Alisha Williams

I wanted to post my commentary on the recent media about the Peace Corps in regards to the unfortunate events that came to pass in Peace Corps Benin. This goes without saying that what happened there is very sad and we as volunteers all grieve for these types of situations that (on average) rarely occur. I am ashamed about how the Peace Corps was portrayed by the American media, but that is really no surprise.

I agree that many elements of that case could have been handled with much more tact and thought towards the family of the volunteer. However, as volunteers were are acutely aware of the risks we are getting ourselves into. It is a different world over here; different customs, attitudes, safety concerns and we are VERY well aware of all of these elements. We are here of our own accord. We can leave at any time if we feel our safety or comfort is being jeapordized. In life there are always safety concerns, especially as a young woman, or any woman. This is our reality, and yes, when we become victims we NEVER deserve what happens, but there is much we can do to avoid getting in these types of situations. Constant vigilence and awareness of one’s surroundings is necessary- no matter where you are in the world, danger follows you like a shadow.

I am very sorry that the women in the 20/20 special felt the way they did about the Peace Corps and their respective services, and felt the need to create such public fervor. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Peace Corps. It is one of the best American institutions to date and we ought to be globally celebrating…as most of us are.

We as volunteers are the number one person responsible for our safety. The Peace Corps is a complicated and vast bureaucracy. Much of the in-country staff are host country nationals; at least here in West Africa private and public lives are not necessarily seperate. I realize it sounds highly irresponsible that information might have been leaked and confidentiality breached, however this could be easy to understand when you understand that first and foremost people here take care of one another before taking into account the lives/well being of foreigners. I believe the situation got out of control fast and no one could have forseen the danger that the PCV ended up in.

I myself feel 100% safe here, at least as safe, if not more, than I feel back home. I LOVE being a volunteer and I know my community genuinely cares about me and would do anything to protect my safety and well being. I also feel the utmost support from the agency.

I extend my most sincere condolences to the bereved of Kate Puzey and any PCV that has become a victim as a result of serving overseas with the Peace Corps.

I know for a fact (as a result of my training, which we were informed is new and much more extensive…if not overkill and creating an atmosphere of unecessary fear for trainees) that the Peace Corps is re-vamping their security training and attention to such problems as a direct result of this tragedy and media coverage.

I can only say that I feel it was unfairly portrayed and I am sorry that this is how media coverage works in our country.