Namibia RPCV Jim Wilson serves again as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine



For Jim Wilson, a retired Latin teacher in Barnet, Vt., the Peace Corps offered a welcome change. "My two kids had graduated and the university bills were paid," he says. "It was time for Dad to hit the road." That road took him to a Peace Corps program in Namibia in southwest Africa, where he celebrated his 60th birthday. From 1998 to 2000, he taught English to children in elementary school and trained teachers. "I got so much respect as an older male," he says, noting that Africans called him "uncle." Drawn by the allure of the Peace Corps once again, he signed up for a second stint in 2005 and in 2006. This time he taught English in Ukraine. "The Peace Corps isn't for everyone, but if it's for you, it can't be beat," Wilson says. "It helps to be a low-maintenance person, open, welcoming, and with curiosity about other people. You've got to rough it a little bit. Being a hiker or a camper helps."

Namibia RPCV Jim Wilson serves again as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine

Peace Corps recruits older volunteers
More retirees and grandparents are finding fulfillment in serving overseas.

By Marilyn Gardner | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor

from the September 19, 2007 edition

[Excerpt]

For Jim Wilson, a retired Latin teacher in Barnet, Vt., the Peace Corps offered a welcome change. "My two kids had graduated and the university bills were paid," he says. "It was time for Dad to hit the road."

That road took him to a Peace Corps program in Namibia in southwest Africa, where he celebrated his 60th birthday. From 1998 to 2000, he taught English to children in elementary school and trained teachers. "I got so much respect as an older male," he says, noting that Africans called him "uncle."

Mr. Wilson describes his daughter and son as "very supportive" of his venture. His son even flew to Namibia for a visit. Calling the Peace Corps "a wonderful experience," he adds, "It broadened my world in the way I knew it would."

After the Peace Corps, Wilson, eager for another opportunity to help others, volunteered for AmeriCorps for two years. He drove a bookmobile in Vermont and read books to children.

Drawn by the allure of the Peace Corps once again, he signed up for a second stint in 2005 and in 2006. This time he taught English in Ukraine.

"The Peace Corps isn't for everyone, but if it's for you, it can't be beat," Wilson says. "It helps to be a low-maintenance person, open, welcoming, and with curiosity about other people. You've got to rough it a little bit. Being a hiker or a camper helps."

Links to Related Topics (Tags):

Headlines: September, 2007; Peace Corps Namibia; Directory of Namibia RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Namibia RPCVs; Older Volunteers; Peace Corps Ukraine; Directory of Ukraine RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Ukraine RPCVs

When this story was posted in November 2007, this was on the front page of PCOL:




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