Peace Corps celebrates anniversary

Since 1961, 170,000 individuals have served in 138 countries as Peace Corps volunteers. Today, 7,733 volunteers are serving in 72 countries around the world. The Peace Corps experience gives great satisfaction in serving others, learning a second language, traveling in other worlds, and building bridges of understanding.

I was privileged to serve in Costa Rica and have been enriched by this experience. I was assigned to a development association that built roads, water systems, roads, and assisted local farmers with loans. Helping a community build a landing strip, a school and two new classrooms, eight families install a Care water pump over an open well — all these brought a better life for a people. I traveled by foot, bike, horse, motorcycle, jeep, plane, and boat. This also provided me an opportunity to travel to Peru, Colombia, Panama, Guatemala, and other Latin American countries.

The Peace Corps is a 27-month commitment. One must be at least 18 years old and a United States citizen. The application process takes nine to 12 months for completion. Knowledge in French and Spanish provides special assignments, but volunteers will be trained in the regional language. Education loans are deferred during the Peace Corps and a $6,000 readjustment amount is provided.

The Peace Corps works in various fields, education, health, environment, business, agriculture, computer, technology, youth development, community actions, etc.

Our world today needs bridge builders, people who serve out of the goodness of the heart, and new ambassadors of peace. For more information, call the Peace Corps’ toll-free number: 1-800-424-8580.