The Peace Corps Experience

Have you ever thought of joining the Peace? Why? You might ask. That's a good point to begin.

I did and it changed my life.

The Peace Corps today has served in 139 host countries. Some 200,000 have lived in far away countries ever since President John F. Kennedy laid before us a challenge and a vision. I caught that vision and optism. I wanted to change the world.

You are asked to give 27 months of your time to serve, to help, to learn another language, to assist in a number of areas: education, health and HIVAIDs, business development, environment, agriculture, youth development, etc.

The volunteers serve all over the world: Africa 37%, Latin America 24%, Asia 7%, North Africa/Middle East 4%, Pacific Islands 4%, Caribbean 4%.

Congress recently approved a budget of $400 million for the year 2010. An increase from $340 million in 2009.

The Peace Corps Director in Washington is Aaron S. Williams who had served in the Dominican Republic, 1967-1970.

For information, call the toll free number: 800-424-8580. March is Peace Corps month.

My Brief Story

Right after I graduated from college in Iowa, I joined the Peace Corps and with 47 others, trained at Southwest Texas State College in San Marcos, Texas. We studied Spanish for four hours every morning, were trained in history and culture of Costa Rica, a Central American nation. We were introduced to riding horses: first to prepare them, brush them, get them bridled and saddled, then rode them. We played soccer, a popular sport in Latin America.

Our training was in "Accion Comunal," Community Action. For two months we trained in Texas, and six weeks in Puerto Rico. It was a physical training, climbing rocks, learning a drown proof method in swimming, and two hours of Spanish. The best way to learn a language is by total immersion. Then we were in the field. I was assigned to a 4-S program (4-H in America).

I served in Costa Rica from 1965-1967. My assignment was the Nicoya Development Association. We helped communities develop leadership, plan self-help projects such as building a water system, a health center. A major project of the Association was to work with four municipalities and three American engineers helped train students to operate heavy machinery and build impact roads.

In Peace Corps training, we were told, "Don't do anything major until you have been in the country for six months." By then you'll have developed language proficiency. Also, until you have the trust of the people, nothing will happen. This was good advice.

What I found is that, people are people wherever you are. We share a common humanity. Until you walk in the shoes of another people, you will never understand them. Speaking the language is an essential bridge to understanding and relationship.

After a year, one of the high school teachers approached me and said, "Senor Ginoza, my wife and I want you to have dinner with us." At dinner, he explained, at first they were apprehensive to invite me to their home. They felt it was not good enough, not comparable to American homes. Now they felt comfortable with me. Then he said, "If you want to borrow my motorcycle to visit the towns, just let me know." This was heart warming and a new bridge. We had a delightful dinner. I did borrow his motorcycle.

I had some wonderful experiences, some adventurous, some productive, some interesting, some close calls. Later I will write more. I remain, Peace Corps Volunteer, Costa IV.