Surprise reunion | Michigan Today

Surprise reunion | Michigan Today: “Brian Arbic flipped through a scrapbook from his days as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching math and physics in Ghana nearly 20 years ago. He found an old class roster, neatly written by hand on ruled paper, and pointed to the name of one of his best students—Joseph Ansong.

Before leaving the western African nation to pursue an academic career, Arbic visited Ansong, who had moved to a new school. The American was sad to see it was a shabby place with poorly trained teachers who often skipped class. The son of a poor corn farmer, Ansong couldn’t afford a better school. The future didn’t look bright for him.

“I remember thinking that Joseph could have gone to the University of Michigan and succeeded here if he were American,” Arbic said.”

Read the full article with photos.

(Via rpcvwmi.)

2011 Newsletter

The year in review Newsletter for 2011 is available to view or download.

BBC News – US Peace Corps cuts Honduras role amid security fears

BBC News – US Peace Corps cuts Honduras role amid security fears: “The Peace Corps said its current volunteers in Honduras were safe but would be brought back home in January.

“The safety and security of all Peace Corps volunteers is the agency’s highest priority,” Peace Corps Director Aaron S Williams said in a statement.

“During this time, we are going to conduct a full review of the programme.”

The Peace Corps has not mentioned any specific threats but Honduras suffers the world’s highest murder rate – 82 killings per 100,000 people a year.”

(Via rpcvwmi.)

Annual Meeting / Potluck

This is a reminder of the upcoming Annual Meeting / Holiday gathering on

Saturday, Dec. 3th at 6pm. (See the Calendar Sidebar for the rest of this year’s events.)

All returned RPCV’s in the greater West Michigan area are welcome.

Please bring a dish to share. It can be “international” or something more seasonal. You may bring a favorite beverage, as well.

At this meeting we will celebrate a great year of work and fellowship fostering our belief in continuing the spirit of Peace Corps past, present and future.
We will also be looking at our celebration of the 50th anniversary of Peace Corps.

Members can vote on our slate of officers and approve our 2012 calendar of events.

Also note that we will have several things for you to purchase.

(All profits benefit the group.)

Equal Exchange Coffee, Chocolate and the 2012 RPCV Calendar are available.

More information on the 2012 RPCV Calendar.

Do you want to reserve a calendar? Send one to a friend or family member? You can use this order form.

Interested in coffee? Send me an email, or use the form in the previous post so I know how much to order.
You may use this order form.