I think the best way to start a blog that will describe my service as a Peace Corps Volunteer is with some FAQs about South Africa and the Peace Corps.
1) Wait, what? Last time I checked, you were still in college.
Yep, that changed. I graduated in May 2013 from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County with a B.S. in Emergency Health Services Management. Prior to that, in September 2012, I applied to be a Peace Corps Volunteer. The application process is very long and throughout most of it you hear little, if anything, from the Peace Corps. However, in July I found out I will be heading to South Africa in January 2014!
2) What is the Peace Corps?
3) Ok, awesome. Why South Africa (SA)?
Actually, I have no choice in where I go (although I am excited to be in the
Rainbow Nation). The Peace Corps tells you where you are going, and you can either accept or reject their offer.
Some of you may be thinking, "Ok, but why SA? That's like Europe on the African Continent!"
Well, this is partially true. Here is the what the Peace Corps has to say about that:
"South Africa is a country going through an enormous transition. It is a First World-Third World country. The government and private sector have created a robust, First World economy. However large segments of the population still live in a Third World economy."
I won't be living in Johannesburg or Cape Town or Durban. Rather I will be in a small village in rural Limpopo province (in red below). Almost 80% of Limpopo lives in poverty and about the same percentage live in "tribal or traditional areas."
4) Gotcha. Well, what will you be doing?
In general: HIV/AIDS Outreach.
Specifically: I don't know yet. Peace Corps South Africa has defined three areas within HIV/AIDS outreach where volunteers work: Youth, Orphans and Vulnerable Children, and People Living with HIV/AIDS. I requested to work with one of the first two groups, but what I end up doing is up to the needs of the Peace Corps.
5) How long will you be gone for? Will you have a phone or some way to contact the U.S.?
On January 22nd, with my fellow volunteers (the 29th group of Peace Corps Volunteers to be sent to South Africa!), I will board the 14.5 hour flight to Johannesburg. I will be gone for 27 months: 3 months in South Africa as a Peace Corps Trainee, and 24 months as a sworn-in Peace Corps Volunteer. I will be provided a living stipend that will cover housing and food, as well as other expenses.
Cell Phone technology is no longer a "first world" thing. In fact, things like
Mobile Payments, which are just starting to get off the ground in America, are commonplace in Kenya and Uganda. In South Africa, cell phones are everywhere. While I probably won't be able to surf Youtube like I can with my 4G here in the states, I will be able to communicate with loved ones back home.
6) Can I send you a package?
Yes, please! However, I won't really have an idea of what things would be helpful until I am settled in. This will most likely be sometime in April.
7) Wait, I have more questions!
I will do my best to update this blog as often as possible. During the first three months, we will not have cell phone or internet access. I will keep writing posts, but they won't be posted for you to see until I find an internet connection. For privacy reasons, I won't be posting my email address here, but feel free to post any comments/questions you have.
