The financial crunch has intensified to such a level that Peace Corps Ukraine administration was compelled to revise the monthly stipend amount for volunteers. After receiving a successfully completed survey by current volunteers, Peace Corps headquarters delivered with a 10 percent increase.
Peace Corps provides 10 percent increase in monthly stipend to volunteer in Ukraine
The food crisis and life in Ukraine
BY GRANT EARICH • GUEST COLUMNIST
SEPTEMBER 9, 2008
Throughout the world people are feeling the effects of the current pseudo-recession and food crisis. Volunteers in Ukraine have been dealing with rising costs in transportation, food and housing. The financial crunch has intensified to such a level that Peace Corps Ukraine administration was compelled to revise the monthly stipend amount for volunteers. After receiving a successfully completed survey by current volunteers, Peace Corps headquarters delivered with a 10 percent increase.
Unfortunately, there are many who aren't as lucky. Volunteers in the Philippines have seen a 40 percent increase in the cost of bread this year alone. In Peace Corps Africa countries violent food riots have been breaking out in capital cities. Jamaica has seen the prices for simple cereals and grains swell to the point that meat and produce are cheaper to purchase. Each example is proof that the United States isn't the only one in a predicament.
The United Nation's World Food Program has referred to the price gouge as "a silent tsunami," and most countries are reeling in its wake. But, not everyone. Ukraine has felt the effects of rising cost of products from the recession but, it actually stands to profit from the increasing food crisis.
Ukraine has been known as the breadbasket of Eastern Europe for many years, now they could become the breadbasket for the entire continent of Europe. With rich, fertile black soil and excellent spring and summer harvest, Ukraine is being viewed as a possible liberator to many countries throughout the world.
Since its independence in 1991, Ukraine has struggled to find an identity. The media often portrays Ukraine as being torn between continued dependence on Russia and idealizing a move toward Western Europe - proven during 2005's Orange Revolution. The food crisis could help rectify this situation. Ukraine recently joined the World Trade Organization and has begun opening up business to significant world leaders. In doing so, Ukraine has and will continue to reap large revenues based on a country with large mineral deposits, factories and the fore noted farming industry.
Ukraine is divided into state-like entities known as "oblast." My oblast, Vinnytska, is agrarian and could benefit immensely after one of the best growing seasons in recent memory. With a good season, Vinnytska could see great improvement to the cities, towns and villages in the wake of a worldwide crisis.
Ukrainians in general seem optimistic that with the right leadership and management their country could start competing at a higher level on the world scale. It's difficult to say how Ukraine will undertake the current situation. Time will prove to be the biggest variable for Ukraine's progress.
Grant Earich is a 2000 graduate of Tri-Valley High School and 2004 graduate of Walsh University. He holds bachelor of arts degrees in history and political science. Prior to his service in the United States Peace Corps, he served in Ohio State Senator Joy Padgett's office and as a legislative assistant and advisor to Ohio's largest nonprofit, Ohio Citizen Action.
