“My three daughters are all in college and my home has become quiet and wanting,” said McNeal. “The Peace Corps is a perfect fit for this window of opportunity, both health-wise and family-wise, as it ignites a desire to make a positive difference.”
Becky McNeal, 54, of Camden has been accepted into the Peace Corps, and departs for Ukraine this month to begin pre-service training as a community development volunteer
Camden resident joins Peace Corps in Ukraine
(Created: Sunday, March 2, 2008 5:17 AM EST) More Local News
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CAMDEN — Becky McNeal, 54, of Camden has been accepted into the Peace Corps, and departs for Ukraine this month to begin pre-service training as a community development volunteer.
Upon graduation from this training in June, McNeal will assist businesses, government institutions, and non-governmental organizations in transforming Ukraine from state-controlled economy to a free market economy, according to the Peace Corps.
“The opportunity to be a community member, rather than an American tourist has always been a desire,” said McNeal.
McNeal graduated from Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, N.H., earning a master’s degree in community economic development as part of the Master’s International program. She previously worked for the Institute for Global Ethics in Camden.
Established in 1987, Master’s International is a Peace Corps program in collaboration with over 40 academic institutions that offers Peace Corps Volunteers the opportunity to complement a master's degree with overseas service available in a variety of fields. Master's International students serve in over 70 different countries and participate in every aspect of life overseas.
“My three daughters are all in college and my home has become quiet and wanting,” said McNeal. “The Peace Corps is a perfect fit for this window of opportunity, both health-wise and family-wise, as it ignites a desire to make a positive difference.”
The Peace Corps says that 8,079 Americans are currently serve in the organization. Of that total, 5 people or 406 volunteers currently serving are aged 50 or older. The Peace Corps says it regards older volunteers as a great asset, bringing both their professional and life experiences to help countries around the world meet their development needs. Volunteers over age 50 are currently serving in 66 of the 73 Peace Corps countries.
During the first three months of her service, McNeal will live with a host family in Ukraine to become fully immersed in the country’s language and culture. After acquiring the language and cultural skills necessary to assist her community, McNeal will serve for two years in Ukraine, living in a manner similar to people in her host country.
McNeal joins 73 Maine residents currently serving in the Peace Corps. More than 1,631 Maine residents have served in the Peace Corps since 1961.
Since achieving independence in 1991, Ukraine is said to have taken significant steps toward democracy, political pluralism, entering the European Union, and a free-market economy. In an effort to address these multi-dimensional goals, the Peace Corps has sent over 1,746 Volunteers to Ukraine since 1992.
Volunteers are actively engaged there in community development, English language education, and youth development. Ukraine is currently home to the largest Peace Corps program with over 374 volunteers presently serving.
