I am an RPCV Guatemala, 1973. I have worked overseas 17 years in four continents after completing MS nutrition, MPH international health, and DBA in management and leadership (abd). Recently, I was hired by Peace Corps Washington.

There, I found 76% of the projects conducted by Peace Corps have not been completely designed. Over 70% of Volunteers are unhappy with their relations with counterparts (and vice versa, presumably). Over 30% of Volunteers drop out between being recruited and completing service. All of this is easily rectifiable by a decent programmer. When I started trying to redress these short-comings, I was fired.

Now, I find that when I apply to work for the Agency, legal and personnel coordinate to break the intention of most laws. That is a subversion of government by laws, not people. Has anyone else found this to be true? If so, why do we put up with it?

By Joanne Marie Roll (joey) (acc5200b.ipt.aol.com - 172.197.32.11) on Saturday, February 17, 2007 - 12:51 pm: Edit Post

I have a few questions. What is the source of the statistics on projects and volunteer relationships with counterparts? Was there any reasons given in the report for the problems? The 30% drop out rate has been pretty consistent throughout the history of Peace Corps. When you say "all of this is easily rectifiable by a decent programmer," what did you mean? What did you do to start to redress the short-comings? Was there an official reason for your termination? If so, what was it? I think what you have to say is valuable; but, I think it would be helpful to be very specific. Thank you.