peace Corps volunteers we have this opportunity to share our knowledge of child development and make a mark (regardless of how small) on a community.  I am starting to count down the days to when I get moved to my site. I know it is over a month and a half away but I am excited to live on my own in a community where I can create something sustainable and leave my mark.