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Volunteering Worldwide through the Peace Corps The toughest job you'll ever love! |
 Teaching in South Africa © Courtesy of Peace Corps |
"The rush of pride
and sense of awareness I shared with the people I worked with comes back
to me at different times during my life today. I think of it when I need
a reminder of how human beings everywhere contribute each day to the well-being
of our world. This happens whether we are recognized for it or not. This
lesson is one of the many gifts given to me while I was a Peace Corps
Volunteer."
- Former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
 To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women; To help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served; To help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. |
| "As an environmental volunteer, I helped women's groups find money and supplies to start tree nurseries as both reforestation and money earning ventures. I taught school children the importance of planting trees and wood conservation. In Benin, the Sahara desert slowly encroaches from the north because of severe deforestation in that part of the country. Trees hold the topsoil from washing away, so wood conservation becomes a vital. During my last eight months I began an environmental education program which educated students and teachers important environmental issues and techniques. I was amazed to realize the little I knew could be so useful to and appreciated by the communities I served. My community worked hard toimplement my suggestions. Some groups even took the initiatives to do more under the guise of 'experimentation'." |
 An agricultural volunteer in Mali © Courtesy of Peace Corps |
"From my time in Peace Corps, I learned many
cultural things from the Beninese, such as unending generosity. Once I
was riding my bike when a huge storm hit right outside of an unfamiliar
little village. At the first house, I asked if my bike and I could wait
out the storm in a covered area. These random strangers gave me more than
shade. They brought me into their home, gave me a place to sit, a cloth
to dry myself, and something to drink. It's rare that we find such openness
for a complete stranger. Numerous times villagers offered me foul, fish,
and eggs, all of which they needed far more than me. No matter who you
are, what you look like, or where you are from, in Benin, you will always
have food to eat, shelter out of a rainstorm, and a place to rest your
head for the night."
"The Beninese and I learned such wonderful things from each other. What
I recall most about my Peace Corps experience is learning to appreciate
small details about myself and others. Because in the end, it's the little
things we remember and which make a lasting difference. "
- Dana Miller (Benin 1997-1999) Dana was an environmental Volunteer in
Benin.
Nicaragua
Nestled in the rural central mountain region of Nicaragua, Dana Carson
and Ed Chew are teaching people about soil conservation. Planting live
barriers with trees and different grasses prevents soil erosion along
the steep hillsides, where local villagers plant crops of coffee, and
banana and plantain trees. "These efforts have helped to stabilize their
traditional crops. In addition, we are introducing new produce such as
tomato, onion, and cabbage. Because people tend to eat these vegetables
with meals, farmers have been receptive to these new elements," says Dana.
- Dana Carson & Ed Chew (Nicaragua 1999-2001)
Paraguay
In the case of agriculture Volunteer Alexandra Stanat, a college course
in beekeeping opened the door for a beekeeping opportunity in Paraguay.
When she arrived on site she helped a women's group expand their own apiary.
They built the hives, packaged, and marketed their own honey.
"The women all voted and decided to call it 'The Golden Bee.' Then we
found a bunch of wine bottles, sterilized them, bought some corks, designed
a label, and took it into town and found some people who were willing
to sell it in their stores. It was an unbelievable experience to see it
all happen."
It also afforded the women a chance to bring income into their household
in a way that made a significant difference to their families' quality
of life. That is part of what was most rewarding for Alexandra.
"I think the best part of the Peace Corps is the commitment to helping
people help themselves. To promoting lasting changes." And the apiary
she helped start continues to make a difference in the lives of the women
involved, even now, after she's returned home from Paraguay.
- Alexandra Stanat (Paraguay 1995-1997)
Thailand
"I was sent to Thailand where community forestry was my official assignment, but I ended up doing a lot of rural development. I helped raise silk worms. I designed, budgeted and supervised the construction of a pet nursery and some incinerator projects, and had a scholarship program going for girls in the local high school. I was also involved with integrated farming" - Lanette Woo (Thailand 1995-1997) |
 Volunteering in Mali © Courtesy of Peace Corps |
Business
Ghana
As a business Volunteer, he (Samuel Bacote) taught marketing and accounting
operations, helped organize a national business association, provided
consulting to small businesses, and assisted in the development and supervision
of a revolving business loan program. These interesting projects sharpened
his strategic planning, analytical, and creative problem solving skills.
Bacote returned home as a more resourceful, savvy, and articulate businessman.
When asked about the value of Peace Corps service, Bacote responds,
"The spirit of caring and giving to others and my community is an attribute
that I obtained by serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer. It has boosted
my career."
He also offers another motivation for volunteering. "I think it is
incumbent upon each of us to somehow assist in making our communities
around us better than they were when we found them."
He also recalls fondly the opportunity to experience another culture.
"I had this curiosity about the world. I became a Volunteer to satisfy
my curiosity through what I thought would be a mutual sharing of experiences,"
he explains. The cultural experiences in Ghana were vivid and memorable
for Bacote. "I was able to see some brilliantly colorful pageants. I was
able to dance to the beat of African drummers. I ate flavorful delicacies.
I broadened my palette. I also listened, painstakingly, to the oral histories
of the Shante people." Even the sights, sounds, and tastes of Ghana continue
to serve Bacote in his business role. Bacote says such stories from his
Peace Corps days "are bound to build rapport with clients, and it's great
that many people are genuinely interested and impressed by the Peace Corps
experience."
- Samuel Bacote (Ghana 1991-1993)
Mali
"Personally, I was given the opportunity to live within a culture. I was not a tourist and I was not living in a bubble away from the community. I knew the community members and they knew me. We shared meals and laughed together, and we shared moments of sorrow and cried together. Regardless of the realities of our economic environments and our cultural differences, we came to know each other as people with specific personalities and dedications. For all the poverty I saw, I can honestly say I have never encountered a more loving and laughing culture. In addition to the memories, this was the greatest gift that Peace Corps gave to me…a new way of seeing things." - Gabriella Gomez (Mali 1994-1996) |
 A business Volunteer lending her expertise in Mali © Courtesy of Peace Corps |
Moldova
"I was "working" with the milk receiving station, but we did not even
have a building or board of directors yet. I worked with the manager,
my counterpart, and together we helped get the program up and running.
The villagers would bring their three litres of milk into the Colectare
de Laptelui everyday. And then collectively we sold the milk to the dairy
in Hincesti. It was an income development project for a village where
the people had no cash flow. In some small way it actually helped, and
the villagers liked it because they could come and socialize under the
guise of work. "
"I will always remember the hospitality of Moldovans, and the way
they made me feel a part of Moldova and its culture. The weddings and
funerals, birthdays and christenings, holidays and harvests will live
forever in my heart. "
- Kimberly McMinn (Moldova 1998-2000) Kimberly was a Volunteer in Moldova
where she assisted in NGO development in a program called Economic and
Organizational Development.
Ukraine
"My job at the International Management Institute was to teach business
communications and advise the marketing department. I also set up a new
career placement center to help students find jobs after graduation."
"I know I discovered skills that I didn't know I had, I developed the
ones that I did, and I gained experience that will help me for the rest
of my career. "
- Dorothy Sales (Ukraine 1995-1997) Dorothy served as a Business
Development Advisor in the city of Lugansk and the capitol city of Kiev.
Community
Development
Benin
"When I arrived, I told the Peace Corps country director of my interest
in working with people with disabilities and soon became Peace Corps Benin's
first disability specialist within the Rural Community Development program.
I worked with a Special Olympics team, the Beninese Association of the
Deaf, and many other programs and organizations of people with physical,
sensory and mental disabilities. What was supposed to be a two-year assignment
turned into four years!"
- Tina Singleton (Benin 1992-1996)
Jamaica
"As a Peace Corps Volunteer, I was assigned to be a teacher/play leader
in this pediatric ward of the University Hospital of the West Indies in
Kingston, Jamaica. My function was to help lonely, frightened, and bored
children adapt to the hospital scene and, I hoped, to stimulate an interest
in learning."
- Camilla Griffiths (Jamaica 1985-1987)
Mongolia
Brian DaRin has worked throughout Mongolia during his time in the
Peace Corps, and he's currently living in the capital, Ulan Bator. There,
he works with a newly formed environmental, non-governmental organization
(NGO), organizing, setting goals, establishing a direction for the organization,
and spreading word of the organization to Mongolians, foreign aid organizations,
and foreign scientists. As is often the case, Brian's NGO is in an excellent
position to initiate changes.
"I've gained a lot of confidence in Mongolia. I feel that I've gained
the ability to develop ideas and the confidence to go ahead and act on
them. I get a lot of freedom and trust within the NGO to develop ideas
with my counterpart and implement them."
Through it all, Brian's discovered that, despite the many challenges and
frustrations, he's made a difference. "I first came and thought, 'Yea,
I'm going to change the place.' And I came to the realization, I can't
change this whole country. But I've touched a lot of lives and just as
importantly, those lives have touched me."
- Brian DaRin (Mongolia 1995-1998)
Nicaragua
| "As an urban youth development
Volunteer, I teach English to high school students. I also organized
a soccer team for 10- to 14-year-old boys. Daily practice and weekend
competitions give them a healthy alternative to drugs and other negative
influences. Just as important, my job is to try to instill a sense
of self-esteem and self-worth, so that the kids are empowered to reach
their fullest potential." - Azikiwe Chandler (Nicaragua 1998-2000) |
 Nicaragua © Courtesy of Peace Corps |
| Jim served as a community
development Volunteer and helped to open a computer and language training
center. "At first, I helped to train people in basic computer skills,
with the hope that they would soon join the emerging information age.
Now they are managing the resource center and training other people
in the city." Heidi concentrated on the youth by working with teachers to develop new teaching methodologies. "We discussed critical thinking skills in young people and the best ways to engage them in a classroom environment. We also worked to develop effective teaching aids, using materials that can be found in any market in Armenia." - Heidi and Jim Wilton (Armenia 1998-2000) |
 A volunteer helping out in Bolivia © Courtesy of Peace Corps |
Bulgaria
As an American volunteer in Bulgaria it's hard not to feel like I'm being
born along with it. I have more freedom and responsibility than ever before.
In addition to teaching English to eager middle school students, I have
started a student newspaper and begun teaching kids how to play baseball
and American football. I've also opened some students' eyes to the internet,
where in the absence of guidance counselors at school they can search
for ways to further their studies."
"In Bulgaria I wake to the sun rising over the mountains, to students
shouting hello as I walk to work, and to a country that is trying to reconcile
itself with western values. Watching and playing a small part in that
process is most interesting and rewarding, and there is no other place
I'd rather be."
- Eric Friedman (Bulgaria 1999-2001)
Ethiopia
"At night, we graded papers under a flaring Aeroplane lantern. Next door
a shepherd blew his bamboo flute over the crackling of the fire that blazed
on his floor. Over the whooping of scavenging hyenas that skulked in dark
streets, farm boys in smoky, circular huts drummed on goatskins. Their
song filled the dark, cool nights of the Harar Province mountains."
- David Arnold (Ethiopia 1964-1966)
"Our service overseas was often silent and often went unheralded. Some
of the bridges we built do not still stand, a few of the schools where
we taught are now closed, and many of the people we organized did not
stay together. We were seldom as successful as we had hoped.
But the Peace Corps took us out of America and taught us to be citizens
of the world. Because of the Peace Corps, all of us are forever changed.
And we were not the only ones changed."
- John Coyne (Ethiopia 1962-1964) John was an English teacher in Addis
Ababa.
Ghana
"My assignment here is to teach chemistry to high school students. In
order to get our students into a university, they have to be strong in
science, especially chemistry. So I also started a chemistry society for
my students. We go on excursions to educational sites, like a nearby national
park, and we've printed T-shirts to raise money to buy more science equipment.
With the help of another Peace Corps Volunteer, I started a tree nursery
right next to our school."
"Ghanaians have taught me a lot about their culture, and I've also learned
a lot about life, and about myself. Before I came here, I saw myself as
timid. Personally, I think I have developed a can-do attitude. After being
here, I think I could try most anything."
- Mike Tubianosa (Ghana 1997-2000)
Kenya
"My Peace Corps experience has changed my life. I would like to think
that in December 2002 when I set foot on an airplane to fly home, I can
say I have helped people, changed lives, made my family and friends proud…I
do know that being a Peace Corps Volunteer has done something for me.
Better awareness of the world. More appreciation for the things I have,
the way people live outside of America…deeper understanding of people
and cultures. A clearer sense of the important things in life. A closer
connection to loved ones at home. A better defined meaning of what it
is to be a teacher…"
- Young Lam (Kenya 2000-)
Kiribati
"On that small airplane on its way to the little island of Kuria,
I couldn't help think of what was in store for me. My self-confidence
was riddled with questions of effectiveness and acceptance. Stepping off
that plane was a leap of faith -- jumping out into an exciting new world.
It's a place which I've grown to love."
- Eric Kreotsch (Kiribati 1995-1997)
Kyrgyz Republic
| "Now people in the United
States ask me if I miss Kyrgyzstan. Yes, I miss Kyrgyzstan. As a Peace Corps volunteer, you expect to go to another country where life is harder, poorer, where people need your help. Sure most people there are poor, but those who I now call my friends are so rich in character that I never noticed how poor they really were." - Leslie Wakulich (Kyrgyz Republic 1998-1999) |
 Kyrgyz Republic © Courtesy of Peace Corps |
Malawi
"My parents, who had served as Volunteers in Kenya 25 years before I joined
the Peace Corps, had absolutely no idea how much influence they had during
their two years of service. They did not consider themselves exceptional
Volunteers; they simply went to class, taught a variety of subjects in
the best way they knew how, and loved the people they lived among. But
returning with me to their village so many years later, they were struck
by the undeniable realization that they had indeed changed people's lives."
- Tara Elizabeth Beverwyk (Peace Corps Volunteer, Malawi, 1995-98)
Mongolia
Once her service began, Regina taught English in a secondary school and
helped a group of women found a sewing co-op. "When we started, these
women had no income, no skills, no job. I visited a few of them and they
were living in what looked like bombed out buildings. No windows, no heating,
no electricity, no water, nothing. I asked them what they had to eat,
and they answered 'flour and tea.' That's all. We did skills training
for six months and now they're able to make their own clothes and make
a living on their own. Now, they make all sorts of things. Vests and European
style clothes, children's clothing, and it's all become very popular,
especially with foreigners."
"I knew that I wanted to join the Peace Corps and travel and see what
I felt after two years in a foreign country, and it has confirmed what
I thought -- that I really enjoy learning about and working with people
in foreign cultures. I know now that I want to travel more. I want to
work with people more. I've been introduced to national and international
aid organizations, and I've learned that I'm capable of doing work that
can help people."
- Regina Wei (Mongolia 1996-1999)
Namibia
"The best thing about being in Namibia was the opportunity to teach students
who were very disadvantaged by the system and be able to turn that around."
"The experiences I've had in the Peace Corps have been very touching professionally
and personally. You really get to see what you're worth. You can deal
with anything in the world if you get through those two years. I've learned
to be calmer about things. In the face of a lot of stress, I remember
how it was back in Africa, when I had no control over anything. I would
just raise up my hands and say, "You know what, I'm going to read my book
right now. I did my best today and I will try again tomorrow." I don't
think I would have gotten that perspective anywhere else."
- George Siasoco (Namibia 1992-1994)
Poland
"My two years in Poland not only made me a better teacher, but humbled
me each time I tried to express myself in my new language. This, at times
painful, at times hilarious, memory has proven essential to empathizing
with my adult students here in America. "
"Peace Corps profoundly enhanced my life in ways that I appreciate
now, but will cherish more and more with each passing year."
- Cindy Bestland (Poland 1996-1998)
Russia
"We decided to create a Russian folklore theater group. We spent months
collecting old songs and dances. Then we began making costumes and rehearsing.
In December, the girls performed for the school. The girls were shy at
first, but, as people began to clap and sing along, they realized they
were a great success. To this day they continue to perform."
- Daphne Earley (Russia 1996-1998) Daphne was an English Teacher in Russia.
Sierra Leone
"The Peace Corps sent me to the West African nation of Sierra Leone, where
I worked as a teacher trainer and taught English to young kids. The things
I liked most about my job weren't always classroom activities. One of
my projects was the development of a farmer's cooperative, a palm oil
plantation. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of palm oil went to
the school to help pay for student fees and books. That really inspired
me to work in communities to a greater extent than I did as a teacher.
It led me to change my professional course."
- Merry Hutton (Sierra Leone 1987-1989)
With his service half over, Glin feels that his Peace Corps experience
already has exceeded his expectations. "I mean, I've done so much. Worked
with children, with adult literacy, with community development. Everything
that I thought of, how I wanted to help my people, how I wanted to help
African people, how I wanted to help disadvantaged people, I've done."
South Africa
Of course, much remains to be done, "but it never really feels like work.
Because you're going to enjoy what you're doing. You love what you're
going through. You're helping people. You're working in the community,
and people really appreciate you so much for every little bitty thing
that you do."
- C Glin (South Africa 1997-1999)
A 1994 graduate of Barnard College
of Columbia University, Ms. Hernandez, 28, served as a school and community
resource volunteer in the former Lebowa Homeland, one of 10 homelands
in South Africa established for Blacks under the apartheid regime. She
assisted primary school educators there to integrate the first non-racist
national curriculum into its schools.
In addition to her primary job, Ms. Hernandez worked on HIV/AIDS awareness
projects, and served as a project consultant for rural small-income generating
enterprises run by women.
Asked what her best memories were of her two-year experience, she
said, "meeting regularly with the women of the village, sitting outdoors
to discuss strategies and community development ideas and laughing and
singing." When recanting stories of her site, the small capital of Lebowa,
which had no electricity upon her arrival, she beams with excitement,
particularly as she discusses her South African friends and "second" family.
- Denise Hernandez (South Africa 1997-1999)
"I'd always thought about joining the Peace Corps when I was younger.
But I waited until I retired." Today, Clemenceau is an integral member
of the second group of Volunteers to serve in South Africa. She has one
word to describe her experience: "Awesome."
For Clemenceau, the Peace Corps has been a chance to give back part
of what she's learned throughout the years. It's been a chance to utilize
her experience to benefit those who can use it most.
- Clemenceau Williams (South Africa 1997-1999)
| It's nearly
impossible for Volunteers to spend two years making a difference in
other people's lives without it making a difference in their own life.
For health and nutrition Volunteer Kamila Alexander, part of that
difference is a slight change in her career direction. "When I return to the states, I want to go to medical school, but the Peace Corps experience has changed my desire to be a specialist. I've decided instead to become a primary care physician in an urban community with Latinos. Working with people here, I've seen that there is a great need for basic care. And that's changed my goals a bit." |
 A Health Volunteer helping out in De Cote D'Ivoire © Courtesy of Peace Corps |
"I teach people everything from how to avoid
transmitting colds to how to avoid transmitting AIDS. I work within the
schools. I have a youth group. I have a mothers' group. I teach cooking
classes. Basically I do whatever I can to help educate people about the
importance of staying healthy. And whatever I've done, they've loved."
- Kamila Alexander (Ecuador 1996-1999)
"It is amazing how fast life goes when you are having lots and lots
of fun. I cannot believe that it has been over a month since I swore in
as a Volunteer and am out living in the middle of Napo province. Life
is good, and fun and fulfilling. There is a foundation nearby that does
ecological work called Jatun Satcha. It is so cool. I know I mentioned
it before, but I saw a tree sloth (three toed). Even though it moves at
the speed of slowness, it was way cool. The other day, I climbed a forty
meter tower and had commanding views of the mountains and far out into
the jungle. Next week, I am helping on the national census. My counterpart,
Roberto, and I are going to survey about 160 houses in the surrounding
four communities. There is a big packet of questions for each house, and
we expect it to take eight days in total. A long job, but it will be a
good way to meet everyone and get to know the ins and outs of the community
members."
Patrick Smith (Ecuador 2001-)
Ghana
"I used to think that the Peace Corps was the last thing I should apply
for. I felt that there was no place for me - a recent immigrant with an
accent. But now I've come to appreciate what I can give as a Peace Corps
Volunteer. I have always been very interested in international development.
I have also wanted to learn about other people's cultures and lifestyles.
After doing some investigation, I realized that the Peace Corps would
expose me to all that. That's why I was inspired to join."
"Now I am in the Peace Corps serving as a water and sanitation health
Volunteer and a community development worker in a rural village in Ghana.
In schools and throughout my village, I teach health education and give
talks about hygiene, as well as HIV/AIDS."
"The benefits of Peace Corps service will stay with you for a lifetime.
You might think, "Two years is too long," or "Maybe I won't make a difference."
But when you join the Peace Corps, you learn so many things. It is like
going to a university. It's a constant education. People here appreciate
you. They understand that you have left your home and family and traveled
thousands of miles to be with them. The amount that people share with
you is amazing. They bring their best food for you. If you are sick, they
are really concerned. The hospitality changes you because you realize,
"Wow, these people who are supposed to have nothing are giving so much
to me." When I go back, it will always be with me."
Behzad Roohi (Ghana 1998-2000)
Honduras
"Now I've been in Alubaren long enough to gain a truer perspective on
how things work here. The bus driver runs errands for people all the time
and never charges a penny. A person who has coconuts or mangoes growing
in her backyard will give them away to a neighbor who doesn't have them,
but needs them for a recipe, and not even expect a sample of the finished
product. A seamstress will stay up all night long making school uniforms
for the children of another mother who doesn't have a sewing machine.
Its just the way they are."
"I hope that this generosity, this sense of community, is something I'll
be able to take back with me. I hope I can remember it and practice it,
at least to some extent There's something very special about a place where
the primary "value" placed on goods and services is the people's value
for one another."
- Larissa Zoot (Honduras 1993-1995) Larissa was a health volunteer
in Honduras.
For more full stories from the Peace Corps please visit them at: http://www.peacecorps.gov/story_search.cfm
To find more information on the Peace Corps please click on http://www.peacecorps.gov
Source: Peace Corps
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© One World One People,
24 January 2002
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