Letter from the President
Dear Friends of Colombia,
The approaching celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps causes me to pause and think about my own Peace Corps experience and how it has influenced the rest of my life. I would say that every RPCV I have spoken with has said that the effect of the Peace Corps on their life was profound.
This is not to neglect what our mission abroad was all about in the first place and that was to lend a helping hand, in various ways, to what was then viewed as a developing country. The effect that this experience of sharing cultures and working with the Colombian people is reflected in what we chose to do upon returning to our land and what we are doing today.
Members of our organization, Friends of Colombia, chose to continue a relationship with the Colombian people, to be of assistance and inform our friends and neighbors about this exceptionally beautiful country with its rich culture and generous, hospitable, vibrant people. The projects which we support have continued our legacy in Colombia and have become part of our personal legacy as well.
Do read the insert about Paso a Paso and the articles accompanying it in this issue of the newsletter. This project was initiated by FOC. Our goal is to support these students through college. I hope that you, as a member of our organization, will consider a donation.
This chicken-raising business in Puerto Tejada was made possible by Colombia Project micro-loan.
Please read this issue carefully for information about the Smithsonian’s Folklife Festival this summer, featuring Peace Corps and Colombia; and look for the opportunities to volunteer during the two-week event.
You will find information on the reverse side of the Paso a Paso fundraising insert regarding 50th Anniversary Celebration activities planned by FOC and NPCA. Two films are being produced to commemorate the event. One focuses on Group I (see page 6) and the other on Peace Corps/Peace Corps Colombia.
I hope to see many of you in July at the Festival and definitely in September at the 50th Anniversary. We have much to celebrate, including the return of Peace Corps to Colombia.
Yours in friendship,
Arleen Stewart Cheston
President, Friends of Colombia