You Want Candy? Dance For It!

As of late, I have been asked to help redesign the Peace Corps Uganda Pre-Service Training. This means that I will take part in the redesign, help to schedule the training, be present at training for a few weeks, and conduct trainings sessions of my own. It’s going to be time consuming, challenging, and fun. I can’t wait.


I have recently come to wonder why it is that I feel so hesitant about giving out candy (sweeties) to the gaggle of children that constantly surround my house. At first, I thought that my hesitations stemmed from the fact that they throw rocks at my metal door until I open it to their dirty outstretched hands, hoping that I give them a sweetie. Then, I wondered if perhaps it was due to the harsh, demanding nature of such orders (You give me my sweetie!) coming from people who are 2 feet tall. Lastly, I pondered the suggestion that it could be a consequence of their expectations, grown from the previous Peace Corps Volunteer in my village who’s legacy suggests that she gave out her candy day and night to any kid who wanted it (preach).

None of these perfectly logical reasons are why I am so dubious about placing a single piece of candy into each of these tiny little outstretched paws. The reason is that I feel like I’m not getting anything in return. Not a “thank you”. Not a “weebale”. Definitely not the courtesy of throwing the wrapper in the grass instead of leaving it on my porch. I want something in return, dang it…and I want instant gratification. I want to feel like I’m getting my shillings worth out of this little transaction. I want satisfaction, and I want it now.

So, here is the new policy that I have implemented. They must dance. That’s right. Dance. So now, whenever a group of kids surround me and demand that I give them a sweetie or else, I turn, face them, and say, “Mubanze Mwazina!”. This loosely translates as “Dance for it!”. Some stand there, puzzled, with a blank stare, wondering why they would have to dance to receive food. There are those that are too shy to dance hide behind the taller kids. Others drop it like it’s lukewarm, knowing that the sweet sweet reward is a delicious morsel of loveliness that only the bravest of children will know.

So dance on, children, for the 2-cent candy that I dangle over your little head. Make me proud. Dance on.