THE PEACE CORPS WELCOMES YOU TO
Jamaica
A PEACE CORPS PUBLICATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERSSeptember 2011
Jamaica Map
PEACE CORPS | JAMAICA WELCOME BOOK 1
FROM THE PEACE CORPS COUNTRY DIRECTOR
Dear Future Peace Corps Volunteer:On behalf of the currently serving Volunteers, staff, and trainers of Peace Corps/Jamaica, I congratulate you onyour decision to participate in the upcoming pre-service training and to serve as a Volunteer. Your presence inthe training class signifies the beginning of your Peace Corps experience in Jamaica and we look forward tomeeting you upon your arrival in Kingston.As a former Peace Corps Volunteer myself, I understand why you are excited about your country of assignment that will be your new home for the next two years. Jamaica is an advanced developing country witha fascinating history and a place where many cultures blend. But, while you may be committed to thisimportant new endeavor, I also understand why you may be somewhat apprehensive about living overseas. Weall have similar feelings about the unknown. This is normal. You may have questions and we, the staff andVolunteers, will do our best to answer as many as we can throughout your service. With time, as you begin tointegrate into Jamaican culture, you will be able to answer many on your own. The staff and I are here tosupport you and help you achieve a successful and rewarding two years of Volunteer service.Shortly after your arrival, you will have the opportunity to meet your program manager (PM), who will be themanager of your sector project, your mentor, and your immediate contact for many cross-cultural and work-related technical issues. You will also meet the director of programming anf training, training director, programming and training specialists, Volunteer leaders, Volunteers, and other support staff who will help youget to know Jamaica, your assignment, and your host community.During pre-service training and beyond, you will face many challenges and your patience may be tried to itslimits. However, if you come here with an open mind, a warm heart, and a good sense of humor, I am
confident you will adapt to Jamaica and do very well. In that regard, I’d like to share this thought, written byformer Peace Corps Director Mark Gearan, titled “At Home in the World: The Peace Corps Story”:
“While the responsibilities are diverse, every Peace Corps Volunteer’s job has one common trait: it is hard
work that requires self-motivation, determination, patience, and sacrifice. There are moments of greatfrustration, as well as achievement and the joy of making friendships that last a lifetime. The ability of PeaceCorps Volunteers to overcome these personal and professional challenges is what makes them such special
people and able to be successful overseas.”
Indeed, I cannot emphasize strongly enough how the quality of your Peace Corps experiences here in Jamaicawill depend mostly on you: the initiative you take; your commitment to tough work; your resilience, patience,and flexibility in facing unexpected situations; your ability to adapt to a culture different from your own; andyour choices in managing risk to assure your personal safety and security.This
Welcome Book
is intended to help you understand the commitment you are about to make. It was prepared by Volunteers and staff to help you get off to a good start in becoming a member of the Peace Corps/Jamaicafamily and to begin to understand and function within the Jamaican culture.If you feel you have sufficient commitment, self-motivation, resourcefulness, and flexibility to carry out theduties and responsibilities of a Peace Corps Volunteer, then we look forward to you joining the Volunteerswho are currently serving in Jamaica.Carla E. EllisCountry Director
Insurance for Peace Corps Jamaica Welcome Book | September 2011
Peace Corps Jamaica Welcome Book | September 2011
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