2011.01.14: January 14, 2011: Comments about the ABC 20/20 Program on the Murder of Kate Puzey
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2011.01.14: January 14, 2011: Comments about the ABC 20/20 Program on the Murder of Kate Puzey
Comments about the ABC 20/20 Program on the Murder of Kate Puzey
One View: I served in Peace Corps Benin with Kate, and she was a friend of mine. I'd like to put in a word for most people in Benin, especially the people of Badjoude, Kate's village. I visited her there once and was so impressed by the great rapport she had with the local Beninese. She did great work, and people in that village really loved and respected her. Her death stunned and angered them. They held a protest march after she died, and they're renaming the school where she taught after her. Badjoude is not a dangerous place, but it had a dangerous person in it, and Kate should definitely have been pulled from the village after Peace Corps staff received her report. Our full-time Peace Corps staff, the ones who received her report and decided not to keep it anonymous, were a group of good people with good intentions (many of them were former volunteers themselves) - but this was a very bad call on their part, which was made even worse by decisions from the higher-ups in Peace Corps who took over after Kate was killed.
Another View: My God, the Peace Corps has really lost its mission and moral compass! Did they grow too big and stagnant as an organization that administrators are more concerened about public image and protecting the agency than the individuals who volunteer?? There are abuses in corporations, but at least there are now laws in place to protect victims and whistleblowers. Jesus, the Peace Corps will get no endorsement from me until they clean up their act.
Another View: In U.S. media, the death of a Peace Corps volunteer usually is a local story that's barely noticed, if noticed at all, in the rest of the country. The Peace Corps prefers it that way. Thomas Maresco, 24, was shot to death Sept. 3, 2010, in the African nation of Lesotho's capital city, Maseru. Did anyone much beyond his hometown of Port St. Lucie, Fla., here about it? Stephanie Chance, 26, died of in Niger in October, 2010, reportedly of natural causes. Her death was reported in her home town of Phoenix and, to the best of my knowledge, there's never been any follow-up or explanation other than "natural causes." Likewise there's no follow-up for Thomas Maresco's murder. Likewise 23-year-old So-Youn Kim's death in Morocco in November 2009. Very little coverage, no follow-up, no explanation. The Peace Corps kept the story as quiet as possible and stonewalled Kate Puzey's parents, clearly showing them what a nontransparent, backside-covering bureaucracy it is. By covering this story, ABC News has done what a real news organization does. But the duplicitous Peace Corps is beyond shame.
Another View: I served as Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin not far from where Katy lived. When I heard about her murder I was so shocked as were all my fellow Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Part of the shock was due to the fact in general, Benin is full of warm, friendly, peaceful people. It is still unimaginable that this could have happened there. There are hundreds of volunteers serving in Benin each year in addition to hundreds of European volunteers. To my knowledge, nothing as terrible as this has ever happened to a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin. In my two years I never felt unsafe. In fact I felt safer there than I did living in our own nation's capital.The Beninese Peace Corps staff do a suburb job informing incoming volunteers on how to take precautions and be safe. I honestly cannot see how they could have ever seen this coming and I know they are as shocked and saddened by this as we are. My time in Peace Corps has had a monumental impact on my life. I would not trade that experience for the world. It's made me a better person. I do hope that in light of this, Peace Corps takes a moment to reevaluate the measures they take to keep volunteers safe - but to do away with the program all together would be a tragedy in of itself.
Another View: I have served as a Peace Corps Volunteer and worked at Peace Corps headquarters. During my time working at Peace Corps headquarters I witnessed the agency's response to the death of a volunteer. It is unimmaginable how hard it is to hear that one of our one has died, and more horrible still when that death is not accidental. Peace Corps places the safety and security of volunteers at the highest priority often to the point that volunteers complain of an over-response and over concern. In this tradey, there may have been, and were likely, mistakes made - I don't know. I do know that Peace Corps as an organziation is good and this year will celebrate 50 years of peace and friendship as envisioned by JFK. Please do not make the mistake of judging a whole organization as good or bad based on Kate Puzey's story. That would be incredibly sad and belittle the amazing work and friendships that Peace Corps volunteers have acheived over the last 50 years and will continue to achieve the next 50.
Comments about the ABC 20/20 Program on the Murder of Kate Puzey
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As soon as she made contact about her concerns, they should have extracted her from the scenario until the allegations could be investigated. An epic failure of common sense that cost this young woman her life.
Posted by: JrzWrld
Jan-14
Admin Link: 1
To think I nearly suggested to a young friend that they do some travel and help with the Peace Corps. After this series of articles-never. Horrifying that our government is complicit in hiding these heinous acts against our own children abroad on their behalf. It sickens me.
Posted by: Heartlight617
Jan-14
Admin Link: 2
The world needs many more people like Kate Puzey and no people like Constant Bio.
Posted by: profdot
Jan-14
Admin Link: 3
As an African from the neighbouring country to Benin, that is I am from Ghana, I sincerely want to express my deepest condolences to the family of the slain volunteer. My heart is bleeding for what they have done to this young lady and the others who have been savagely raped. I was left stunned after watching the videos, wow, God bless her soul, I know she is heaven.For my fellow Africans, SHAME, SHAME, SHAME on us! I mean, how can we allow this to even happen in the first place. I am a proud African who never likes the colonial mentality of some of the western nations BUT if you have people who are coming to help teach our kids, educate them and give them hope, we go about killing and raping them? shame! I know you might say this is only 1 case out of a whole lot! yeah but it is ONE TOO MANY!, should have never happened and I hope we(Ghana, my government), should put in measures to protect people like Kate Puzey, Man I am broken hearted, I wish the family strength and I hope they Hang the Man that did this crime, yeah high noon hanging in Cotonour(capital of Benin)Shame.
Posted by: hotkwakuhead76
Jan-14
Admin Link: 4
My God, the Peace Corps has really lost its mission and moral compass! Did they grow too big and stagnant as an organization that administrators are more concerened about public image and protecting the agency than the individuals who volunteer?? There are abuses in corporations, but at least there are now laws in place to protect victims and whistleblowers. Jesus, the Peace Corps will get no endorsement from me until they clean up their act.
Posted by: TheGraduate_student
Jan-14
Admin Link: 5
This is a shocking breach of duty on the part of the Peace Corps. Over the years I've met many dedicated young Americans who've served all over the world. A close friend served in a small, isolated community in Chile. The mission of the Peace Corps is to bring everything from how to use the sun's heat reflected from a piece of shiny metal to cook in regions where fuel is very scarce, to digging wells, teaching basic reading, writing and arithmetic and self esteem to boys and girls. Peace Corps workers are volunteers; they aren't missionaries of any religion, however, they ARE missionaries of democratic thinking who give of themselves as fully and willingly as any religious missionarries. My sincere condolences to the Puzey family. I hope justice will prevail in Benin and that the guilty one(s) will be duly punished. Meanwhile, the Peace Corps needs a complete examination of it's policies and responsibilities toward its volunteers. I don't believe this is an isolated tragedy -- the only similar incident the agency has swept under the rug and the agency's blatant disregard shown to Kate Puzey's family is dispicable. Those who volunteer for the Peace Corps are no different from anyone who voluntarily enlists in the military, except they receive none of the perks available to the the militiary when they've completed their hitch. The Benin legal system does have jurisdiction over its disposition of punishment, however, Kate Puzey was an American citizen. Just as any other "official" ambassadors and their staffs the U.S. has posted world-wide, the protections available to them, the U.S. duty to extend those same protection to its "unofficial" ambassadors, the Peace Corps. volunteers.
Posted by: coriander21
Jan-14
Admin Link: 6
Peace Corps needs to STOP and take a clsoe look at their organization. THIS IS NOT what JFK ever imagined!
Posted by: SorryThisAtmosphereIsTaken
Jan-14
Admin Link: 8
Given the other article on PC by abcnews.com, it seems that there is a bigger issue with this organization. Audit it for problems or shut it down.
Posted by: Raspberries88
Jan-14
Admin Link: 9
Again, more sad news that the Peace Corps fails to protect it's female volunteers. It should be disbanded. Don't join if you are a female because they will allow you to be raped and murdered then shove you stuff in a box and dump it on your parent's lawn. Again, SHAME ON THE PEACE CORPS.
Posted by: MicheleinCA
Jan-14
Admin Link: 10
The Peace Corp manager made a promise she COULD NOT keep - the accused mans brother worked in the office. Did they really think it would stay a secret??!! She should have been pulled immediately after she sent the email for her own safety. Now the family can only hope for a fair trial.
Posted by: pksk531
Jan-14
Admin Link: 11
Thanks, hotwakuhead76. I served in Peace Corps Benin with Kate, and she was a friend of mine. I'd like to put in a word for most people in Benin, especially the people of Badjoude, Kate's village. I visited her there once and was so impressed by the great rapport she had with the local Beninese. She did great work, and people in that village really loved and respected her. Her death stunned and angered them. They held a protest march after she died, and they're renaming the school where she taught after her. Badjoude is not a dangerous place, but it had a dangerous person in it, and Kate should definitely have been pulled from the village after Peace Corps staff received her report. Our full-time Peace Corps staff, the ones who received her report and decided not to keep it anonymous, were a group of good people with good intentions (many of them were former volunteers themselves) - but this was a very bad call on their part, which was made even worse by decisions from the higher-ups in Peace Corps who took over after Kate was killed.
Posted by: MaeAL
Jan-14
Admin Link: 12
I served as Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin not far from where Katy lived. When I heard about her murder I was so shocked as were all my fellow Returned Peace Corps Volunteers. Part of the shock was due to the fact in general, Benin is full of warm, friendly, peaceful people. It is still unimaginable that this could have happened there. There are hundreds of volunteers serving in Benin each year in addition to hundreds of European volunteers. To my knowledge, nothing as terrible as this has ever happened to a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin. In my two years I never felt unsafe. In fact I felt safer there than I did living in our own nation's capital.The Beninese Peace Corps staff do a suburb job informing incoming volunteers on how to take precautions and be safe. I honestly cannot see how they could have ever seen this coming and I know they are as shocked and saddened by this as we are. My time in Peace Corps has had a monumental impact on my life. I would not trade that experience for the world. It's made me a better person. I do hope that in light of this, Peace Corps takes a moment to reevaluate the measures they take to keep volunteers safe - but to do away with the program all together would be a tragedy in of itself.
Posted by: live2011
Jan-14
Admin Link: 13
In U.S. media, the death of a Peace Corps volunteer usually is a local story that's barely noticed, if noticed at all, in the rest of the country. The Peace Corps prefers it that way. Thomas Maresco, 24, was shot to death Sept. 3, 2010, in the African nation of Lesotho's capital city, Maseru. Did anyone much beyond his hometown of Port St. Lucie, Fla., here about it? Stephanie Chance, 26, died of in Niger in October, 2010, reportedly of natural causes. Her death was reported in her home town of Phoenix and, to the best of my knowledge, there's never been any follow-up or explanation other than "natural causes." Likewise there's no follow-up for Thomas Maresco's murder. Likewise 23-year-old So-Youn Kim's death in Morocco in November 2009. Very little coverage, no follow-up, no explanation. The Peace Corps kept the story as quiet as possible and stonewalled Kate Puzey's parents, clearly showing them what a nontransparent, backside-covering bureaucracy it is. By covering this story, ABC News has done what a real news organization does. But the duplicitous Peace Corps is beyond shame.
Posted by: Manchester1910
Jan-14
Admin Link: 14
I think that what Kate did was heroic, going to Benin and volunteering there. However, i think that the volunteers should be held in better conditions to be protected by perhaps these terrible conditions. I hope her memory is held with fond memories. The Peace Corps should honestly, be punished.
Posted by: wonderpie321
Jan-14
Admin Link: 15
I have served as a Peace Corps Volunteer and worked at Peace Corps headquarters. During my time working at Peace Corps headquarters I witnessed the agency's response to the death of a volunteer. It is unimmaginable how hard it is to hear that one of our one has died, and more horrible still when that death is not accidental. Peace Corps places the safety and security of volunteers at the highest priority often to the point that volunteers complain of an over-response and over concern. In this tradey, there may have been, and were likely, mistakes made - I don't know. I do know that Peace Corps as an organziation is good and this year will celebrate 50 years of peace and friendship as envisioned by JFK. Please do not make the mistake of judging a whole organization as good or bad based on Kate Puzey's story. That would be incredibly sad and belittle the amazing work and friendships that Peace Corps volunteers have acheived over the last 50 years and will continue to achieve the next 50.
Posted by: honoluluMA
Jan-14
Admin Link: 16
I'm watching this 20/20 newscast about the Peace Corps and I am disgusted, disappointed, and totally shocked that the U.S. would allow something like this to happen. What is the world coming to - we send Americans to foreign lands to help people and for them to be raped, murdered and unprotected is just totally disgusting. SHAME ON YOU PEACE CORPS.....I WILL NEVER RESPECT AN ORGANIZATION THAT IGNORES THE FACTS AND REFUSES TO TAKE ACTION. THESE CRIMINAL ACTS HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR DECADES. YOU ARE A DISGRACE!
Posted by: ENUFFSAID911
Jan-14
Admin Link: 17
There have been rapes and assaults in the Peace Corps for more years than a decade. I was in the Peace Corps in the late 80's and know of several rape victims in my home country.
Posted by: reetnulovvcpr
Jan-14
Admin Link: 18
You know. I truly don't want anyone to forget all the hard work that the Peace Corp has done of the years but it is disgraceful to put some newly appointed Deputy on 20/20 to essentially plead the 5th on whether they bear any responsibility. YES YOU BEAR RESPONSIBILITY! She was on your watch, she tried to do something ethical and however it was leaked for their staff, they played a part in her death. REDICULOUS to send someone to be interviewed on the show just so you can spill some crap about "the investigation isn't over. Next question....and the answer "the investigation isn't over". It is a disgrace to all the people who served like Katy Puzey. Part of the reason they send the lady who doesn't know crap is so she can say honestly that she doesn't know anything. I'd have more respect for them if they said, the volunteers are going into potentially hostile territory and when these exceptions, these rapes happen, they support and intensely counsel them. Rapes of young women are NOT in any way their fault. This is beyond SAD! Whomever the PR person is at Peace Corp is off their rocker.
Posted by: belange17
Jan-14
Admin Link: 19
The rapes and assaults of Peace Corps volunteers has been going on for more than a decade. I was in the Peace Corps in the late 80's and knew of many co-volunteers who were raped and assaulted.
Posted by: reetnulovvcpr
Jan-14
Admin Link: 20
There should be a full investigation by the Justice Department on theses allegations the Peace Corp covered up murder and rape. No American citizen volunteering as ambassadors for peace deserves to be ignored by the agency which should be protecting them. My thoughts go out to these women and families.
Posted by: cowboy1texas
Jan-14
Admin Link: 21
There should be a full investigation by the Justice Department on theses allegations the Peace Corp covered up murder and rape. No American citizen volunteering as ambassadors for peace deserves to be ignored by the agency which should be protecting them. My thoughts go out to these women and their families.
Posted by: cowboy1texas
Jan-14
Admin Link: 22
There have been rapes and assaults on volunteers for more than a decade. I was in the Peace Corps in the late 80's and knew of many co-volunteers who were raped and assaulted. Even then services for these victims was limited at best. I suspect there are more than your reported 1000.
Posted by: reetnulovvcpr
Jan-14
Admin Link: 23
The woman who was acting as a spokesperson for the peace corps sounded an awful lot like a lawyer to me.
Posted by: barthelamew
Jan-14
Admin Link: 24
I never post comments but just watching 20/20 had me so disgusted that I googled the Peace Corps and came upon this page. The story of these volunteers bought tears to my eyes. I've always been a person who thought about what it would be like to help people and admire people like the volunteers who take time out of their lives to make a difference in the world. How can the U.S. allow this to happen. The Peace Corps should be required to provide safety for all their volunteers and provide them with accurate information about the risks involved in going to some of these countries. For them to remain closed mouthed about what's going on is totally disgusting when women are being raped and murdered. I have no respect for the Peace Corp. after hearing about this and will never support this group even if their mission to help especially if they cannot protect the people who are providing the help. As far as Kate Puzey is concerned, heaven has another angel. Rest in Peace. To Kate's family ~ stay strong knowing your daughter is an angel who lost her life doing what she thought was right and what she wanted to do.
Posted by: ENUFFSAID911
Jan-14
Admin Link: 25
It is obvious to the folks who have actually served in the PC that some trusts were violated in this case. As for the real world that PC volunteers serve in, the countries that PC volunteers serve are NOT the USA. Different cultural rules, different laws, different view of women/children/men. An American can be just as abused and violated in New York or Chicago as they can in Benin. PC volunteers are always given a choice to Early Terminate their service if they feel unsafe. The PC WILL put you on an airplane to the US immediately and without question. As a volunteer I was attacked in the capital city while walking along the corniche. Broad daylight, busy street, walking with another volunteer. I was given options to medivac to have sessions with a therapist. Do I think PC made some mistakes...YES; Do we need to shut down the organization...No more than we need to shut down the US Army for violating prisoners in Iraq.
Posted by: sadubalde
Jan-14
It does seem as though the Peace Corps has been trying to protect public image rather than offer condolences and counseling to its volunteers who meet with adversity in its outreach countries. However, I STRONGLY DISAGREE that much can be done to prevent these events from taking place. Unfortunately (speaking as someone who has traveled to under-developed countries in the name of service), anytime you enter a third-world country, whether it is through an organization or not, you are risking your life. "Protecting" individuals is difficult, as law enforcement in other countries is often corrupt or politicized, if even active at all. People assume that because the world "Peace" is in the organization's name, that there is no risk with going into a third-world country and stirring up the cultural norms of another society. Kate was very brave, not only for her contributions to the young women in that country, but also to speak out against someone who she believes was acting in an extremely immoral manner. Unfortunately, it's unlikely that anyone could have predicted murder, including the Peace Corps. If Kate had known that dying would have been a remote possibility, she surely would have removed herself from the situation, even if the Peace Corps offered no support. That being said, I feel that it is the Peace Corps' responsibility to offer the family more honesty about the circumstances, keep them up to date with the progression of the investigation, and strongly counsel all individuals/families who are victims of crime. As for the other ladies who volunteered their information, I shudder to think that the organization would ask someone who was raped while under their service to keep quiet about it. They should counsel ALL volunteers about the risks involved when traveling to third-world countries. Thank goodness for the brave people who volunteer their time and safety to better the world we live in! We are so grateful for your commitment and dedication.
Posted by: mirden81
Jan-14
Admin Link: 27
More reason to be careful what you email. Sadly, with highly sensitive information you can never be too careful. One you hit send you no longer have control of it.
Posted by: NotABandwagonist
Jan-14
Admin Link: 28
It is my opinion that any organization that is an international initiative, funded by the US government is suspect. Some countries masquerade their internal government programs as altruistic initiatives to 'help' people of violent countries. Innocent pawns such as these female volunteers are covertly instructed to work in areas where volatility is high. Information about the locals as well as government behavior is extracted by the directors of these programs. Peace Corps is definitely a cover organization. John Kennedy developed this program hoping to honestly assist nations in need. Not so anymore. Dont be surprised if you see the Peace Corps true agenda featured on a Jesse Ventura conspiracy episode!
Posted by: Rubeek
Jan-14
Admin Link: 29
Shame on Deputy Carrie Hessler Radelet for not showing any humanity towards those young women who believed in the Peace Corp and wanted to make a difference in the world. Shame on the Deputy for not saying that the Peace Corp would do all that they could to help those women and declare that steps would be taken tto make sure that future volunteers would be safe. This is a disgraceful situation that saddens me for all of the volunteers who have been harmed--or murdered.
Posted by: qsdgt
Jan-14
Admin Link: 30
It does seem as though the Peace Corps has been trying to protect public image rather than offer condolences and counseling to its volunteers who meet with adversity in its outreach countries. However, I STRONGLY DISAGREE that much can be done to prevent these events from taking place. Unfortunately (speaking as someone who has traveled to under-developed countries in the name of service), anytime you enter a third-world country, whether it is through an organization or not, you are risking your life. People assume that because the world "Peace" is in the organization's name, that there is no risk with going into a third-world country and stirring up the cultural norms of another society. Really?? "Protecting" individuals is difficult, as law enforcement in other countries is often corrupt or politicized, if even active at all. And for all of those suggesting that our government get involved, our justice system has very little power to conduct affairs in other countries, even if a U.S. organization is in question. That being said, I feel that it is the Peace Corps' responsibility to offer the family more honesty about the circumstances, keep them up to date with the progression of the investigation, and strongly counsel all individuals/families who are victims of crime. As for the other ladies who volunteered their information, I shudder to think that the organization would ask someone who was raped while under their service to keep quiet about it. They should counsel ALL volunteers about the risks involved when traveling to third-world countries. Thank goodness for the brave people who volunteer their time and safety to better the world we live in! We are so grateful for your commitment and dedication. And please don't be discouraged... many great individuals have sacrificed much including their lives, to make the world a better place.
Posted by: mirden81
Jan-14
Admin Link: 31
These are very sad stories, but it seems there is a design in the timing of these stories to make sure to disgrace a great organization.The people who screwed up should be held responsible, but condeming the whole Peace Corps seems a little too convenient.
Posted by: vissionquest
Jan-14
Admin Link: 32
Deputy Carrie Hessler Radelet--shame on you for not showing any humanity towards these young women who volunteered to serve their country because they believed they could make the world a better place. Shame on you for not declaring that you would do all you could to help these victims and their families. Shame on you for not promising that you would do all you could to make certain that current and future volunteers would be safe. You have done a disservice to the Peace Corp and your country but particularly to these young women and their families.
Posted by: qsdgt
Jan-14
Admin Link: 33
As our nation looks for budget cuts, I believe we should start with the Peace Corps if this is our they choose to operate. This is not my mothers' peace corps of the 60's. Sincerly LS2.
Posted by: adphinisee
Jan-14
Admin Link: 34
I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin. I, too, taught English and lived just a couple hours north of Kate's village. Watching this was heartbreaking; such deep suffering and so many unanswered questions. It is my sincere hope that this tragedy does not overshadow the value of the work Kate did for her students and her community. I would do it all over again. And I hope my daughters will have the option as well.
Posted by: morikins
Jan-14
Admin Link: 35
I was a female Peace Corps volunteer in Eastern Europe in the mid-90s. It was a wonderful time in my life. I went in to the Peace Corps with the thoughts of making the world a better place...I felt differently when I came home. I feel for the family of Kate Puzey and others and others out there. I can not imagine.....After watching this program, I have to say now I feel like the lucky one...on two occasions, Peace Corps dropped the ball. They are supposed to provide housing - they provided me with housing with limited access and I was unable gain access several evenings. I made several complaints to Peace Corps about my situation - nothing was really ever done. On a separate occasion, near the end of my service, my green card had lapsed and I had not left the country to get new stamps. I arranged with the Asst County Dir to go to pick up new volunteers in the next country so I would not be alone going across the border. At the last minute, she called to tell me there was no room and laughed. At the time there were rumors of young women being illegally detained and assaulted. In the end, a USAID official helped me when he learned about my situation. I hate to think what could have happened. Peace Corps can be a wonderful organization - but they need to clean up their act and make necessary changes. I would caution all volunteers to be educated going into the experience.
Posted by: mrdc68
Jan-14
Admin Link: 36
As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who was nearly sexually assaulted I would like to state that the majority of these issues are different from country to country. I was nearly sexually assaulted by a member of my host family. I reported my uncomfortable feelings to Peace Corps and I was immediately removed from that family, Peace Corps addressed the family (shaming them), found a new family, AND offered counseling by my doctor and other members of Peace Corps staff. Throughout all of my time, though I was constantly called a "whore" and a "prostitute" by local men, I always felt as though I was supported by Peace Corps. Unfortunately, sexual assault is a huge issue for all developing countries and even though Peace Corps offers trainings for female volunteers to address these issues the problem will never be fully eradicated.
Posted by: abby.carmean
Jan-14
Admin Link: 37
I served for three years in the Peace Corps and am appalled at the manner in which PC has handled these cases. The Deputy Director came across as a cold, detached bureauacrat!
Posted by: rmeast61
Jan-14
Admin Link: 38
I m appauled at the Peace Corp. about the death of Kate Puzey. It does not matter how much good the Peace Corp does if someone gets murdered or is sexually abused. The organization should be ashamed of itself and be shut down. How could the director go around and celebrate 50 years with women getting abused inside the organization. I will not donate or support the Peace Corp. John F Kennedy would not allow this and I hope Ms Caroline Kennedy will see that justice is done.
Posted by: floydrodgersjr
Jan-14
Admin Link: 39
I served three years in the Peace Corps in eastern Africa during the early 80s. Since then, I have lived and worked in the region for > 11 years and continue to take my college back to the region for study abroad. I had NEVER heard of such things happening to volunteers, male or female, so the whole cover-up aspect has shocked me. Where was the APCD in Benin? She/he could have advocated for Katie to be given a new site. Blaming the volunteers is despicable!I was appalled at the manner in which PC handled these cases
Posted by: rmeast61
Jan-14
Admin Link: 40
I m appauled at the Peace Corp about the death of Kate Puzey and the sexual abuse of the other women in the Peace Corp. John F Kennedy would not stand for this and I hope Ms Caroline Kennedy will do something about this. I do not understand how the director can go around celebrating the existence of this organization with these things happening. I will not support or donate to the Peace Corp.
Posted by: floydrodgersjr
Jan-14
Admin Link: 41
No one expects that the Peace Corps could protect every single one of its many volunteers in all the countries where they serve. What is expected, however, is that when some tragedy befalls a volunteer, they and their family are given every consideration. This would involve sensitive counseling for anyone who has been sexually assaulted, and especially full disclosure to families like Kate Puzey's who have lost a loved one. Shame on the Peace Corps for their total lack of compassion for the Puzey family, and shame on those whose thoughtlessness resulted in her murder for not taking responsibility for their actions. Treating rape victims as though they were responsible for being raped is so 19th century that it's embarrassing to hear something like that explained on a national TV program from the 21st century. The Peace Corps serves and has served in many compassionate and humanitarian ways over the past half century, and ought to continue to do so, but the stonewalling and non-transparency in these matters needs to end.
Posted by: Mrs. Magillicuddy
Jan-14
Admin Link: 42
In a very dangerous world where anti-western sentiment is running so high we have to ask ourselves should the Peace Corps as an organization be ended. Parents need to ask themselves is it worth risking the lives of their children with no protection from an agency which views the injury or death of their children as negligible? Thank you for a very important report which needs to be told so parents and their children can be better informed when deciding whether it's worth risking their lives to help others. As a parent of two children who have often talked about joining the Peace Corps we are now having our doubts. I think we'll stick closer to home and do more volunteer work at the local food pantry and soup kitchen. At least I can be sure that the people we help really appreciate it and I won't have to worry that some unappreciative foreigners will be calling my daughter ‘a filthy American whore,' before they rape her; which was the case with one of the volunteers of the Peace Corps. I am curious on two fronts though: Do parents and volunteers give up their constitutional rights when they join the Peace Corps? Since it seems victims can't get any legal recourse, why haven't any of the victims civilly sued that agency? And secondly, if some of the victims felt unsafe and the Peace Corps wouldn't remove them, why didn't they leave on their own? Had my child called me and told me of his/her fear I would have made it my business to get them out of that country, even if I had to physically hop a plane and bring them home myself. Why haven't any of the victims or their parents done this?
Posted by: lovetogarden
Jan-15
Admin Link: 43
For everyone who is now viewing the Peace Corps in a negative life, here is something to consider. You can't stop living just because you're scared. If you did, nothing would ever change. At some point, you've got to transcend fear and recognize that you're no different than those in other countries. Be thankful that you're blessed enough to be able to help others and do just that: help others. More importantly, love others. And do so wholeheartedly and without reservation. That is how real change occurs.
Posted by: danielle.vaughn
Jan-15
Admin Link: 44
Clueless amateurs!
Posted by: CVG513
Jan-15
Admin Link: 45
I watched this segment this evening and wish the entire hour had been devoted to this /Kate Puzey's story. I applaud ABC for investigating this and asking for answers and I admire the women who came forward and fearlessly, publicly told their stories. Peace Corps could use some good PR--it wont erase what they did or didn't do for these women (and potentially thousands of others?!)--but a tactful apology, and maybe (if true) some examples of how the organization has rectified problems or instituted new policies/programs to protect victims and prevent abuse would have gone farther than their stonewalling and surely would've less damning to parents watching across America whose daughters dream of volunteering. Please continue reporting on this.
Posted by: ncnewsjunky
Jan-15
Admin Link: 46
What did she do wrong? She was an angel giving voice to the voiceless and protecting the vulnerable? Why would anybody want to harm her? She was beautiful, and she loved what she was doing. Question : WHY WAS NO PROTECTION GIVEN TO HER AND TO OTHER PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS WHO WERE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED?
Posted by: Ekanem
Jan-15
Admin Link: 47
Peace Corps should be ended for safety of volunteers. A responsible organization should not risk volunteers' lives, especially many of them have no life experiences. If the work is that important, hire securities or send troops. Does this country really can afford such activity, when Obama failed to beg 1% rich for some money for health care and the poor lower class. 1% rich are not Obama's grandma. However, 1% rich are the profiters of the society. They should not force middle class to pay for their hypocrisy.
Posted by: Shudrawantfreedom
Jan-15
Admin Link: 48
Understanding politics, policy and procedure, it is clear that the Peace Corps is not addressing the issue. Answers should be and must be given. The slightest acknowledgment of "some" responsibility by the Peace Corps is warranted.
Posted by: reviewer28
Jan-15
Admin Link: 49
I am not surprised. They are not there to protect their volunteers but their own backs. Be careful when you volunteer and never let your guard down. Too many young people are put into vulnerable positions and believe that they can trust the organization which promotes selflessness and good-will. Sadly, it is a myth. I am not saying to stop volunteering and giving but Be Careful. This cover up is not the only cover up. I can assure you and it probably will not be the last. Be careful and God Bless Kate Puzey.
Posted by: TrueliteReveal
Jan-15
Admin Link: 50
I am shocked by some of the ignorant statements that have been expressed here. I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and I feel that PC does their best in providing information and advice to their volunteers on how to be safe while living in an underdeveloped country. Living in a foreign country is extremely different than living in the US. If you have not lived in another country than don't judge. PC might have made a few mistakes - however - humans run this organization. Why are we condemning an entire organization when it was a local organization that made some mistakes? I am not saying that National PC Headquarters did not make any mistakes either. But your comments about closing an entire organization is delusional and some "parents" response on not allowing their children to join is overprotective and judgmental. I encourage Americans to open their hearts and minds to peace and humanitarian work in foreign lands to help promote peace and unity in the world.
Posted by: TstanRPCV07
Jan-15
This just shows the incompetence of upper management within the Peace Corps. Honestly this goes beyond incompetence, it's criminal and yet no one will ever be fired, no one will bare responsibility. The arrogance, the audacity, the complete lack of common sense and yet with just one sweep of the broom, everything is swept away. Honestly, how many times have we heard the completely bogus statement, "We can not discuss this case at this time because of the current investigation." An investigation which will remain open FOREVER! In a few weeks the local government will quietly release the men suspected of being involved and no one will say a word and years down the road upper management will continue to claim how they can not discuss the issue because of the pending legal investigation. All in order to protect their own rear ends.Sorry boys, but I am done donating until you make this right!!!!
Posted by: Kabel717
Jan-15
Admin Link: 52
Based on this story, it appears that serious mistakes were made and should be accounted for. Does that mean the Peace Corps is all bad? Of course not. I, for one, will read more and try to understand the full story here.And for those who say they would not let their children enter the Peace Corps, are you aware that volunteers are fully grown adults who make such decisions without a permission slip from their parents? These are not children, but rather young adults who receive significant training before they are sent to a foreign country. And never are they told that this is a risk-free adventure. But getting up in the morning is also not risk free, so it's important to have perspective.
Posted by: interested1961
Jan-15
Admin Link: 54
My cousin, Nancy Couty, was raped and murdered in 1996, while serving in Madagascar as a Peace Corps volunteer. At the time of her murder, there was great communication between the PC in Washington and Madagascar and the family, and PC representatives were even present for Nancy's funeral and during visiting hours. I think that the fact that Kate Puzey's family were not given similar consideration is nothing short of a travesty, and I would like to offer her family my deepest sympathy. Kate and Nancy shared similar giving attitudes and the desire to make a positive impact. They both had infectious personalities and will both be missed. I do believe that there are some major systemic problems within the Peace Corps. The fact that my cousin had to travel alone via bicycle on dirt roads, several hours at a time, several times a month, to get to meetings and to get supplies, in and of itself was a problem. I believe that women should serve in pairs. I understand that this won't prevent all attacks, but it should help. And how about some "self defense" training, and culture-specific instruction on how to deal with such issues? My heart goes out to all those women on the 20/20 program, whose hearts were to contribute something positive to this world, just to be abandoned physically, emotionally, and spiritually by the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps needs to do some in depth house cleaning and examine the way they do things. I do not believe it was President Kennedy's aim to put our young women (and men) in danger.EOhnemus
Posted by: sd_gal2
Jan-15
Admin Link: 55
As a returned Peace Corps volunteer who served in West Africa, I agree that there are lessons for the organization to learn from this horrible tragedy - particularly with respect to communication with families and protocol when a volunteer dies.However, I feel that 20/20's decision to frame Kate's story in terms of the abuse/molestation of girls in her village to be misguided and irresponsible. Because this took place in the same region where I served, I have been following several volunteers' blogs with information on the incident. Through the link below, you can see the full text of Kate's email to Peace Corps administration. Though she does mention rumors of misconduct with students, the main allegation of her message is that the language instructor had inappropriate, though consensual, relationships with Peace Corps trainees.http://mtbolin.wordpress.com/information-about-kate-puzey/(It's puzzling that 20/20 chose to show camera shots of highlighted text from the email, but not report on the message in its entirety.)Obviously, there are lessons to be learned and - no pun intended - hindsight is 20/20. But I find ABC's decision to paint her murder in terms of the sexual abuse of African girls to be reprehensible and nothing more than an effort to sensationalize the story. Kate was no doubt an enthusiastic, effective and dedicated volunteer - but it also seems possible that Peace Corps administration acted on what they thought was a policy infraction between a staff member and adult volunteers, and they had no reason to think that the individual would react violently after losing a part-time job with Peace Corps when he still had a teaching job.I hope that Peace Corps as an organization improves policies and protocol relating to their actions in response to a volunteer death, but I am not sure that they could have realistically predicted or prevented such a horrible crime from occurring based on the information they had at the time.
Posted by: rpcvtg
Jan-15
Admin Link: 56
This story hit so close too home for us as our daughter left Benin shortly before this happened. One thing that struck me. During our conversations my daughter would always point out the male ego in Africa. It a completely different society and men were in charge; police, banking, politics, etc. When I listened to Brian explain why the head of Peace Corp, again a black man would not be questioned and his deput;y, a white woman had to be put on the hot seat. The shocking part of this story is that on levels woman repeated take the hit and the men who created and caused so much pain remain in power. Also the Brian should have covered the fall out for Constantine's Mother and family. This is tragedy on so many more levels than covered in the show. But I do thank ABC for tackling this show as many now Peace Corp can start to make the badly needed changes.respectfully submitted,a parent of a return voluntee
Posted by: Mad Potter55
Jan-15
Admin Link: 57
I must commend 20/20 and Braian Ross for his extraordinary story on the Peace Corp volunteer who wasmurdered -what saddness for the family to receive a phone call and her baggage dropped at their home with no one to comfort them-I would say the Peace Corp needs to owe up to this and the other sad stories that were on with the women telling of being raped-How can they just walk away from this horible horriblehappening-we need accountability-NOWMillie5544
Posted by: MILLIE5544
Jan-15
Admin Link: 58
I viewed the informative 20/20 investigation on Kate Puzey's murder. Nice job. It seems there is a callous lack of protection women volunteers have while serving. I was very disappointed to see that Kate's dog 'Jack' was left behind in Africa. I have traveled overseas and brought animals back to the US. If a family member won't adopt Jack, then a local rescue group could be contacted to find him a responsible home in the States. Jack was Kate's best friend and protector; he deserves a better life than being left behind due to this tragedy. Its not too late, Kate would want him to be comfortable and safe...
Posted by: ljackson100
Jan-15
Admin Link: 59
Good story about the callous lack of protection for women volunteers. I was quite disappointed that Kate's dog 'Jack' was left behind in Africa. If the family didn't want to adopt her dog, a local rescue group could be contacted for permanent placement in the US. I travel abroad and have brought numerous dogs back to the States. They have short, painful lives in their home countries. Unfortunately, nothing can be done to change Kate's tragic death, but I'm sure Kate would want her best friend brought back to safety and comfort. Its not too late....
Posted by: ljackson100
Jan-15
Admin Link: 60
This is not the first Peace Corp volunteer murder. There was also Deborah Gardner (or a similiar name) back in 1976. You would have thought they would have learned something from the first tragedy. I have lost total respect for the Peace Corp
Posted by: CR_REDD
Jan-15
Admin Link: 61
What is surprising to me about this story is not the chronic and terrible crimes that are often committed against these young women, but the fact that the story was covered at all. I'm almost speechless.All too often real crime statistics and the ugly details of those crimes are buried by news organizations due to the racial makeup of the perpetrator and the race of the victims, nearly all of whom are white women. In a way I've always look at these types of organizations with a dubious eye. On a superficial level there is some good that can be done in these places, but in the grand scheme of things it's fundamentally naive to think you're going to change the basic philosophical mindsets that drive these societies, and the subsequent conditions those mindsets (among other things) cause.Starting in the 60's, when the Peace Corps was developed, there started a long, prolonged assault on the cultural image of whites in both the media and academia. It's simply become part of the air we breathe. We are sold the bogus idea that we must shoulder the burden of all non-white failure worldwide because it's all somehow... 'our fault'. It's my belief that the thousands of women who've been brutally raped and traumatized are simply looked at as 'collateral damage' in this futile endeavor of collective redemption. As if it's our moral imperative to facilitate our own demise and abuse to make up for the fictional accounts of oppression that have physically and mentally chained down the rest of the world.
Posted by: longnecklover
Jan-15
Admin Link: 62
As a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal, I faced continuous sexual harassment in the home in which I was placed by the organization--who had been screened and trusted by Peace Corps. When I brought my complaints to the administrators in Senegal, they interviewed my family (who gave a completely different story, denying any wrongdoing) and came back to claim that I was behaving inappropriately within my homestay family. I was appalled that I was being blamed--I received zero support from Peace Corps and nearly a year later I successfully fended off a rapist----which unsurprisingly I never bothered reporting, because I knew Peace Corps would take no steps to help me through this traumatic experience, and i once again would be blamed as causing the event. I did complete my service, but as the woman in the video stated--I would seriously try to deter my own daughters from joining Peace Corps.
Posted by: piperrs
Jan-15
Admin Link: 63
I'm a recently returned Peace Corps volunteer from Cameroon, West Africa. While I definitely agree that there has been great deal of mismanagement from the Peace Corps, I am also very saddened by the negative image the 20/20 report has portrayed. Peace Corps stands for so much more. Every organization makes mistakes and what has happened is inexcusable. But I hope people will remember at all the positive aspects of the Peace Corps. I once was also a major critic of the organization, but now I'm a big advocate. Here's why: http://www.asianpolyglot.com/2011/01/reaction-to-abc-2020-peace-corps-report
Posted by: wendy.lee.86
Jan-15
Admin Link: 64
20/20 should look into the volunteers in Kyrgyzstan who almost died last year. I read their story via facebook and blogs before peace corps told them to delete it. They were serving in a region at the time of unrest and could have been moved long before what happened, but were told it was safe there by Peace Corps. As a former volunteer, I can attest to what these girls are saying. Peace Corps is very good at twisting volunteers words and making it look like they are the ones who are putting themselves in dangerous situations. I thank the girls who bravely spoke out for this report and 20/20 for shining light on an organization that says that safety is their number one priority. Parents of volunteers and victims, continue to speak out. Do not let what happened to Kate go without a true investigation. She deserves more than that.
Posted by: msrunner55
Jan-16
Admin Link: 65
Regardless of one, one hundred, or one hundred thousand success stories, the mere fact of ONE sexual assault not reported or not tactfully handled by Peace Corp administrators constitutes a breech in upholding this institution's core mission: service to others inclusive of volunteers. Failure to provide volunteers immediate protection at the first report(s) of physical harassment is disgraceful. Every volunteer knows that risks do exists when providing service in any country inclusive of the United States; but, for volunteers, whether male or female, to not report an assault due to no confidence in Peace Corp leadership, is absolutely repulsive. John F. Kennedy must be turning over in his grave with disgust.
Posted by: TexasSunshineMD
Jan-16
Admin Link: 66
Her murder was just a coincidence? Does the Peace Corp pay bribes as the military does? It seems that the Peace Corp employees are prepared to do anything to keep their jobs.
Posted by: cregis2
Jan-16
Admin Link: 67
As a RPCV Ghana 1998-2000 I am not at all surprised by this story. In my experience PC is for the most part more interested in pandering to host-country government officials and protecting its public image, rather than protecting volunteers. One key problem is that some Country Directors tend to "go native" and end up being more concerned about host country nationals rather than their fellow American volunteers. This was the case in Ghana. When people ask me about my experience, I tell them PC's traditional motto of "It's the Toughest Job You'll Ever Love," is a lie.
Posted by: FormerRPCV
Jan-16
Admin Link: 68
Part II am very saddened by this segment created by ABC News. I think this left the misinformed American viewers upset about a great service organization that has done so many amazing things for the developing world and it's own volunteers who serve in them. No organization that oversees thousands of volunteers in an array of developing countries, which deal with so many governments, cultures, and differences; is perfect. Is there room for improvement…DEFINITELY, but if you ask a volunteer who served in the 60s or 70s and a current volunteer about their Peace Corps administrative support experiences and look at how things are different and how it has improved…the American people would be amazed! (Cont...)
Posted by: chezdada
Jan-16
Admin Link: 69
I served as a PCV in Western Samoa. After seeing the newspiece, it brings back vivid thoughts the Peace Corps coverup in the book: American Taboo: A Murder in the Peace Corps, by Philip Weiss. The book tells of the brutal murder of a young Peace Corps volunteer in the 1970's. Deborah Gardner, served in the kingdom of Tonga as science teacher. Gardner was in her home and brutally stabbed more than 20 times. Though the murderer was identified by eyewitnesses and made numerous incriminating remarks, the Peace Corps staff chose to intervene with the local authorities and vigorously support the male fellow PCV who allegedly did the crime. The exose in this book describes the Peace Corps' monumental failures of judgment by middle management.
Posted by: bluelantern5
Jan-16
Admin Link: 70
(Part II Cont...)First of all, my heart breaks to hear of those volunteers who were sexually assaulted and did not find support in their country of service. Readers please know that it is rare that a Peace Corps administrator would turn a blind eye and accuse a volunteer that it was her fault. I am pretty sure he/she would be fired if it were reported to Peace Corps Washington. In recent years, improvements have been made for volunteers to have hours of training in the area of safety and security. They know what they are getting into and I think many female volunteers could tell you how they got out of a bad situation or prevented their harassment. Not everyone is lucky. I remember filling out one of the security forms and filling in the answer, "What could you have done differently…" but what was left out in the 20/20 segment was that I remember that the question also stated something about "in order to help Peace Corps with training to prevent this from happening with other volunteers". The Peace Corps medical doctors talked with me about this. I didn't find that this question was to accuse me because it is important to let admin know to help inform all volunteers of the statistics of these things happening during travel after dark, while drinking, letting a sole male acquaintance into your house, etc. I am sorry to those girls for their pain, but I hope that their stories will continue to help Peace Corps make improvements within the organization. Reporting it is the only way the administration can make changes to improve the lives its volunteers.
Posted by: chezdada
Jan-16
Admin Link: 71
(Part III Cont...)A little background for those who don't know: Peace Corps (PC) Washington D.C. oversees the whole organization, but in each country, the PC headquarters have an administration comprised of Americans who often are older former Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) and also "Host Country Nationals (HCNs) who often play an intricate role because they know their local languages, cultural norms and communities best. There are many administrators, but some of the main ones in Benin are: Country Director, Assistant Country Directors (one for each sector of volunteers: Teaching English as a Foreign Language, Rural Community Health, Small Business Enterprise, and Environmental Action), Safety and Security directors, Administrative Officer (HR), and Medical Doctors. I served in Benin a couple years ago, but most of the same administrators were there and I'd say the general consensus of volunteers was that they were helpful and very concerned for our safety and security and our overall health as volunteers. Benin has a new group of about 40-50 volunteer trainees come into country each year. There is about a 10 week INTENSIVE training that each new trainee must go through which includes language, culture, safety and security, medical, and technical/job training. There are 4 training sites (one for each sector of volunteers). At each training site, trainees work hard in all these areas while living with a host family in order to integrate and learn how to live (cook, clean, market shop, etc.) like a Beninese.
Posted by: chezdada
Jan-16
Admin Link: 72
(part four...cont...)At the end, a trainee takes exams and has an interview to prove he/she is trained in all these areas, and then he/she is sworn-in as a volunteer and leaves for his/her community/village within Benin where he/she will serve. Kate replaced volunteer(s) who completed their service in a village called Bajoude. It was one of the most sought after village placements because the community was so great with their volunteers and a great place to be. From what I've heard, Kate excelled there! From the 20/20 segment you can only see about a 15 second peak of how much she really meant to them, but they could have shown hours of it. The problem was, like in every community around the world, there are some neighbors, colleagues, etc. who aren't so good!The accused murder taught at Kate's school in Bajoude. He was also a PART-TIME Peace Corps employee who was a language facilitator who helped train the trainees at the "Teaching English as a Foreign Language" sector site. He worked with PC for only a couple months a year. Like many organizations/companies around the world, the accused murder got his PART-TIME job with Peace Corps because of his connections. 1- he was one of VERY FEW Beninese people who spoke enough English to help with language training for a new non-French and non-local language speaking volunteers, and 2- the accused murder was one of the assistant Peace Corps director's brothers.
Posted by: chezdada
Jan-16
Admin Link: 73
(Part five...cont.)I understand what Kate was trying to do because she did not want him representing the values of Peace Corps to the community. Unfortunately though, most of use had similar girl clubs in our villages to empower girls to deal with male peers/teachers/men like the accused murder. In a male dominated society a lot of us fought to educate our colleagues to treat women with respect and empower young girls to stand up for themselves. The country director that was shown negatively in this segment apparently shared Kate's email with the other admin of Peace Corps Benin. My guess is she did this because in order to fire the accused murder as a sector language facilitator it needed to be discussed with everyone before firing him and hiring someone new for the upcoming training. She had every right in doing this…she couldn't just fire him without notifying admin first. The problem was that the accused murders brother then knew about it (since he was a sector's assistant Peace Corps Director). I know this Beninese Assistant Peace Corps director. He was a good administrator during my service. I'm sure the phone call he made to his brother, the accused murder, was not a pleasant one because he had shamed his family and community. He made a HUGE mistake to make that apparent phone call and break the confidentiality, but he did not do it with ill intentions towards her…no way he would have guessed his brother would retaliate and murder Kate.
Posted by: chezdada
Jan-16
Admin Link: 74
(Part 6...cont.)Almost two years ago, PC volunteers who served or who are serving around the world and in Benin were shocked and saddened by the news of Kate's death. The volunteers, like me, who served in Benin wanted answers because most of the volunteers who lived there felt completely safe and well integrated within their communities. A lot of us started communicating via email and within two weeks after Kate's death, quite a few of us heard all same details that…*dun…dun…dun* 20/20 uncovered on Friday. The Puzey family was given this info too, HENCE all the info that was provided 20/20 in this story by her family. Please understand Puzey family and those upset that Peace Corps did give answers during their 20/20 interview, the info that you received and what we (PCVs/RPCVs) found out through "Peace Corps networks" is all that can be said until the investigation is finished. Peace Corps can't say anything else because the murderer hasn't been tried in a court of law in Benin yet. Like you, I'm pretty sure he did it, but until the trial, nothing more can be released. What if someone else in the community/school knew about what Kate was trying to do and had informed the accused murder? And by a SMALL chance, what if he isn't the murder? There is no way Peace Corps should go on national TV and confess it is in anyway their fault for a volunteers death until everything is proven in a court of law. Right?
Posted by: chezdada
Jan-16
Admin Link: 75
(part 7...cont.)Believe me, the accused murderer is rotting in a horrible prison until his trial. (Think "Banged Up Abroad TV show" scary prison). He's not getting a TV and nice meal every day! Also, nothing was reviled on 20/20 as to how many times the family had called Peace Corps for answers after they went "radio silent". I know I would be calling often, but I'm guessing they would be given the answer that they need to wait for the trial for more info. I think what the family could do is speak with a State Reps and Senators to put pressure on the US state dept. to get the Beninese government, French forensics, and all officials involved in this investigation (including Peace Corps) to get the trial date. BUT, as we know in our own country, sometimes trials and investigations can go on for a very long period of time. And another thing, as we saw on 20/20, the Benin Peace Corps director was flown to the US to attend and speak at Kate's funeral. On behalf of Peace Corps, I'm sure she gave her deepest sympathy and condolences, which was one of their ways of honoring Kate. I know of some volunteers who flew to Atlanta to attend her funeral. I also heard there was services in Benin as well. We all grieve with your family! We lost an amazing person and volunteer! I agree having a Peace Corps rep deliver her box of belongings would help the family's healing process. I do hope this request will be acknowledged by your family and performed from now on. To all those whose comments are to end Peace Corps, I beg you, you cannot judge that of which you do not know. I hope what I have shared helps give you a little more information than what was said on 20/20. I truly wish every American could walk a mile in a Peace Corps volunteer's sandals to understand the true meaning of sacrifice and humanitarian work in hopes of making this world a better place. It's one of the reasons why Peace Corps uses the slogan, "The toughest job you'll ever love".
Posted by: chezdada
Jan-16
Admin Link: 76
What is going on with the Peace Corps these days? and why is ABC News he** bent on reporting on it now? They aired a piece last week of women who had been raped while volunteering and that the Peace Corp is covering it up and now this?
Posted by: Zulu5966 8:18 AM
Links to Related Topics (Tags):
Headlines: January, 2011; Peace Corps Benin; Directory of Benin RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Benin RPCVs; Safety and Security of Volunteers; Crime; Murder; Television
When this story was posted in January 2011, this was on the front page of PCOL:
Peace Corps Online The Independent News Forum serving Returned Peace Corps Volunteers 
 | Support Independent Funding for the Third Goal
The Peace Corps has always neglected the third goal, allocating less than 1% of their resources to "bringing the world back home." Senator Dodd addressed this issue in the "Peace Corps for the 21st Century" bill passed by the US Senate and Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter proposed a "Peace Corps Foundation" at no cost to the US government. Both are good approaches but the recent "Comprehensive Assessment Report" didn't address the issue of independent funding for the third goal at all. |
 | Memo to Incoming Director Williams
PCOL has asked five prominent RPCVs and Staff to write a memo on the most important issues facing the Peace Corps today. Issues raised include the independence of the Peace Corps, political appointments at the agency, revitalizing the five-year rule, lowering the ET rate, empowering volunteers, removing financial barriers to service, increasing the agency's budget, reducing costs, and making the Peace Corps bureaucracy more efficient and responsive. Latest: Greetings from Director Williams |
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Story Source: ABC News
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Benin; Safety; Crime; Murder; Television
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