Peace Corps Volunteer Andy Jones in Cameroon: The country has been described as Africa in one country.



So far, in two months, I've seen some beautiful and equally disturbing images. The people of this country are, for the most part, extremely friendly. They will go out of their way to help and do so eagerly. The country has been described as Africa in one country. It doesn't have the best of anything, but it has everything in Africa in a country of about 15 million. From the deserts and animal parks of the Extreme North to the black sand beaches of Limbe to the enormous Mount Cameroon.

Peace Corps Volunteer Andy Jones in Cameroon: The country has been described as Africa in one country.

Saturday, August 20, 2005

Hello to all. I've been in Africa, more specifically Cameroon, for two months living with a host family in Bandjoun. Training wraps up in a few days, and then I will swear in as a Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV). For the next 24 months, I'll be working in the town of Kumba, in the South-West Province of Cameroon, with a banking oversight institution known as CamCCUL. In addition, to working with CamCCUL, providing training and auditing their banks, I'll have the opportunity to work with the community in any capacity I see fit (PCV Secondary Projects). For these projects to be successful the community must 1) Want it, 2) Need it, and 3) It must be sustainable.

So far, in two months, I've seen some beautiful and equally disturbing images. The people of this country are, for the most part, extremely friendly. They will go out of their way to help and do so eagerly. The country has been described as Africa in one country. It doesn't have the best of anything, but it has everything in Africa in a country of about 15 million. From the deserts and animal parks of the Extreme North to the black sand beaches of Limbe to the enormous Mount Cameroon. By the same token, a few years ago, Cameroon was listed as the number one most corrupt country in the world. Mob justice is the code of the law and transpareny is lacking. But that's why we are here.

As a volunteer in the SED (Small Business Development) program) I am hopeful that things will change. It is my desire that the impact we have on this country will be significant enough to create positive change. Ultimately, it is up to the people of Cameroon to blaze their own trail and create change for themselves. I hope only to act as an advisor and catalyst. Truth be told, I'm sure their impact on me will be far greater than mine on them.

When this story was posted in August 2005, this was on the front page of PCOL:




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Top Story: Military Option sparks concerns The U.S. military, struggling to fill its voluntary ranks, is allowing recruits to meet part of their reserve military obligations after active duty by serving in the Peace Corps. Read why there is opposition to the program among RPCVs. Director Vasquez says the agency has a long history of accepting qualified applicants who are in inactive military status. John Coyne says "Not only no, but hell no!" and RPCV Chris Matthews leads the debate on "Hardball." Latest: Avi Spiegel says Peace Corps is not the place for soldiers while Coleman McCarthy says to Welcome Soldiers to the Peace Corps. RPCVs: Take our Poll.

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Upcoming Events: Peace Corps Fund in NYC Peace Corps Fund announces Sept 29 Fund Raiser in NYC High Atlas Foundation Hosts a Reception in NYC on Sept 15 Jody Olsen to address Maryland RPCVs at Sept 17 picnic "Artists and Patrons in Traditional African Cultures" in NY thru Sept 30 See RPCV Musical "Doing Good" in CA through Sept "Iowa in Ghana" at "The Octogan" in Ames through October 7 RPCV Film Festival in DC in October RPCV's exhibit at Museum of Man in San Diego thru May 2006

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Top Stories: August 20, 2005 Jack Crandall writes "Memories relished by WWII Generation" Cris Groenendaal plays Phantom of Opera on Broadway 19 Aug Peace Corps Director Travels to Madagascar 19 Aug RPCV presents "Artists and Patrons in Traditional African Cultures" 19 Aug Robert Brown to head Southeast Asian Studies at UCLA 19 Aug Peter McPherson to head national university association 19 Aug Len Flier says US has lose-lose scenario in Iraq 18 Aug Ruth DeMaio sends aid to Niger 18 Aug Bob Taft pleads no contest to ethics law violation 18 Aug Antoinette Allen is Field Hockey coach at Hun School 16 Aug Tony Hall Avoids Mugabe on Zimbabwe trip 14 Aug Peace Corps Receives 2005 Medgar Evers Award 10 Aug Jeff Wray is filming "The Soul Searchers" 10 Aug 40th anniversary of Shriver's Foster Grandparent Program 9 Aug Tom Petri writes "It's not just about highways" 9 Aug Terry Dougherty brings students from Afghanistan to US 8 Aug Chris Newhall is leading volcano scientist 5 Aug Douglas Biklen appointed dean at Syracuse University 5 Aug Greg Kovalchuk and Mike Kelly Find Rare Fossil 4 Aug Edward O'Toole salvages furniture for schools in Honduras 3 Aug Gary Mount is Apple Grower Of The Year 1 Aug

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