Peace Corps Mission
There are three primary goals that define the Peace Corps Mission as outlined by legislation, and achieved through the work that volunteers perform and the lives that volunteers live in their host-communities:
- Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women
- Helping to promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of peoples served
- Helping to promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans
Peace Corps Guatemala
More than 4,805 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Guatemala since the program was established in 1963. Currently, 95 volunteers serve in Guatemala. Volunteers work in the areas of health, youth development, environment and agriculture. Volunteers are trained and work in the following languages: Ixil, Kakchiquel, Mam, Q’anjob’al, Qe’qchí, Quiché, Spanish and Tzutuhil.
More information about Guatemala and the Programs hosted there:
Guatemala Welcome Book | |
File Size: | 490 kb |
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My Mission
Program: Maternal and Child Health
Job Title: Facilitadora de Capacitacion en Salud
Description: Forthcoming
Job Title: Facilitadora de Capacitacion en Salud
Description: Forthcoming
A Note on Imperialism and Depth of Impact
I acknowledge that the Peace Corps receives a tremendous amount of criticism for appearing to be a post-colonial mechanism for American influence in the world. Furthermore, the Peace Corps has been scrutinized for its lofty goals without longevity or depth on the part of the individual volunteers. It is not without cynicism that I accept this position.
However, I do not intend to change the world, or any such endeavor with my two years. To minimize my potential impact in these negative regards, I uphold the hippocratic oath philosophy of abstaining from doing harm and the community development model of responding to the community's own understanding of its needs. I intend to work with my community to respond to the challenges they perceive using their own assets and strategies.
I promise to direct scrutiny toward my own actions and to my experience with the program as a whole during my time in Guatemala. I intend not to soften any criticism toward my own actions or toward the Peace Corps, whether the subject of criticism results from imperialistic influence, superficiality or any other cause.
However, I do not intend to change the world, or any such endeavor with my two years. To minimize my potential impact in these negative regards, I uphold the hippocratic oath philosophy of abstaining from doing harm and the community development model of responding to the community's own understanding of its needs. I intend to work with my community to respond to the challenges they perceive using their own assets and strategies.
I promise to direct scrutiny toward my own actions and to my experience with the program as a whole during my time in Guatemala. I intend not to soften any criticism toward my own actions or toward the Peace Corps, whether the subject of criticism results from imperialistic influence, superficiality or any other cause.
If You Feel Concerned, Please Read the Attached Letter
Family and Friends Letter | |
File Size: | 68 kb |
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Much of the information here and much more can be found at www.peacecorps.gov.