2006.04.20: April 20, 2006: Headlines: COS - Cameroon: Oxford Press: In 1963, Cynthia Kelley, her four- and six-year-old children and her husband at the time worked in Cameroon promoting an adult literacy program
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2006.04.20: April 20, 2006: Headlines: COS - Cameroon: Oxford Press: In 1963, Cynthia Kelley, her four- and six-year-old children and her husband at the time worked in Cameroon promoting an adult literacy program
In 1963, Cynthia Kelley, her four- and six-year-old children and her husband at the time worked in Cameroon promoting an adult literacy program
“I think the main thing a Peace Corps volunteer will tell you is they are grateful for the opportunity,” Kelley said. “It was a great privilege for us. You see how lucky you are to have an experience like it.”
In 1963, Cynthia Kelley, her four- and six-year-old children and her husband at the time worked in Cameroon promoting an adult literacy program
Peace Corps an eye-opening experience
Oxford residents tell story of giving their all for peace
Thursday, April 20, 2006
[Excerpt]
Cameroon
In 1963 Cynthia Kelley and her family were among the first couples to volunteer on a Peace Corps mission.
For two years, Kelley, her four- and six-year-old children and her husband at the time worked in Cameroon promoting an adult literacy program. In her 30s, Kelley and family were a different breed of participant than the 20-somethings usually involved with the Peace Corps.
In Cameroon, the Kelley house was a magnet for many of the villagers. Kelley taught literacy programs on the porch of her house, while the yard’s playground equipment attracted children, who befriended her two sons.
“(My children) made friends instantly,” Kelley recalled.
Besides encouraging literacy, Kelley’s husband at the time created a co-op for villagers to sell crafts.
“There was a need for a way for craft people to sell carvings and stools and ropes,” she said. “There wasn’t a central location for a craft shop.”
According to Kelley, the co-op is still in operation today and has expanded. One of the volunteers’ tasks in the Peace Corps is to create programs the country can eventually utilize. For as much as Cameroon benefited from the Peace Corps, the Kelleys also earned something priceless.
“I think the main thing a Peace Corps volunteer will tell you is they are grateful for the opportunity,” Kelley said. “It was a great privilege for us. You see how lucky you are to have an experience like it.”
When the Kelleys returned home they continued to stay involved with programs that benefited others.
Future Peace Corps missions
Both Prue Dana and Cynthia Kelley believe the Peace Corps is an exciting opportunity for post-college graduates.
“The ideal time do it is when you graduate because you don’t have the house, family, car and dog,” Dana said.
Kelley explained it is important to possess certain skills if interested in joining the Peace Corps. Paying attention to what countries need is also essential. Obtaining experience outside of college helps as well, she said. The Teacher Corps program is one method.
Being open is another key element for those interested, Dana said. She noted translating personal experiences into Peace Corps projects can provide some direction.
“If you grew up on a farm, you can easily go into a group that is an agriculture group,” Dana said. “If you have an environmental education, you can do environmental projects.”
Kelley believes the Peace Corps has thrived for 45 years because of the people and the training involved.
“I think the success comes from the quality of people sent over there,” she said. “There’s much better training for them today.”
When this story was posted in May 2006, this was on the front page of PCOL:
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Story Source: Oxford Press
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Cameroon
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