Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Kim Hamilton can be contacted at khamiltoamacdcom
Country of Service: Colombia
Training Group: Bogota - March 1974
Cities you served in: Cali
Arrival Year: 1974
Departure Year: 1976
Work Description:
Youth Development Program - Recreation
Instituto Santa Maria
Buen Pastor Women's Prison
Other Countries you served in, Training Group Name Arrival Year, Departure Year, Work Description:
Arrived in Colombia in March, 1974, and trained with a large group of health-care and youth development workers. I was sent to Cali with the and assigned to the Buen Pastor Women's Prison and Instituto Sta. Maria where I set up recreational activities for ICBF (Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar).
Bring us up to date on your life after the peace corps:
I teach elementary school (5th grade) in San Diego, California, just a couple of miles north of the international border. I've been fortunate enough to work in bilingual settings ever since I returned: first as a youth counselor, then community-school educator, and finally (last 22 years!) as a classroom teacher. I'm married to another RPCV-Colombia (1969). We live in the rural foothills east of San Diego.
Any thoughts you have now looking back on peace corps days?:
Peace Corps was a transforming experience in my life. My career, politics, and community involvement all stem from the relationships and experiences I had in Colombia.
Anyone you are looking for or would like to hear from?:
Anyone from my training group (March 74) or the Cali Crowd (74-76): Cheryl, Diane, Freaky Fred I and 2, Susie, et al.
Any message for returned volunteers?:
We make a difference.
Originally posted: January 10, 2007
