A couple of thoughts By Ukraine RPCV Joe_Harillka
A couple of thoughts By Joe_Harillka
As a RPCV (Ukraine 98-00) these stories seem extremely biased and sensationalist. Evidently it is human nature to focus and exaggerate on the negative aspects because not one word attempted to look at the positive aspects of Peace Corps.
Absolutely there are some problems, but rather than identifying specific problems the authors portray assaults against volunteers as a systemic problem. I do not believe that this is the case.
The truth is, as a RPCV I can only tell you about my experience -- just as any other RPCV can only tell you about their experience. The vast overwhelming majority of which are positive.
I am concerned that these authors, by only handpicking stories that fit their purporse, are trying to extrapolate these negative experiences in a manner which is designed to frighten people and portray Peace Corps and its mission in a negative light.
I can say that I felt much safer living at my Peace Corps site (an 18 hour train ride to the capital) than I ever have growing up and living in large US cities.
I would like to leave with another example of how PC regards volunteer safety.
I met a volunteer who was critically injured during the middle of their service. Peace Corps was notified and immediately acted. The site was located in a remote section of the country and not easily accessible by public transport and the regional airport had been closed for several years.
PC country headquarters not only obtained a plane but had the regional airport re-opened and immediatley picked up the volunteer with a medical staff and subsequently transported the volunteer to a medical facility.
I guess examples such as this wouldn't make interesting reading would they?
