Peace Corps volunteers based here hosted an open day event at the Peebles Park to mark Peace Corps Awareness Day today, and the organisation’s 49 anniversary.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. persons were be able to view an exhibition of posters and art depicting Peace Corp activities, and programs undertaken in Dominica. Persons also had the opportunity to find out more information about the organisation.
According to Peace Corps volunteer Michelle Garavaglia, the purpose of the open day was to raise awareness about the Peace Corps.
“We just want to show Dominicans what is going on with Peace Corps or what we actually are. There are many questions about the Peace Corps we just wanted to demonstrate it and also to show everybody the wonderful things that are happening in Dominica. With the assistance of the Peace Corps and also our amazing counterparts all throughout the island,” Garavaglia said.
The volunteer explained that Peace Corp representatives in Dominica have been focusing on youth and community development around the island.
“Our main goal is to really talk with the councils and the youth officers and who ever our counterpart is and say ok, what projects do you want to do, how can I assist? There are eight
volunteers on the island presently. There is somebody at operation Youth Quake, she just started a therapy program, also many of us are doing tutoring and remedial English in the primary schools. In Castle Bruce, the “Game On” program has been started and with that the primary school children are able to play football,” Garavaglia said.
Garavaglia also spoke of a sustainable program Coalpot Soap Industry in Grand Bay, which was able to have been set up through the help of locals and her organisation.
“With the help of the local Dominicans as well as Peace Corps together we have been able to get coal pot up and running and it’s striving today,” she sated.
The Peace Corps volunteer said that she and the seven volunteers will be celebrating a year on the island tomorrow, while 10 more trainees arrived on Saturday to spend a 27-month long tenure in Dominica. They will first have six weeks of training and be sworn-in officially as Peace Corp volunteers subsequently.
Sorry i missed the occasion but congratulations to the PCV on their good work, please continue. we know that the youth and rural communities benefit tremendously from your support. Please continue with the enthusiasm.
i believe that also. again they are volunteers
I believe that the peace corps need to be recognized and be commended for thier hard work…
Great Job Peace Corps..Continue the hard work..