BIG PICTURE

Refugees From the War

Two young children and their mother on a train prepare to leave L’viv, Ukraine. Some 10 million people have fled their homes since the nation was invaded by Russia on February 24. Four million are now refugees beyond Ukraine’s borders. Two million are children. Not since World War II has the world seen a humanitarian crisis escalate so quickly. The devastation in cities like Kharkiv and Chernihiv and Mariupol is cruel and horrific. Amid this war, members of the Peace Corps community have been rallying to help those in harm’s way. There is one responsibility we all share: Do not look away. Read more.

“Serving steadfastly during these unprecedented times, the Peace Corps has continued to encourage deeper understanding and appreciation between Americans from all walks of life, and nations far and wide.”

     —U.S. Senator Robert Menendez

In video remarks at the NPCA National Days of Advocacy kickoff on March 3, 2022, announcing that he would soon be introducing the Peace Corps Reauthorization Act in the Senate.

The Book Locker Returns

Recent writing from and about the Peace Corps community

AS A SPECIES, WE ARE NURTURED BY STORIES. Yet since the evacuation of Peace Corps Volunteers from around the world in March 2020, we’ve had to put on hold some of the regular fare in the digital and print pages of WorldView. That includes the latest books. So we have some catching up to do. From the realm of words and ideas, here’s a look at recent writing across a range of genres — from leading journalists, key policy analysts, and writers of history, as well as photographers and illustrators who shape stories through images. From the trove of memoirs published by members of the Peace Corps community — staff, Volunteers, and former students alike — we offer a sampling of recent work, tracing stories across the decades.

Wait, you say. What about poetry, fiction, essays, and biography, not to mention books for young readers and volumes of art and illustration? Fear not: They’re coming your way in our next books installment. As are some new true stories from around the globe.

WATCH: Connecting Youth in South Africa and the U.S.

Meisha Lerato Robinson (Benin 2000–02, South Africa 2012) is founder of I Am, We Are (IAWA), an NGO supporting youth in South Africa and the U.S. Here’s how an NPCA Community Fund Grant helped IAWA pivot to fostering virtual connections for youth in the time of COVID.

Edited by Orrin Luc

WATCH: COVID-19 Put Diego Romero’s Peace Corps Service on Hold. Now Volunteers Are Returning to Service. So Will He.

In February 2020, Diego Romero received his invitation to serve in the Peace Corps as a youth development specialist in Morocco. The following month, all Volunteers were evacuated from around the world because of COVID-19. Now that Volunteers are returning to service overseas, here’s why Romero is still ready to serve.

Edited by Orrin Luc

WATCH: Chicas de Transformación

Elyse Magen worked with a women-run farming collective in Colombia, where she served as a Volunteer 2018–20. With the support of an NPCA community fund grant, they were able to make necessary upgrades and launch a new line of chocolate products they were unable to produce before, increasing profit margins.

Edited by Orrin Luc