Wednesday, October 27, 2004

Magdalena Peace Corp volunteer completes second year in Africa

Lisa J. Tabet El Defensor Chieftain Reporter

LTABET Jolinda and Bob Dallin, of Magdalena, are very proud of their daughter, Meghann.

Meghann is a Peace Corps volunteer. She has been in Djalingo, Cameroon, Africa, since September 2002. Dallin, 26, helps locals in Djalingo learn more about agriculture and habitat enrichment. She teaches women how to farm better, and how to grow better mangos and peanuts, the two main crops in Cameroon. She also helps set up orchards and teaches farmers how to graft trees.

There is a mixture of Christian, Islamic and native religions in Djalingo. Recently, Meghann Dallin has become involved in a project with the Catholic Diocese in Garouna. The project was designed to educate women on both farming and, more importantly, how to care for their children.

Jolinda Dallin said there are high incidences of Malaria and AIDS in Cameroon. She said many parents don't have the money to transport their children to a medical facility.

Jolinda Dallin said Meghann met a woman in Djalingo named Christine who had a small daughter who died from malaria. Wiping away tears, Dallin said it would have taken only $30 to save the child.

The Women's Educational Workshop works to educate mothers on how to take care of their sick children, since they can't afford to take them for medical care.

So far, Meghann has raised about $75,000 for the project. To donate to the project visit the Wells Fargo Socorro Branch and ask about the Cameroon Education Fund.

Jolinda Dallin said her daughter has always been an animal lover and somebody who is "extraordinarily passionate about people's rights."

Jolinda Dallin said the Peace Corps was the safest place for Meghann to volunteer. "She (Meghann) has seen a lot of wonderful things and she has seen a lot of very sad things," Jolinda said.

Meghann graduated from New Mexico State University with a degree in Environmental Science. She will be returning home in December of this year.

ltabet@dchieftain.com

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