PCVs in the news – Peace Corps Worldwide

PHS graduate departs to Colombia with Peace Corps

Oct 01 2024

PCV in the news — By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff 05:37PM / Sunday, September 29, 2024Print Story | Email Story PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A 2018 Pittsfield High School graduate is dedicating her next couple of years to service in the Peace Corps. Earlier this month, 24-year-old Kennedy Merriam departed to Colombia where she will serve as a co-English teacher for two years. She found her voice while studying Spanish in Pittsfield Public Schools and has made a career of it. “I feel like right now, there is no better time than for me to give back and to learn from others, to work with others, and I think my biggest reason to serve would be to be able to grow myself with helping others but also having others help me grow and expand my knowledge, my beliefs,” she said. “It all narrows back to that word of giving back. I . . .

Deborah Reid (Mexico) | Building a Healthy Soil to Reduce Climate Change

Sep 26 2024

Deborah Reid (Mexico 2009 – 12) & Peace Corps Response (Guatemala 2025-26) holds a Bachelor of Science in Soil and Crop Management and a Master of Science in Horticulture from Texas A&M University. She has over 30 years of experience in these areas with an emphasis on natural resource management in the last 15 years. Debbie worked for the City of San Antonio as the Nature Preserve Coordinator at Friedrich Wilderness Preserve and as the City Arborist implementing the Tree Preservation, Landscape, Streetscape and Irrigation ordinances. During this time, she assisted in developing and implementing new ordinances or guidelines to incentivize the preservation of native trees and their associated native plants and to preserve natural waterways. She has been a participated in committees to create the Linear Creek Corridors and to implement a variety of codes and ordinances for the City of San Antonio including Smart Growth, Conservation subdivisions . . .

Peace Corps Volunteers in Naitasiri, Fiji

Sep 19 2024

PCVs in the news — 20 Peace Corps volunteer trainees from the US to conduct community engagement in Naitasiri, Fiji By Navitalai Naivalurua Wednesday 18/09/2024 The volunteers were welcomed this morning with a traditional kava ceremony at the Peace Corps Headquarters in Suva. Patrick Hodson, who is one of the 20 trainees, says he chose Fiji to serve because of the wonderful people, the wonderful opportunities and the wonderful culture it has. Hodson says he is looking forward to learning the Fijian culture and kava when he is with the community. USA Ambassador to Fiji Marie Damour congratulated the 20 trainees on choosing Fiji as their place to carry out their community work. Damour says their work in the Peace Corps is an important part of community building and urges the trainees to take in all the experiences they will go through. The US Ambassador also . . .

New PCVs to Moldova

Aug 16 2024

PCVs in the news – Twenty Peace Corps Volunteers from the United States have taken the oath to serve Moldovan people. Starting today, they will begin their roles as English teachers, health educators, and consultants in community and development in Moldova. Among those who have taken the oath is Ryan Bell. He lived with the Căpăţină family in Ruseştii Noi for 10 weeks. Today, the Căpăţină family was present to support him. “We considered him our third son. He is kind, helpful when needed, and tolerant. After he left early this morning, my husband and I felt a void. It feels empty without Ryan; the atmosphere is not the same,” said Domnica Căpățină. “We want to assist the people of Moldova. I appreciate your culture and the hills. I am very excited; it is a significant moment,” declared Ryan Bell, a Peace Corps volunteer. The Darii family from . . .

23 youths empowered by “Sports Peace Corps Volunteers” (Belize)

Jul 20 2024

PCVs in the news — July 19, 2024 A team of twenty-three Peace Corps/Belize volunteers were sworn in today to serve as youth development volunteers with the National Sports Council. The group recently completed several weeks of rigorous training in Belize to better understand the country’s needs, and how best they can contribute. Today, that group officially began their twenty-four months of service to Belize under a program called Youths Empowered by Sports, or the YES Project. A swearing-in ceremony was held in Belmopan where we heard from Marvin Ottley, the Deputy Director of the National Sports Council and Nadine Rogers, the Country Director for Peace Corps/Belize. Marvin Ottley, Deputy Director, of the Belize National Sports Council “We know they hit the ground running right away. But they have been training for a period of time to familiarize themselves with what Belize has to offer, and . . .

Local teacher is taking his skills to the Peace Corps — Caleb Williams (Cambodia)

Jun 29 2024

PCVs in the news MELISSA WHITLER | NBCU Fellow Melissa@DallasVoice.com • • • Caleb Williams has spent the last two years teaching ninth graders in Richardson (Texas) Independent School District. But this August, he will be traveling to Cambodia to teach English as part of The Peace Corps. Williams is originally from Oklahoma but said he was drawn to Texas schools by better pay and more diverse schools. In his time at Richardson ISD, he’s taught students from all over the world, including Nigeria, Iraq and Burma. He’s also had experience teaching across different achievement levels, having taught on-level, special education inclusion and AP English classes. “It has been great getting to teach the full range of freshman students,” Williams said. “Different kinds of students use different parts of your energy, so it doesn’t feel like doing the same thing over and over again each period.” Of course, finishing out this . . .

First group of 10 Peace Corps Response Volunteers in Nepal

May 18 2024

PCVs in the news — Republica | MC KATHMANDU, May 18: Ten Peace Corps Response Volunteers were sworn in on Friday by Peace Corps Deputy Director David E White Jr, US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R Thompson, and Peace Corps/Nepal Country Director Troy Kofroth to begin their service in Nepal. This marks the first-ever group of Response Volunteers to serve in Nepal. The Peace Corps Response Program enlists US citizens with targeted experience for short-term, high-impact assignments identified by the Government of Nepal, typically lasting nine to twelve months. The new Response Volunteers will focus on three key sectors: promoting rural tourism in Gandaki province, supporting information technology and e-learning initiatives in government schools in Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, and enhancing research activities at agricultural colleges in Gandaki and Lumbini provinces. These Volunteers will work closely with their host organizations and community members on projects that address local . . .

New Peace Corps Volunteers Touch Down in Belize

May 09 2024

PCVs in the news — May 7, 2024 Today, twenty-three eager Peace Corps trainees arrived in Belize, ready to embark on their 27 months of dedicated service to the people of this nation. They join forces with the pioneering cohort of the Youth Empowered by Sports (YES) Project, which landed eight months ago. The Peace Corps Belize, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Transport, partners closely with counterparts in the National Sports Council across the country. The YES Project aims to empower Belizean youth to lead healthy lives and fulfill their potential. Over the next eleven weeks of intensive pre-service training, these trainees will delve into the Peace Corps’ development approach, YES project objectives, technical skills, health and safety protocols, as well as language and cultural immersion in Kriol or Spanish and Belizean customs. Their goal: to become effective and capable volunteers. The group is slated to officially take their . . .

PCV Letter from Madagascar: “Nothing here is easy.”

Apr 29 2024

PCVs in the news I’d like to say that living in Madagascar has made me strong, but even the 12-year-old girls put me to shame. by Vanessa Paolella (Madagascar 2023-25) Lewiston Maine Sun Journal I thought I knew what it was like to work hard. When I was a student at Bates College, I balanced a science-heavy course load while managing the college newspaper and competing in three varsity sports. Most days, I left my dorm at 7 a.m. and didn’t return until nearly midnight because I had so much to do. It was exhausting. Then, I came to Madagascar and learned how much more difficult life can be. Nothing here is easy. Preparing rice for dinner is often an hours-long process. All laundry is washed by hand. And for many people, even buying something as simple as an umbrella necessitates biking 16 miles on rough dirt . . .

“Hello Alice!” with Elizabeth Gore (Bolivia)

Feb 20 2024

In the news — ‘Hello Alice,’ A Company That Offers Funding To Black Businesses, Is Moving To Get A Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Dismissed) Jasmine Crowley UPDATED DECEMBER 14, 2023 A company long-known for advocating for the advancement of women and minority-owned businesses is fighting to get a historic racial discrimination lawsuit against them dismissed. Hello Alice, co-founded by former Peace Corps Volunteer Elizabeth Gore (Bolivia 2003-05) and Carolyn Rodz, provided $25,000 grants t0 Black-owned small businesses earlier this year, and is now being accused of infringing on non-Black business owners’ civil rights. The move comes as a wider campaign unfolds that was enacted by a group of conservatives instrumental in the affirmative action ban, per a report by Press Democrat. The outlet writes that the lawsuit was filed in August in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio Eastern Division by America First Legal, Mitchell Law PLLC and Ashbrook Byrne Kresge . . .

American Law Society recognizes Alec Allen Ross (Mali)

Feb 19 2024

In the news — Feb 18, 2024 The American Law Society proudly announces the addition of Alec Allen Ross, Founder and Trademark Attorney at The Trademark Place, to its prestigious ranks of America’s Top Lawyers. Handpicked by the esteemed American Law Society Board, Ross’s selection underscores his outstanding professional track record, legal expertise, and commitment to the highest ethical standards expected of esteemed lawyers. With six years of experience, Alec Allen Ross has made a significant impact in the field of Intellectual Property and Trademarks. His passion for intellectual property law and dedication to client service have garnered him recognition, making him a prominent figure in the legal community. Ross’s legal career began with years of service as a trademark attorney and managing attorney at the largest trademark law firm in the United States. Motivated to enhance the client experience, he founded The Trademark Place, emphasizing simplified processes . . .

Melvin Foote (Ethiopia) – Foreign Policy Research Institute

Feb 02 2024

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Melvin Foote – Foreign Policy Research Institute JANUARY 31, 2024 Melvin P. Foote (Ethiopia 1973-76) has worked on African issues for more than 40 years! He is well known across Africa, and is highly respected by opinion-makers and decision-makers in Washington, D.C. for his work with Africa over many decades. Mr. Foote is the Founder and President of the Constituency for Africa, (CFA), a 32-years old Washington, D.C. based not-for-profit organization that advocates for Africa in the United States and throughout the Diaspora. The mission of CFA is to educate the public about Africa and African development issues, and help to shape U.S. policies towards Africa. Mr. Foote also is the founder of the African American Unity Caucus (AAUC), which was established in 2002. The AAUC is a network of African-Americans, African immigrants, and others of African descent, who are leaders of Africa-focused organization or who are leaders . . .

Dwight Yates (Tanzania) Obituary

Dec 08 2023

In the news — Published by Redlands Daily Facts Nov. 21, 2023 We sorrowfully announce that Dwight Yates (Tanzania 1964-66) passed away Sunday, November 12th, 2023, at the age of 81. Dwight was born in Helena, Montana, and traveled widely in his youth. He taught in Tanzania, East Africa, during his time with the Peace Corps and continued his education in Arizona, where he met his wife, Nancy Carrick. Dwight moved to Redlands, CA in 1980 and quickly became a staple within the academic community in the Inland Empire. He was a widely-published writer and professor of creative writing at UC Riverside. He knew how to connect deeply and – in written word – capture the range of our humanity completely. Dwight Yates’ stories have appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies. His first collection, Haywire Hearts and Slide Trombones, received the Serena McDonald Kennedy Award from SnakeNation Press. His second, Bring Everybody, was . . .

Joe Lurie (Kenya) interviewed by Bill Miller (Dominican Republic) of Global Connections TV

Dec 06 2023

Thanks for the ‘heads up’ from Mark Walker (Guatemala 1971-73) • Bill Miller (Dominican Republic 1968-70) interviewed Joe Lurie (Kenya 1967-70) on Global Connections TV (GCTV) which is aired on UN TV and for universities around the world. The focus of the interview is cross-cultural communications, and Joe’s book, Deceptions Perceptions. • Mark Walker (Guatemala 1971-73) has reviewed Perceptions and Deceptions on his site.

“Peace Corps signifies true Gambia/US friendship” — US Ambassador

Dec 06 2023

In the news — Africa-Press – Gambia. Her Excellency Sharon L Cromer, United States of America Ambassador to The Gambia, has said the mission of Peace Corps signifies and facilitates true understanding and friendship between the peoples of The Gambia and the United States of America. Ambassador Cromer made the remarks on Wednesday at the Peace Corps Massembeh Training Center in Lower River Region during the swearing in of the most recent group of Peace Corps volunteers in agriculture and health. The swearing-in ceremony marked the completion of a 10-week Pre-Service Training (PST) that prepared the 12 trainees for service in the respective communities. During the training, trainees learned to communicate in local languages, gained a deeper understanding of the rich patterns that make up the Gambian culture, and learned to take responsibility for their health and safety as well as their security while in The Gambia. Since 1961, Peace . . .