[net.travel] Liberia and the Peace Corps

vallath@cad.UUCP (Vallath Nandakumar) (12/04/85)

What is this organisation called Peace Corps?
I have heard of it, but have no idea what its
objectives are, who funds it etc. 
Is the objective is to broaden its volunteers'
experiences (sort of like tourism)?
If the objective is to "improve the life of the
people" in these other countries, wouldn't it
be better to use the money to employ the locals
to do the same work?  It would certainly be cheaper
in most cases, and things like language wouldn't
be an issue.
I would appreciate answers to these questions.
Thanks.
Vallath Nandakumar
ucbesvax.vallath@berkeley.edu

joseph@orstcs.UUCP (joseph) (12/18/85)

Peace Corps volunteers are sent to a foreign country to work with the
local residents in a capacity in which there is a shortage/absence
of local residents. Generally the volunteer assumes an instructional
role, rather than a working role, so that they can teach the local
residents their skill. Also, some volunteers are hired as primary/secondary
teachers. 

While the Peace Corps is NOT a "tourism" program, there are those who 
feel that it is merely another tentacle of our imperialist government.