Peace Corps World Wise Schools

Peace Corps Coverdell World Wise Schools - Spotlight on Summer Gardening and Farming - Peace Corps Volunteer Stephanie Dunnam with host brother by family garden in Bulgaria.

Summer months are approaching and certain words are in the air: farmers’ market, organic, locally-sourced food, sustainable agriculture, seasonal produce and community supported agriculture (or CSA), just to name a few. U.S. citizens are growing more conscious of the foods they eat, including how and where they are grown. Locavores, or people who strive to eat foods grown close to home, have started a movement across the United States establishing a stronger connection between people and their food. However, for many communities in the developing world, this has been a way of life for centuries.

With little means of transporting produce to broader national or global markets, family-run farms around the world depend on local markets. Market days are a part of the rhythm of communities. In addition to purchasing food for the day’s meal, market days provide a chance to share news and to catch up with friends and family. In the majority of agricultural communities served by Peace Corps Volunteers, the main goal of many farmers is to simply grow enough food to feed their families. This type of farming is called subsistence farming.

In the United States, a growing number of students are getting a chance to test their green thumbs, too. Many students are taking a new role as active participants in the production of fresh foods due to increasing national interest in childhood nutrition and school gardens.

Take a trip to the garden with Coverdell World Wise Schools! Stories for summer reading and bountiful educational resources highlight the work of Peace Corps Volunteers in the areas of agriculture, environment, health and education. Find out how Peace Corps Volunteers across the globe are introducing school gardens, promoting nutritious eating, and implementing sustainable farming practices.

May 2011

Ask a Volunteer

Q: What are some unique fruits and vegetables available in your country of service that you had not seen before in the United States?

A: Both Nicaragua and Ecuador are tropical climate areas and have a wide variety of fruits, many of which I have never seen nor know what they are called. The locals always have a fun time telling me the names of these new fruit. Most are very tasty and only a few look slightly odd with soft spines or a bright pink scaly skin.

The interesting part about living in 2 different countries while serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I have found that both countries have the same fruits but a whole different set of names for them. I do really enjoy trying all the good eats they have here in Ecuador. More...

Fast Fact

Did you know about the Harvard Think Tank on Global Education? Share your ideas about global education with colleagues across the United States on their blog.

Students in Peru

Creating coffee bean jewelry in Costa Rica.

Moroccon artist

TESOL Resources
Many English Language Learners (ELLs) have cultural origins in countries where Peace Corps Volunteers have served. Explore these standards-based lessons that support language development for ELLs using prior knowledge and cultural context. And watch for expansion of TESOL resources over the coming months!

Costa Rica: New Opportunities for Women
Meet the women of Peace Corps Volunteer Liz Lowe's rural Costa Rican community and learn about their important and diverse roles as mothers, grandmothers, entrepreneurs, athletes, and community leaders. Available in Spanish

Morocco: Artisans of
Al-Maghrib
Wander through the colorful souqs of a Moroccan artisan community. Hear how Peace Corps Volunteer Rob Revere advised artists and craft cooperatives on developing their businesses and accomplishing their goals.

Family garden in Bulgaria

Not enrolled in Correspondence Match yet? Now is the best time to sign up for the program to avoid the fall rush, and to establish the communication before for the upcoming school year.

For those already matched with a Peace Corps Volunteer, remember that your matches are designed to last the Volunteer’s entire service, usually two years. Please stay in touch with your Volunteer over the summer break, both to keep your correspondence active, and to make plans for the new school year’s correspondence.

If you know that your Volunteer is ending Peace Corps service over the summer and would like a new Volunteer, please let us know by sending an email including any preferences you may have for a your Correspondence Match partner. This will allow us to get you matched with a new Volunteer as soon as possible.

Summer Reading Ideas

Music in the Fields Peace Corps Volunteer Carrie Young reflects on the resilience of the Malian people in the face of a harsh and often arid environment and the role that music plays in Malian culture. Lesson plans: 1 & 2 included
Girl Farmer When Peace Corps Volunteer Angela George arrived in her community as the promised agroforestry technician, a number of men said, "I thought we were getting a man." Spanish translations included: Read \| Listen
Lithuanian Gardens Peace Corps Volunteer Michelle Fisher describes how the garden plays another role besides being a source of food for community members in Lithuania.
Good Gardening with One Hen This summer, One Hen is teaming up with United We Serve’s Let’s Read. Let’s Move campaign to encourage summer reading and exercise.

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