2009.05.31: May 31, 2009: Headlines: COS - Bolivia: COS - Peru: Living in Peru: Bolivia RPCV Larry J. Pitman writes: Thank you for your Service
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2009.05.31: May 31, 2009: Headlines: COS - Bolivia: COS - Peru: Living in Peru: Bolivia RPCV Larry J. Pitman writes: Thank you for your Service
Bolivia RPCV Larry J. Pitman writes: Thank you for your Service
Recently, for example, I was listening to a young man tell about his work in a small town outside of Arequipa. He is a specialist in small business development with a project that helps herders of alpacas market their products. He is also involved with a fish farm designed to bring extra revenue to this community. Neither of these projects is moving at a fast pace, something that has required him to learn to be patient and to gain an understanding of the difficulties of rural development. However, he mentioned two spare time activities not related to these projects that just might be long remembered in his community. First, he is a very good soccer player and has become a valued member of the local team. Second, he has started a chess club with ten enthusiastic members using chess sets send from the U.S. by the Volunteer’s father. These are activities that build relationships that can change lives.
Bolivia RPCV Larry J. Pitman writes: Thank you for your Service
Thank you for your Service
by Larry J. Pitman
To me they are the best of America: bright, young, optimistic and willing to take on a challenge that requires them to blend into a life completely different from the one they have known. They are working in many ways to contribute whatever they can to build a better life for Peruvians. More than that, they are developing a relationship and a love for Peru that will last a lifetime.
I refer to the U.S.Peace Corps, of course. Founded in 1961, more than 195,000 Americans have served in 139 countries, including me.
What is the purpose of this organization? (I quote from the official web-site) “The Peace Corps 'has three simple goals:
1.Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
2.Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
3.Helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.”
Several times a year I am invited to speak to a group of U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers who are finishing their two year tour of service in Peru. This is a treat for me. By listening to stories of their experiences in the smaller towns and villages of Peru, I get an opportunity to view a country far different from the one I experience in Lima.
Recently, for example, I was listening to a young man tell about his work in a small town outside of Arequipa. He is a specialist in small business development with a project that helps herders of alpacas market their products. He is also involved with a fish farm designed to bring extra revenue to this community. Neither of these projects is moving at a fast pace, something that has required him to learn to be patient and to gain an understanding of the difficulties of rural development.
However, he mentioned two spare time activities not related to these projects that just might be long remembered in his community. First, he is a very good soccer player and has become a valued member of the local team. Second, he has started a chess club with ten enthusiastic members using chess sets send from the U.S. by the Volunteer’s father. These are activities that build relationships that can change lives.
The Volunteers receive a small stipend which allows them to live at an appropriate level in the communities where they work. The above mentioned Volunteer, for example, told me that he and his wife (also a Volunteer) paid 60 soles (around US$20) a month for rent and shopped for food in the local market.
Many years ago I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Bolivia. This was certainly one of the most important experiences in my life because I learned how the world looks from another viewpoint.
I should mention that these Volunteers have no funding available to support the projects they work with in these communities. If you would like to say thank you for their service and help them in their work, you can go to the Peace Corps web-site, look for donations, scroll down to Peru, and make a contribution.
I know that your contribution will be much appreciated and well used.
Links to Related Topics (Tags):
Headlines: May, 2009; Peace Corps Bolivia; Directory of Bolivia RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Bolivia RPCVs; Peace Corps Peru; Directory of Peru RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Peru RPCVs
When this story was posted in June 2009, this was on the front page of PCOL:
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| Join Us Mr. President! "We will double the size of the Peace Corps by its 50th anniversary in 2011. And we'll reach out to other nations to engage their young people in similar programs, so that we work side by side to take on the common challenges that confront all humanity," said Barack Obama during his campaign.
Read how RPCV's rallied and and marched to the White House to support a bold new Peace Corps for a new age. |
| Director Ron Tschetter: The PCOL Interview Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter sat down for an in-depth interview to discuss the evacuation from Bolivia, political appointees at Peace Corps headquarters, the five year rule, the Peace Corps Foundation, the internet and the Peace Corps, how the transition is going, and what the prospects are for doubling the size of the Peace Corps by 2011. Read the interview and you are sure to learn something new about the Peace Corps. PCOL previously did an interview with Director Gaddi Vasquez. |
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Story Source: Living in Peru
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Bolivia; COS - Peru
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