"I anticipate that the recent economic situation will increase the number of Peace Corps volunteers across the country. The number of 55-plus volunteers is up. The percent of those over 50 is 5 percent, but our goal is ultimately to reach 9 percent. I do anticipate that the economy downturn will also increase the number of people coming from that sector. The good side is that most of those people will be high-skilled."
Henry McKoy sees Peace Corps' role changing
Peace Corps official sees its role changing
Lynn Bonner, Staff Writer
Henry McKoy, 62, a former Republican state senator from Raleigh, has been the Peace Corps' regional director for Africa since 2002. He was at N.C. State University on Wednesday for a recruiting visit.
Q: What does your job entail?
A: "Overseeing the operations of the Peace Corps in 27 countries on the continent of Africa. The governments of the countries negotiate with Peace Corps on what type of specialists they would like to see come to Africa."
Q: Do you find more people interested in the Peace Corps during the economic slump?
A: "I anticipate that the recent economic situation will increase the number of Peace Corps volunteers across the country. The number of 55-plus volunteers is up. The percent of those over 50 is 5 percent, but our goal is ultimately to reach 9 percent. I do anticipate that the economy downturn will also increase the number of people coming from that sector. The good side is that most of those people will be high-skilled."
Q: How have economic conditions affected the Peace Corps?
A: "The devaluation of the dollar lessens our spending capacity and lessens our ability to support volunteers to the level we like to support them. We could not recruit to the levels we consider ideal." (He said Africa will have 200 fewer volunteers this fiscal year.) "When you consider 27 countries, we'll spread that in a way so there will be few losses to individual countries."
Q: The Peace Corps is approaching its 50th anniversary. How should it change to meet changing needs of host countries?
A: "Some of the countries want small enterprise development. That's one of the newest sectors. In Africa, small enterprise development is really the way the majority of the commerce takes place. Volunteers more and more are asked to assist Africans in gaining greater knowledge of how technology can enhance and improve their lives. In some instances, Africans are able to go up on the Internet and search for ways in which to move their products across Africa but also out of Africa and (to) other parts of the world."
Q: What have you accomplished in your nearly seven years as Africa director?
A: "Peace Corps has significantly added to the continent's ability to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic by working at the village level to increase the knowledge of Africans on how to both protect themselves and live."
