Ivory Coast experience By Ivory Coast RPCV
Ivory Coast experience By RPCV Ivory Coast
I was a volunteer in the Ivory Coast group of 1996-98 that experienced many tragic events, and I was interviewed for this series on the Peace Corps. Of course, nothing I said was included in this story because I had nothing bad to say. During the interview, I felt like I was being interrogated. Instead of conducting an objective interview, the reporter tried to convince me of how unsafe the Peace Corps is. And he was never a volunteer.
Americans reading these articles are only receiving confirmation that developing nations are bad with bad people. I had a wonderful experience in the Ivory Coast and, in saying this, I am also recognizing the wonderful Africans at my site, the town of Ferkessedougou. And I lived in a Muslim region. Ironic, huh? Sure, I was in some uncomfortable situations. But I’m also in some uncomfortable situations here in the states. It is a fact that being a white woman in Africa, you are going to receive lots of attention. The way you deal with it is up to you.
I knew Kevin Leveille and will never forget the moment I heard about his death. The other incidents of rape and robbery are also horrible. I know those volunteers and feel for them deeply.
Yes, Peace Corps administration needs improvement, but don’t vilify what is the one grass roots organization in the world that does the most to promote peace and understanding between peoples. In these times, when most of the world hates the U.S., I can only hope that those who knew me in Africa will remember our times together as fondly as I do, and think a bit more favorably towards us.
