We've got a book to review today that gives an in-depth view into intercultural adaptation. What I Saw In Africa, by D. Marie Winters, is a detailed journey through a three-month internship the author had in Africa. D. Marie Winters is a graduate student at Freed-Hardeman University in Memphis, Tennessee, working on her master’s and licensure in school counseling. In January 2002, she enrolled at the University of Memphis as a nontraditional student, and she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in August 2007 One of her lifelong goals was to go to Africa.  She was selected to go on a research project to Uganda with the Minority Institute Research Training (MIRT) group.  Marie spent three months in Uganda on this research project, the purpose of which was to help the native Africans learn how to avoid catching malaria.  Malaria is the number one cause for death of small children living in Africa.  Not only is the purpose of this book (and her trip to Uganda) so very critical (malaria prevention), but the book shares the ups and downs of adjusting to life in another culture. As well, it is a great example of a study abroad/work abroad project, where you not only have to adjust to life in a new country, but to working together with so many other people, as well. It brings home the fact that cultural differences can occur anywhere, between anyone. I could relate to so many of the interpersonal differences that the author experienced. The book takes the form of a story told by the author's nephew, although the story is factual.

We were lucky enough to sit down and talk with D. Marie about her book, preventing malaria, and more. Here's what she had to say...

WE:  Please tell us about your book, What I Saw in Africa...

DMW: The book What I Saw I Africa was just a day-to-day account of an undergraduate student’s experiences on a research project.  This story was told through the eyes of her nephew because he was most interested in my research project and adventures to Africa.  He was twelve years old at the time when I went on this trip and he was very inquisitive.

WE:  What led you to write this book?

DMW: I was very inspired by the people I came in contact with on this research project and this led me to write this book.  I remembered on one interview session a woman with a small boy stopped to talk to me after the session was over and we were taking pictures and she said “please send me a copy of that picture we always have people come and asks us questions and take pictures but they never come back or send us a picture”.  I told her when I finished school and get in my practice I would be coming back to help out in some way or another.  I also, told her I would send her copies of her pictures.  When I got back home the first thing I did was to get all of the pictures I taken developed and then I sent copies to the Scheme Leader for their village, to distribute to them.  Also, I remember the last day before we all board the van to take us the airport the owner of the Hotel Mosa Court, where we were staying, was there to say goodbye and when I was shaking his hand and saying goodbye to him he extended a welcome to come back someday.  I told him the experience there touched my heart and that I had promised a lady I would do something and return someday to help the people dying from Malaria. So, when I decided to write this book I dedicated it to the villages that help us on our research project and part of the proceeds will go to help the dying children there.

WE:  What precipitated your trip to Africa?

DMW: I was taking an Anthropology class and I was invited to one of their club meetings, while there a representative from the MIRT program was recruiting for this research project. I thought it was interesting because I love traveling and I had always wanted to go to Africa but had not had a chance.  I applied for the project and was selected to be a member of the Africa research team.

WE:  Often, when people from one culture are together in another country, they bond because of their shared intercultural experiences. Did you feel this, with any of your co-workers? Are you still in touch?

DMW: Yes, we definitely bonded and since I was the seasoned student (older than the other students participating) several of the young ladies looked at me as their older sister figure.  Most of them would come to me when they were having a problem.  When we first got back to the US we kept in close contact and now since it has been a few years and everyone has graduated and moved around the country we occasionally communicate.

WE:  You had problems with a co-worker. How do you think the program could have resolved this better?

DMW: I think the director overseeing the project did a good job in addressing the problem when she was notified of it but… initially I think the screening process for participants could have been better.  This young lady appeared to have had some psychological issues that could have been found beforehand by requiring potential participants to do a mental assessment e.g. (MMPI assessment test) before being selected for the project.

WE:  Your work into malaria prevention is so necessary - what can people do to help?

DMW: You are exactly right; I feel the work on prevention of catching malaria is important to the well being of the children that die every day from a simple mosquito bite.  These children are unfortunately born in the most gorgeous country but the environment is so deadly to them.  We take for granted how we are able to be bitten by a mosquito and it only irate us but if they are bitten by one they lose their lives. That is why I started the Malaria Prevention Mission.  We are asking people to buy a copy of this book “What I Saw In Africa” and part of the proceeds from the book sale will go toward The Malaria Prevention Mission who will be providing the native villagers in the malaria endemic areas of Uganda Africa, screen doors, screen windows and bed nets if needed.  These small home improvements will help save a child’s life that live in these unprotected housing. 

The Malaria Prevention Mission has a mission trip plan for August 1, 2010 to Uganda, Africa to deliver some of these home improvements to the villagers.  We are also, doing the biggest fundraiser for this mission trip the weekend of June 26-27 of 2010, in Memphis, Tennessee.  This fundraiser will consist of the 1st Annual Book Fair & Business Expo/Networking Event, which will have a day of Competitions, a Fashion Show, a Food Tasting Event, and a final Memphis Best Award Night Event for all of the Memphis and the surrounding areas professional, artist and the business community.  We will also hold a book contest and a best Logo Design for the Malaria Prevention Mission to be judged at the Award Show.  A contest for the Best Teacher/Educator will be done during the 2009/2010 school year. A contest for the best city councilperson and the best company to work for; these winners will be a part of the 1st Annual Best of Memphis Awards.

We have a call out to all book Authors, Publishers and any book related businesses to help support this 1st Annual Book Fair & Business Expo by being an Exhibitor or Vendor at this event.  There will be hundreds of book lovers in attendance and lots of people and fun events for the whole family.  The Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce will be doing a ribbon cutting event in support of this event. 

WE: Thanks so very much, D. Marie! Your mission for malaria prevention is so very important, and we're happy to support and share your efforts here on Wandering Educators.