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Peace Corps In Peru
By Larry J. Pitman

One of the most important experiences of my life was being a Peace Corps Volunteer. Although I did not serve in Peru, but in neighboring Bolivia, it was a special event for me to have the opportunity to interview Michael Hirsh, Director of the Peace Corps in Peru.

Peace Corps (see the box for additional information on this organization) originally came to Peru in 1961 and operated here until 1975. Then there was a hiatus until 2002 when the Government of Peru invited the Peace Corps to return.

Therein lies a famous story regarding the impact of the Peace Corps on one young man in Chimbote, Peru. A Peace Corps Volunteer found lodging in the home of this young man. The family was very large, poor and badly needed the extra money. Deeply impressed with the intelligence and energy of this young man, the Volunteer encouraged him, taught him English and eventually promised to support him as he sought higher education. This support continued as the young man came to the U.S., finally completing his doctoral degree in Economics at Stanford. Of course, as we all know, this young man became President of Peru. His name- Alejandro Toledo.

This story is a dramatic example of the impact of the Peace Corps. As Michael Hirsh points out, however, Peace Corps is an organization that works quietly, touching people's lives through personal contact while working with government and non-government agencies to supply some needed skills. Thus, the agency responds to requests for assistance, working with local counterparts, living with families in the community where the Volunteers serve. It is on the ground, on the local scene, then, where Peace Corps is most effective.

Consequently, an important part of the success of this organization is finding the right persons to become Volunteers, and then training them well. Potential Volunteers, all university graduates, need to have a base of learning of Spanish for entry into the program along with significant education and personal experience in the programs of Peace Corps Peru.

Regarding the training, Michael stated: "I am very proud of our training center at Santa Eulalia (on the outskirts of Lima). It is an integrated, holistic approach to preparing the Volunteers to serve effectively in their communities." The trainees go through a ten week program, living with families in the community, and focusing on skill development and Peruvian Spanish.

The Peace Corps in Peru has 137 Volunteers working in four major program areas. These are small business development, community health, youth development, and environmental awareness.

In the small business program, Peace Corps Volunteers are working with artisan and farmer associations, other non-governmental organizations and government agencies. They are providing assistance in marketing, quality assurance, accounting and computers. As Michael pointed out, the opening of new markets for local businesses provides new opportunities for economic growth. He cited the work of Volunteers in Piura in helping the marketing of pure organic sugar in colorful woven cloths. This product has found a good market in Europe.

In community health, the Volunteers work with health centers of the Peruvian Government. They help train and support community health educators in the area of disease prevention. With the cooperation of the National Agrarian University, they encourage individuals and communities to establish gardens to produce vegetables for the family table.

They are involved with a national hygiene program promoting hand washing and thus reducing the incidence of diarrhea. A popular program is the theatre troup, Gringos Saludables, that goes from school to school putting on skits related to healthy living.

In youth development, Volunteers are working with various NGO's and government agencies helping youth prepare themselves for a fulfilling adult life. This includes building self-esteem, anti-drug programs, vocational training and parenting classes.

In environmental awareness, Volunteers are working with local municipalities who are interested in developing programs of solid waste disposal and recycling. They also help maintain protected areas.

All these programs and the placement of individual Volunteers is in response to requests from local organizations. It is what Michael Hirsh calls "pure development." That is, people helping each other and learning from each other with mutual respect. It doesn't generate big headlines, but instead he Peace Corps continues quietly working to make people's lives in Peru better.

 

PEACE CORPS FACTS The Peace Corps is an agency of the U.S. government. Created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, 180,000 Volunteers have served in 138 countries. Currently the Peace Corps has 7,800 Volunteers in 72 countries. The mission of the Peace Corps is To offer assistance to countries that request it, in this instance Peru, in order to promote socio-economic development that is sustainable. To promote friendship and understanding of the North American culture amongst Peruvians. To promote friendship and understanding between North Americans and Peruvians. From 1962-1975, 2,600 Volunteers served in Peru. Currently there are 137 Volunteers in Peru distributed among eight Departments including Tumbes, Piura, Lambayaque, La Libertad, Cajamarca, Ancash, Ica and Lima.

 

HOW WE CAN HELP THE PEACE CORPS Sometimes Volunteers have to come into Lima for short term medical treatment. It would much appreciated if the some members of our community would be willing to host them during this time. If you are interested in learning more about this, call Karla Ramirez at the Peace Corps Office. The number is 617-2200.

 

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