Daughter going to Africa Log Out | Topics | Search
Moderators | Register | Edit Profile

Peace Corps Online » Discussion » Open Discussion » Daughter going to Africa « Previous Next »

  Thread Last Poster Posts Pages Last Post
  Start New Thread        

Author Message
Jessamyn A (adsl-71-131-183-73.dsl.sntc01.pacbell.net - 71.131.183.73)
Posted on Monday, April 10, 2006 - 3:46 pm:   

My oldest daughter just told me she applied for the Peace Corps and wants to do medical work in Africa. I’m sure it will be a wonderful experience for her but I still worry given what I know about Africa (not too much, I admit) for her physical health and safety. I think she wants to work in the clinics in Burkina Faso. If anyone here has children who’ve done the Peace Corps, I’d love to have some piece of mind over sending mine there. Another thing is daughter doesn’t want to arrive there with things that are worth more than everything in most of the citizens’ homes. I think she plans on keeping her camera but everything including her cell phone, comp and ipod are going to her sister or staying with us. I’m sorry if I sound like a bumpkin but I just don’t know these things. Are there Internet cafes anywhere in Burkina Faso? How should I get ahold of her if she has no phone?
RPCV (adsl-69-154-11-213.dsl.austtx.swbell.net - 69.154.11.213)
Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 10:46 am:   

Jessamyn - Start with these web sites, as they may be helpful to you:

Friends of Burkina Faso (association of former PCVs)

http://apache.tamu.edu/fbf/

Peace Corps Agency's Family Page for staying in touch

http://www.peacecorps.gov/index.cfm?shell=resources.faf.staying
Anonymous (adsl-71-131-240-159.dsl.sntc01.pacbell.net - 71.131.240.159)
Posted on Tuesday, April 11, 2006 - 7:08 pm:   

Oldest son went to Ghana as a PCV, youngest daughter has considered doing the program when she finishes college. Although it can be a scary prospect the PC is an excellent organization and does its best to keep the volunteers protected from physical harm and aware of any issues that compromise their safety. Main thing to do is make sure your daughter has all the necessary VACCINATIONS and goes through all the necessary examinations and doctor visits. I’m not sure about internet cafes in that country but my guess is that your daughter will not have a lot of time to spend at them if there are any. She may end up stationed pretty far from a town. We had our son call us with a Onesuite phone card when he was in Ghana. They also encourage sending care packages but there’s a list of restrictions. You should look at the Family and Friends section on the Peace Corps website to get a better idea.
brooke nagle (ctb-cache5-vif1.saix.net - 198.54.202.195)
Posted on Tuesday, July 18, 2006 - 6:12 am:   

I am currently serving in the Peace Corps in South Africa, working with an HIV/AIDS organisation. South Africa has a lot of crime but the Peace Corps is very careful about our safety and security as are all the volunteers serving here. There have been a few minor incidents but we are instructed not go out at night, be alert and do not go to unfamiliar areas. I am 50 serving with my husband who is 57. We are having an amazing experience and I have no qualms about applying and serving in the Peace Corps. I wanted also to comment about the person who wrote that the applicant should have all necessary vaccines before applying. The Peace Corps gives you every vaccine you need, a probably alot more beside, so do not worry about vaccinations before your daughter leaves. Let the Peace Corps foot the bill for the shots. I'm sure she will have a life-changing experience.
deborah bainton (170.63.96.108)
Posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 - 1:49 pm:   

my daughter just received her assignment to Malawi..she leaves 5/28.......I have high anxiety and am looking for the answer to many of the parental questions posed here.......I too feel like a pumkin as to what she should bring and not bring in terms of computers and cell phones....do international cell phones work??? are they not cool to have there???.....does anyone want to start a parents group online with me???.I'm a social worker so always need to process everything endlessly .......but feel totally clueless as to protocals for PC......my doughter is only a little less confused than I...can anyone help???...just with simple questions as to bring bug spray??? ect...looking for any feedback.thanks in advance Deb Bainton
RPCV (adsl-70-135-75-135.dsl.austtx.sbcglobal.net - 70.135.75.135)
Posted on Thursday, February 01, 2007 - 12:13 pm:   

Deborah,

You can start with these folks, most of whom are returned PCVs who served in Malawi:

http://www.friendsofmalawi.org/

Also, your daughter should have received an information packet if she has already accepted the assignment. Plus these days new PCVs tend to network with current and former PCVs via country specific discussion groups found on Yahoo, etc.

Add Your Message Here
Post:
Username: Posting Information:
This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.
Password:
E-mail:
Options: Enable HTML code in message
Action: