Santo Domingo.- U.S. Peace Corps world director Aaron Williams, who visits Dominican Republic to mark 50 years of voluntary work abroad, said Wednesday its 180 volunteers who teach computers, statistics, health and youth development make it one of Latin America’s biggest local teams.
He said they’ve done much work in education and collaborate widely with the micro-businesses and now concentrate their efforts on protecting the environment.
Williams said the Peace Corps currently has around 9,000 volunteers in 77 countries, focused mainly in community work, AIDS prevention, teaching of English and the fight against malaria, especially in South Africa. “We go to a country only if we’re invited and we always work based on the priorities of the country’s government and society.”
Interviewed by CDN TV, the official said he came as a volunteer to the country for the first time in 1967 and stayed for three years, two in Monte Plata training rural teachers and one year worked in the Pontifical Catholic University (PUCMM) as professor of education methods.
“My experience here was fantastic. I also married a Dominican, with whom I’ve been married with for 40 years and we have two children, one who was born here in Santo Domingo. The experience was wonderful, I made many friends, I learned much about myself,” he said, referring to Rosa Maria, a teacher from La Vega, and their sons Michael and Steven.
“After 50 years, 200,000 Americans have worked in the Peace Corps in 139 countries, it’s an non-political agency,” Williams said, accompanied by Peace Corps national director Arthur Flanagan.
Written by: RoyStone, 8 Feb 2012 10:28 AM
From: Australia
Thanks, Aaron, we need more like you.
Written by: Atabey, 8 Feb 2012 10:35 AM
From: United States, NYC
180 volunteers
I agree Roy only I wished we had 18,000 volunteers in DR!
"What about my student loans?
Volunteers may defer repayment on student loans under several federal programs, i.e., Stafford (formerly known as guaranteed student loans), Perkins, direct, and consolidation loans. Volunteers with Perkins loans are eligible for a 15 percent cancellation of their outstanding balance for each year of Peace Corps service.
Written by: Atabey, 8 Feb 2012 10:51 AM
From: United States, NYC
Because the rules that authorize deferment are complicated and subject to change, it is best to talk to your lender directly about how this benefit applies to your situation."
With sooooooooo many American students under-water with their College loans, perhaps more would jump into the Peace Corps.
I would increase to 20-25 percent cancellation of their outstanding balance for each year of Peace Corps service. That might make the numbers jump significantly.
" Peace Corps currently has around 9,000 volunteers in 77 countries, "
While amiable and appreciated, 9,000 for a nation of 310 million is far below the potential. More like 90,000 should be serving.
Written by: danny00, 8 Feb 2012 11:05 AM
From: United States, syosset, key west, santo domingo AND NOW THE GLOBE TROTTER
waste of time and resources for any one to try and help.
for the most part most only want to get what ever they can and laugh at u when your back is turned. {the dominican way the stupid gringos}
met some ladies years ago in the dr they told me they wanted to bring god into their lives i told them to be careful, they said they have traveled around the world and had brought god into peoples lives.
well 6 months later i met them at the airport in pop they told me they where runnning for their lives from this country. {jehouias witness.}
rob their money clothing shoes what every they could steal for them.
have a nice day in la-la land. always on the bottom of the list and will stay their until their is some formal education in the dr.
Written by: danny00, 8 Feb 2012 11:08 AM
From: United States, syosset, key west, santo domingo AND NOW THE GLOBE TROTTER
While amiable and appreciated, 9,000 for a nation of 310 million is far below the potential. More like 90,000 should be serving.
WITH 2 MILLION DOMINICANS IN NEW YORK AREA WHY DONT THEY LINE UP FOR THIS JOB?
HEY! THEY CAN TAKE TIME OUT FROM THEIR DRUG SELLING BUSINESS, CAR STEALING, SHOP LIFTING, AND THE LADIES OF THE NIGHT COULD ALSO TAKE A VACATION AND GIVE THEIR BODY A BREAK.
COME ON GUYS SHOW THE WORLD YOUR RALLY GOOD GUYS LIKE U PREACH ON THIS.
From: United States
Danny-Before you are able to help others, you must help yourself first.
Written by: RonEvane 
, 8 Feb 2012 2:54 PM
From: United States, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Hey, globe rucker. You're a sick mother sucker!!
Written by: antonio1, 8 Feb 2012 6:26 PM
From: Dominican Republic, Av Santa Rosa, La Romana
Aaron,
Peace Corps volunteers are doing great work is the countryside……just keep em away from the Batey Relief Alliance
Written by: RoyStone, 8 Feb 2012 8:28 PM
From: Australia
antonio1,
What is the problem with the the Batey Relief Alliance?
From: Iran, DirectorioDominicano.com
Who is this Danny00 fellow? Does he have an inferiority complex? or better yet, what else can he be suffering from? What might his ailments be that have him spewing such hatred? oh! it's a TR0LL.
Written by: RoyStone, 8 Feb 2012 9:30 PM
From: Australia
DirectorioDominicano, Danny00 suffered from a rare condition (at least in these parts) called "Tell-it-like-it-is Syndrome". Don't worry, you won't catch it. It can be contagious but Dominicans have a natural immunity. Sorry, I forgot, you're Iranian aren't you. Which part of Iran are you from?
From: Dominican Republic, NEVER FORGOTTEN, NEVER FORSAKEN!
What can we expect from this Haitian troll, whose daughter lives
in the DR, because she can not live in Haiti. I wonder why?
After all, the ones that benefit the most are your people, not regular
Dominican. Grajoso.
Written by: RonEvane , 9 Feb 2012 9:54 AM
From: United States, Gaithersburg, Maryland
{"-DirectorioDominicano, Danny00 suffered from a rare condition (at least in these parts) called "Tell-it-like-it-is Syndrome".-"}
Wrong diagnosis, Mr. Roy!
It shows the classic symptoms of "acute hatred syndrome". Compounded by "infantile encephalitis", in other words: water in the brain. These maladies are caused by parental detachment at birth, thereby leading to an acute need to be noticed.
The poor fellow never did get enought love, therefore tries to compensate by lashing at what he loves most: The DR.
Sometimes, you exhibit some of those same symptoms. Are you OK , sir? Separation anxiety will also precipitate similar aggressions. But not to worry. Once back in Sydney, they'll begin to regress. You'll be fine.
Written by: RoyStone, 9 Feb 2012 10:13 AM
From: Australia
Thank you, Dr Ron,
I'm feeling much better already. I'll pick up a dose of delusion at the local God-shop and I'll be 100%.
Written by: DomLon, 9 Feb 2012 11:04 AM
From: United Kingdom
"it’s an non-political agency"
but they still take an oath of allegence to the USA!
RPCVs can receive temporary noncompetitive status for federal employment.
Basically good PR for the USA - nothing wrong about that but a bit more honesty from PC would help.
From: United States
Will be taking vacation in DR in May Ive read all the comments but I am coming anyway. What should I expect when I arrive into Domingo besides crime? I get that here in the U.S. I tell you what I will walk the streets of Santo Domingo before I walk the streets of our major cities.
Written by: RoyStone, 21 Feb 2012 12:28 AM
From: Australia
Soulfosoul,
Read the warnings on the US government site for American citizens visiting the Dominican Republic. No need to be paranoid, but you do need to be very careful. Also make sure you have a local contact you can trust. They can tell you where and when it is not safe.
Also read points #1 to #11 at
dominicantoday.com/dr/tourism/2012/2/18/42715/New-Dominican-tourism-ad-campaign-goes-social
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I agree Roy only I wished we had 18,000 volunteers in DR!
"What about my student loans?
Volunteers may defer repayment on student loans under several federal programs, i.e., Stafford (formerly known as guaranteed student loans), Perkins, direct, and consolidation loans. Volunteers with Perkins loans are eligible for a 15 percent cancellation of their outstanding balance for each year of Peace Corps service.
With sooooooooo many American students under-water with their College loans, perhaps more would jump into the Peace Corps.
I would increase to 20-25 percent cancellation of their outstanding balance for each year of Peace Corps service. That might make the numbers jump significantly.
" Peace Corps currently has around 9,000 volunteers in 77 countries, "
While amiable and appreciated, 9,000 for a nation of 310 million is far below the potential. More like 90,000 should be serving.
for the most part most only want to get what ever they can and laugh at u when your back is turned. {the dominican way the stupid gringos}
met some ladies years ago in the dr they told me they wanted to bring god into their lives i told them to be careful, they said they have traveled around the world and had brought god into peoples lives.
well 6 months later i met them at the airport in pop they told me they where runnning for their lives from this country. {jehouias witness.}
rob their money clothing shoes what every they could steal for them.
have a nice day in la-la land. always on the bottom of the list and will stay their until their is some formal education in the dr.
WITH 2 MILLION DOMINICANS IN NEW YORK AREA WHY DONT THEY LINE UP FOR THIS JOB?
HEY! THEY CAN TAKE TIME OUT FROM THEIR DRUG SELLING BUSINESS, CAR STEALING, SHOP LIFTING, AND THE LADIES OF THE NIGHT COULD ALSO TAKE A VACATION AND GIVE THEIR BODY A BREAK.
COME ON GUYS SHOW THE WORLD YOUR RALLY GOOD GUYS LIKE U PREACH ON THIS.
Danny-Before you are able to help others, you must help yourself first.
Hey, globe rucker. You're a sick mother sucker!!
Peace Corps volunteers are doing great work is the countryside……just keep em away from the Batey Relief Alliance
What is the problem with the the Batey Relief Alliance?
Who is this Danny00 fellow? Does he have an inferiority complex? or better yet, what else can he be suffering from? What might his ailments be that have him spewing such hatred? oh! it's a TR0LL.
in the DR, because she can not live in Haiti. I wonder why?
After all, the ones that benefit the most are your people, not regular
Dominican. Grajoso.
{"-DirectorioDominicano, Danny00 suffered from a rare condition (at least in these parts) called "Tell-it-like-it-is Syndrome".-"}
Wrong diagnosis, Mr. Roy!
It shows the classic symptoms of "acute hatred syndrome". Compounded by "infantile encephalitis", in other words: water in the brain. These maladies are caused by parental detachment at birth, thereby leading to an acute need to be noticed.
The poor fellow never did get enought love, therefore tries to compensate by lashing at what he loves most: The DR.
Sometimes, you exhibit some of those same symptoms. Are you OK , sir? Separation anxiety will also precipitate similar aggressions. But not to worry. Once back in Sydney, they'll begin to regress. You'll be fine.
I'm feeling much better already. I'll pick up a dose of delusion at the local God-shop and I'll be 100%.
but they still take an oath of allegence to the USA!
RPCVs can receive temporary noncompetitive status for federal employment.
Basically good PR for the USA - nothing wrong about that but a bit more honesty from PC would help.
Read the warnings on the US government site for American citizens visiting the Dominican Republic. No need to be paranoid, but you do need to be very careful. Also make sure you have a local contact you can trust. They can tell you where and when it is not safe.
Also read points #1 to #11 at
dominicantoday.com/dr/tourism/2012/2/18/42715/New-Dominican-tourism-ad-campaign-goes-social