Complete Set AWS
we all work
© 2004 Rachel Hill
Ghana
Mending Fishing Nets
Here on the docks of Cape Coast in the shadow of Elimina Slave Castle, fishermen mend their nets. The castle, symbol of a violent past where, centuries ago, Africans were forced from the continent onto waiting slave ships, sits quietly by the sea. Today the castle is largely disregarded by the inhabitants who move about it daily, sitting on the waterfront rocks beneath its whitewashed walls alongside the infamous “Door to No Return.” Tourists pass through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, gazing out over the docks while the fishermen concentrate, meticulously stitching their gauzy aqua-colored nets. Today the lives of the fishermen depend on this task, on this routine, and on the men with whom they go to sea, this time to fish. -- Rachel Hill, Peace Corps/Burkina Faso, 2003-05 Ghana (Republic of Ghana) Capital Accra Population 23,832,495 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 59.85 years Literacy 57.9% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Asante 14.8%, Ewe 12.7%, Fante 9.9%, Boron 4.6%, Dagomba 4%, others Religions Christian 68.8%, Muslim 15.9%, traditional 8.5% Government constitutional democracy Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all work
© 1998 Janeen Dorsch
Macedonia
Cutting Hay
On a train to the capital of Skopje, where they would receive a grant from the U.S. Embassy for their multi-ethnic Drop Dead Drama Club, my students ran excitedly through the wagons, checking out the teenage possibilities. In their search, they managed to identify the only other American on the train, an Albanian-American on a visit to the family village, and dragged him back to meet me. Weeks later he called to invite me to visit his village and family. Here, his aunts and cousins are amused at having their picture taken as they cut hay, an event which briefly pulls home family members from their various places of work across Europe. -- Janeen Dorsch, Peace Corps/Macedonia, 1996-99 Macedonia (Republic of Macedonia) Capital Skopje Population 2,066,718 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 74.68 years Literacy 96.1% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Macedonian 66.5%, Albanian 25%, Turkish 3.5%, Roma 1.9%, Serbian 1% Religions Macedonian Orthodox 64.7%, Muslim 33.3%, other Christian 0.37% Government parliamentary democracy Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all work
© 2002 Harlen Persinger
Moldova
Harvesting Grapes
Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the Republic of Moldova is shaped like a bunch of grapes. From ancient times to today, viticulture and winemaking blend with rich centuries-old ethnic traditions. Guests are welcomed with special warmth and soothing wines. When savoring Moldovan wines, one senses the warmth of the sun, the cool morning dew, the clean air, the texture of rich soil. Every villager has his press, vat, and casks to make wine in his home. To fully appreciate this noble craft, one must partake in the traditional toast or “Noroc” which can mean hello, good luck, happiness, health, and may all your wishes come true. -- Harlen Persinger Moldova (Republic of Moldova) Capital Chisinau (Kishinev) Population 4,320,748 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 70.8 years Literacy 99.1% Languages Moldovan (official), Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect) Religions Eastern Orthodox 98%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist and other 0.5% Government republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all work
© 1993 Jim Good
Nepal
Making Pottery
Bhaktapur, Kathmandu and Patan were the capitals of the three ancient kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley. Each has its own Dhurbar Margh or Royal Square. And just around the corner from the Dhurbar Margh in Bhaktapur is another landmark, Potters’ Square. Thousands of perfect and identical pots lie drying in the street, and the shops and stalls are filled with fired black and red pieces. The “engine” of this open-air factory consists of three men sitting at large wheels anchored in the floor. The sunshine is warm in November and the light angles in to the rear wall of the studio. The wheels are so big that the men must sit well back from the clay. Their ability to reach out and work the clay at arm’s length hurts the observer’s back. Yet the swirling mounds of clay yield pot after perfect pot. -- Jim Good, Peace Corps/Philippines, 1982-84
Nepal (Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal) Capital Kathmandu Population 28,563,377 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 65.46 years Literacy 48.6% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Nepali 47.8%, Maithali 12%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu 5.8%, Tamang 5%, Religions Hindu 80.6%, Buddhist 10.7%, Muslim 4.2%, Kirant 3.6% Government federal democratic republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all work
© 1974 Ken Swift
Pakistan
Repairing Tea Pots
Using his bow drill and pine pitch for glue, this tinker mends porcelain tea cups and pots at the Chitral Bazaar in northern Pakistan. He drills a hole on either side of the broken piece of porcelain and taps in a metal staple to hold the pieces together as the pine glue sets. For days at a hotel in Chitral in northwestern Pakistan, I drank tea from a repaired teapot. One day at the hotel, I woke up to the wonder that the mended teapot represented. I went to the bazaar, bought a new teapot, and then traded it for the miracle pictured here. -- Ken Swift Pakistan (Islamic Republic of Pakistan) Capital Islamabad Population 176,242,949 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 64.49 years Literacy 49.9% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki 10%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Religions Muslim 95% (Sunni 75%, Shia 20%), Christian, Hindu and other 5% Government federal republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all work
© 2001 Joy Patman
Panama
Indigenous Kuna Woman Sewing a Mola in San Blas
From the first minutes I set foot on Isla Maquina in Panama’s San Blas archipelago, the island and the indigenous Kuna women made a lasting impression. The aerial views of their unspoiled environment, the vibrant colors of the women’s traditional dress and beadwork, and the longstanding matriarchal system under which the communities continue to live and thrive intrigued me. Word spread that visitors had arrived. Children and women came down the paths of this tiny island, wanting to see who we were. Some were waving molas, the beautiful multilayered appliqué and well-known export of the region. We attempted conversation about our physical appearances, and finally, were aided by some of the Kuna children who had learned Spanish in school. The small gold nose ring I’ve worn since Peace Corps training in Fiji didn’t pass muster. Compared to the quarter-inch think gold rings wedged through these women’s septa, mine was too small and incorrectly placed! Now it was our turn to inquire about their beaded arm and leg bands. The kids had tired of translating, so we pointed and gestured. They eventually understood and led us down a path to a woman’s house. There we were the center of attention as two women wrapped our legs with similar designs. The dark space was filled with giggles and Kuna banter reminiscent of a sewing circle. The next day, as someone accompanied me around the island, I caught Veronica Martinez sewing this mola in the hammock outside her house. -- Joy Patman Panama (Republic of Panama) Capital Panama Population 3,360,474 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 77.25 years Literacy 91.9% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Spanish (official), English 14% Religions Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15% Government constitutional democracy Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all work
© 1991 Carol Hayman
Peru
Knitting Hats at Textile Cooperative
Lake Titicaca, at 12,500 feet, on the border between Bolivia and Peru, is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world and is the largest lake in South America. The island of Taquile, in Lake Titicaca, is a four hour boat ride from the mainland. This distance has allowed the islanders to maintain their culture because they determine who and what comes to the island. These men are standing in the doorway of the cooperative where they sell their textile work. The men knit and weave in the traditional colors of their community, red and white. The women, who spin as they walk, re-spin commercial wool yarn to make it fine enough for the exquisitely tightly woven wide belts the men make. The men use knitting needles made from coat hanger wire. Taquile seems quite remote, out of sight of the mainland or other islands, surrounded by the sparkling blue lake waters. While much of the island lacks modern conveniences like running water and electricity, the island is connected to the rest of the world by telephone. -- Carol Hayman, Peace Corps/Jamaica, 1978-80 Peru (Republic of Peru) Capital Lima Population 29,546,964 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 70.74 years Literacy 87.7% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara, others Religions Roman Catholic 81%, other Christian 2.1%, unspecified or none 16.3% Government constitutional republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all work
© 2005 Joy Campbell
Tanzania
Seamstress in Outdoor Shop
It was an all-day bus ride from Dar es Salaam to the southern highlands of Tanzania. In the town of Iringa, I came upon this seamstress and her outdoor shop on a dusty street near the main soko or market. She was busily hemming a kanga, the colorful cotton cloth which alternates as head wrap, apron, or baby sling. She and several other women who worked had foot pedal sewing machines set up along the street where they took in work from passersby. After a few minutes of conversation in my broken Kiswahili – which brought the wide smile to her face – I continued on my way with two newly hemmed kanga and the memory of this industrious woman on “Seamstress Street.” -- Joy Campbell, Peace Corps/Morocco, 1998-2000 Tanzania (United Republic of Tanzania) Capital Dar es Salaam Population 41,048,532 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 52.01 years Literacy 69.4% (age 15 and over can read and write Kiswahili, English or Arabic Languages Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguja, English, Arabic, others Religions Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs 35%, (Zanzibar: 99% Muslim) Government republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
© 2004 Rachel Hill
Ghana
Mending Fishing Nets
Here on the docks of Cape Coast in the shadow of Elimina Slave Castle, fishermen mend their nets. The castle, symbol of a violent past where, centuries ago, Africans were forced from the continent onto waiting slave ships, sits quietly by the sea. Today the castle is largely disregarded by the inhabitants who move about it daily, sitting on the waterfront rocks beneath its whitewashed walls alongside the infamous “Door to No Return.” Tourists pass through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, gazing out over the docks while the fishermen concentrate, meticulously stitching their gauzy aqua-colored nets. Today the lives of the fishermen depend on this task, on this routine, and on the men with whom they go to sea, this time to fish. -- Rachel Hill, Peace Corps/Burkina Faso, 2003-05 Ghana (Republic of Ghana) Capital Accra Population 23,832,495 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 59.85 years Literacy 57.9% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Asante 14.8%, Ewe 12.7%, Fante 9.9%, Boron 4.6%, Dagomba 4%, others Religions Christian 68.8%, Muslim 15.9%, traditional 8.5% Government constitutional democracy Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all work
© 1998 Janeen Dorsch
Macedonia
Cutting Hay
On a train to the capital of Skopje, where they would receive a grant from the U.S. Embassy for their multi-ethnic Drop Dead Drama Club, my students ran excitedly through the wagons, checking out the teenage possibilities. In their search, they managed to identify the only other American on the train, an Albanian-American on a visit to the family village, and dragged him back to meet me. Weeks later he called to invite me to visit his village and family. Here, his aunts and cousins are amused at having their picture taken as they cut hay, an event which briefly pulls home family members from their various places of work across Europe. -- Janeen Dorsch, Peace Corps/Macedonia, 1996-99 Macedonia (Republic of Macedonia) Capital Skopje Population 2,066,718 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 74.68 years Literacy 96.1% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Macedonian 66.5%, Albanian 25%, Turkish 3.5%, Roma 1.9%, Serbian 1% Religions Macedonian Orthodox 64.7%, Muslim 33.3%, other Christian 0.37% Government parliamentary democracy Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all work
© 2002 Harlen Persinger
Moldova
Harvesting Grapes
Perhaps it’s no coincidence that the Republic of Moldova is shaped like a bunch of grapes. From ancient times to today, viticulture and winemaking blend with rich centuries-old ethnic traditions. Guests are welcomed with special warmth and soothing wines. When savoring Moldovan wines, one senses the warmth of the sun, the cool morning dew, the clean air, the texture of rich soil. Every villager has his press, vat, and casks to make wine in his home. To fully appreciate this noble craft, one must partake in the traditional toast or “Noroc” which can mean hello, good luck, happiness, health, and may all your wishes come true. -- Harlen Persinger Moldova (Republic of Moldova) Capital Chisinau (Kishinev) Population 4,320,748 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 70.8 years Literacy 99.1% Languages Moldovan (official), Russian, Gagauz (a Turkish dialect) Religions Eastern Orthodox 98%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist and other 0.5% Government republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all work
© 1993 Jim Good
Nepal
Making Pottery
Bhaktapur, Kathmandu and Patan were the capitals of the three ancient kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley. Each has its own Dhurbar Margh or Royal Square. And just around the corner from the Dhurbar Margh in Bhaktapur is another landmark, Potters’ Square. Thousands of perfect and identical pots lie drying in the street, and the shops and stalls are filled with fired black and red pieces. The “engine” of this open-air factory consists of three men sitting at large wheels anchored in the floor. The sunshine is warm in November and the light angles in to the rear wall of the studio. The wheels are so big that the men must sit well back from the clay. Their ability to reach out and work the clay at arm’s length hurts the observer’s back. Yet the swirling mounds of clay yield pot after perfect pot. -- Jim Good, Peace Corps/Philippines, 1982-84
Nepal (Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal) Capital Kathmandu Population 28,563,377 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 65.46 years Literacy 48.6% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Nepali 47.8%, Maithali 12%, Bhojpuri 7.4%, Tharu 5.8%, Tamang 5%, Religions Hindu 80.6%, Buddhist 10.7%, Muslim 4.2%, Kirant 3.6% Government federal democratic republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all work
© 1974 Ken Swift
Pakistan
Repairing Tea Pots
Using his bow drill and pine pitch for glue, this tinker mends porcelain tea cups and pots at the Chitral Bazaar in northern Pakistan. He drills a hole on either side of the broken piece of porcelain and taps in a metal staple to hold the pieces together as the pine glue sets. For days at a hotel in Chitral in northwestern Pakistan, I drank tea from a repaired teapot. One day at the hotel, I woke up to the wonder that the mended teapot represented. I went to the bazaar, bought a new teapot, and then traded it for the miracle pictured here. -- Ken Swift Pakistan (Islamic Republic of Pakistan) Capital Islamabad Population 176,242,949 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 64.49 years Literacy 49.9% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Punjabi 48%, Sindhi 12%, Siraiki 10%, Pashtu 8%, Urdu (official) 8%, Religions Muslim 95% (Sunni 75%, Shia 20%), Christian, Hindu and other 5% Government federal republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all work
© 2001 Joy Patman
Panama
Indigenous Kuna Woman Sewing a Mola in San Blas
From the first minutes I set foot on Isla Maquina in Panama’s San Blas archipelago, the island and the indigenous Kuna women made a lasting impression. The aerial views of their unspoiled environment, the vibrant colors of the women’s traditional dress and beadwork, and the longstanding matriarchal system under which the communities continue to live and thrive intrigued me. Word spread that visitors had arrived. Children and women came down the paths of this tiny island, wanting to see who we were. Some were waving molas, the beautiful multilayered appliqué and well-known export of the region. We attempted conversation about our physical appearances, and finally, were aided by some of the Kuna children who had learned Spanish in school. The small gold nose ring I’ve worn since Peace Corps training in Fiji didn’t pass muster. Compared to the quarter-inch think gold rings wedged through these women’s septa, mine was too small and incorrectly placed! Now it was our turn to inquire about their beaded arm and leg bands. The kids had tired of translating, so we pointed and gestured. They eventually understood and led us down a path to a woman’s house. There we were the center of attention as two women wrapped our legs with similar designs. The dark space was filled with giggles and Kuna banter reminiscent of a sewing circle. The next day, as someone accompanied me around the island, I caught Veronica Martinez sewing this mola in the hammock outside her house. -- Joy Patman Panama (Republic of Panama) Capital Panama Population 3,360,474 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 77.25 years Literacy 91.9% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Spanish (official), English 14% Religions Roman Catholic 85%, Protestant 15% Government constitutional democracy Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all work
© 1991 Carol Hayman
Peru
Knitting Hats at Textile Cooperative
Lake Titicaca, at 12,500 feet, on the border between Bolivia and Peru, is one of the highest navigable lakes in the world and is the largest lake in South America. The island of Taquile, in Lake Titicaca, is a four hour boat ride from the mainland. This distance has allowed the islanders to maintain their culture because they determine who and what comes to the island. These men are standing in the doorway of the cooperative where they sell their textile work. The men knit and weave in the traditional colors of their community, red and white. The women, who spin as they walk, re-spin commercial wool yarn to make it fine enough for the exquisitely tightly woven wide belts the men make. The men use knitting needles made from coat hanger wire. Taquile seems quite remote, out of sight of the mainland or other islands, surrounded by the sparkling blue lake waters. While much of the island lacks modern conveniences like running water and electricity, the island is connected to the rest of the world by telephone. -- Carol Hayman, Peace Corps/Jamaica, 1978-80 Peru (Republic of Peru) Capital Lima Population 29,546,964 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 70.74 years Literacy 87.7% (age 15 and over can read and write) Languages Spanish (official), Quechua (official), Aymara, others Religions Roman Catholic 81%, other Christian 2.1%, unspecified or none 16.3% Government constitutional republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
we all work
© 2005 Joy Campbell
Tanzania
Seamstress in Outdoor Shop
It was an all-day bus ride from Dar es Salaam to the southern highlands of Tanzania. In the town of Iringa, I came upon this seamstress and her outdoor shop on a dusty street near the main soko or market. She was busily hemming a kanga, the colorful cotton cloth which alternates as head wrap, apron, or baby sling. She and several other women who worked had foot pedal sewing machines set up along the street where they took in work from passersby. After a few minutes of conversation in my broken Kiswahili – which brought the wide smile to her face – I continued on my way with two newly hemmed kanga and the memory of this industrious woman on “Seamstress Street.” -- Joy Campbell, Peace Corps/Morocco, 1998-2000 Tanzania (United Republic of Tanzania) Capital Dar es Salaam Population 41,048,532 (2009 est.) Life Expectancy 52.01 years Literacy 69.4% (age 15 and over can read and write Kiswahili, English or Arabic Languages Kiswahili or Swahili (official), Kiunguja, English, Arabic, others Religions Christian 30%, Muslim 35%, indigenous beliefs 35%, (Zanzibar: 99% Muslim) Government republic Source: The World Factbook, 2009
This photo appears on the we all work International Poster, produced by the RPCVs of Wisconsin-Madison, 2009. For more information and to order a complete set of full-size posters, see http://www.rpcvmadison.org/
