What are the Peace Corps' 3 goals?
Mavuno Harvest founder Phil Hughes was a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya from 2003-2005. His time spent in the Peace Corps was the inspiration for Mavuno Harvest. Many people have heard of the Peace Corps, but did you know Peace Corps actually has 3 stated goals?
A much younger Mavuno Harvest founder Phil Hughes, with students at Miti Mingi Secondary School, 2004
The Peace Corps was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy as a means to promote world peace and friendship through mutual understanding and exchange of culture. The organization has since sent over 240,000 volunteers to serve in 142 countries around the world, working towards three main goals.
The first goal of the Peace Corps is to help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women. This goal is accomplished by providing volunteers with the necessary skills and training to work in a variety of areas, including education, health, agriculture, and community development.
Volunteers work closely with local communities to identify their specific needs and develop sustainable solutions to address them. This often involves training community members in new techniques and technologies, as well as helping to establish local organizations and businesses that can continue the work of the Peace Corps after volunteers have left.
One example of the Peace Corps' work towards this goal is their education programs. Volunteers work with local schools and teachers to develop and implement new teaching methods and curriculum that better suit the needs of their students. This may include introducing interactive teaching tools, such as games and group projects, that help students stay engaged and motivated in their learning.
Another example is the Peace Corps' health programs. Volunteers work with local healthcare providers and organizations to improve access to healthcare and educate communities on disease prevention and treatment. This may include organizing health clinics and campaigns, as well as training community health workers to provide basic medical care and education.
The second goal of the Peace Corps is to help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served. This goal is accomplished through the personal interactions and relationships that volunteers develop with the communities they serve.
By living and working alongside local people, volunteers are able to break down cultural barriers and promote a better understanding of American culture and values. This may include sharing American traditions and customs, as well as learning about and respecting local cultures and traditions.
Volunteers also act as ambassadors of American ideals, such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. By demonstrating these values in their daily lives, they help to promote a positive image of America and its people.
The third goal of the Peace Corps is to help promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans. This goal is accomplished by having returned Peace Corps volunteers share their experiences and insights with their fellow Americans. At Mavuno Harvest, we see this as our goal every day.
Returned volunteers often give talks and presentations in their local communities, schools, and organizations, sharing stories and photos from their time abroad. This helps to promote cross-cultural understanding and dispel stereotypes and misconceptions that Americans may have about other cultures and countries.
Returned volunteers also bring their experiences and insights into their personal and professional lives, often becoming advocates for global issues and international cooperation. They may work in fields such as international development, education, and diplomacy, using their skills and knowledge to promote peace and understanding between nations.
In conclusion, the three goals of the Peace Corps work together to promote peace and understanding between people of different cultures and countries. By providing assistance to communities in need, promoting cross-cultural exchange, and sharing experiences and insights with Americans, the Peace Corps has helped to create a more interconnected and peaceful world. As the organization continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges and opportunities, its mission of promoting peace and friendship through mutual understanding remains as important as ever.
Here are three links that provide more information on the Peace Corps 3 goals:
- Peace Corps Goals and Mission: https://www.peacecorps.gov/about/mission/
This link provides an overview of the Peace Corps mission and goals, including detailed information on each of the three goals. It also includes information on the history of the Peace Corps and how the agency works to promote cultural exchange and understanding.
- Peace Corps Volunteer Opportunities: https://www.peacecorps.gov/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities/
This link provides information on current Peace Corps volunteer opportunities around the world. It includes information on the different areas where volunteers work, including education, health, agriculture, and community development.
- Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Association: https://www.rpcv.org/
This link is to the Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Association (RPCV), which is a non-profit organization made up of former Peace Corps volunteers. The RPCV provides resources and support to RPCVs and promotes the Peace Corps mission and goals through public outreach and advocacy. The website includes information on the RPCV's programs and events, as well as resources for those interested in learning more about the Peace Corps.