Exit Interview

08/07/09

The last official act as a Peace Corps Volunteer is an exit interview with the current Country Director, Dale Withington. His key question to me is “Should the Peace Corps stay in Samoa?” Truly a disquieting question.

The question reflects the low morale and high level of early volunteer terminations, which has plagued Samoa during the first eighteen months of Dale’s tenure. I say, “has” because in my opinion the current volunteers are very different than their predecessors. The more positive attitude reflects changes made in training and preparation for village life, but also a productive interaction between experienced and newer volunteers.

My answer is “Yes, Peace Corps should stay”. The sour apples are gone and new programs, more thoughtfully conceived, await those who follow.