Sara Holtz, Naka, pounding fufu in Togo while serving in the Peace Corp
Letter
As we face many challenges around the world, the hard work, collaborative spirit, and dedication of Peace Corps Volunteers continue to represent the very best of America.
Thousands of us here in northern Virginia know first-hand the profound impact that the Peace Corps has. I served in Togo from 1995-1998 in a community health education project focused on safe motherhood and child survival. I supported Togolese health volunteers Adjoua and Henou to educate pregnant people to attend prenatal care and give birth at the village's health hut, parents to vaccinate their kids, and villagers to filter their water to prevent Guinea worm, sleep under a bednet to prevent mosquito bites that could cause malaria, plan their families using modern contraceptives, and use condoms to prevent HIV and sexually transmitted infections.
Some have argued that we should focus on challenges here at home and not spend taxpayer dollars in other countries. However, when it comes to service in the Peace Corps, what is often forgotten is that the experiences and skills learned in service come home with the volunteers to the tremendous benefit of our local communities. When we return after Peace Corps service, our commitment to service is just beginning and continues for a lifetime. As Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs), we strengthen our country as community leaders, teachers, health care workers, entrepreneurs, public servants, and volunteers. A 2023 survey of RPCVs found that 86% of respondents continue to volunteer in their local communities, well above the national average.
The Peace Corps costs our federal government very little, making up less than 1% of our International Affairs Budget, which in turn only makes up about 1% of our entire federal budget. The return on investment is massive.
Please let's stand up and continue supporting the Peace Corps, critical foreign assistance programs, and national service initiatives. To do otherwise cripples the future of our nation.
Sara Holtz
Oakton