NATIONAL 2 (Spotlight Weekly)]

Four Decades Of Service

The visiting Director of the Peace Corps says there is no security threat to the group in the country

By AKSHAY SHARMA

Schneider : Bond of partnership

In 1962, Peace Corps Nepal was established by agreement with His Majesty's Government. In the 38 years that have elapsed, over 3,700 peace corps volunteers have successfully lived and worked in villages and urban centers in Nepal.

Visiting Peace Corps Director Mark L. Schneider said, "There is no security threat to American Peace Corps volunteers in Nepal. The volunteers are placed in communities where there is no security threat from Maoists."

Considering the Maoist insurgency in different parts of the country there is no plan to terminate the program of the peace corps or reduce the number of volunteers in the future, said Schneider.

Peace Corps Nepal is proud of it's legacy as an advocate for the common people of Nepal. In the past 38 years approximately 4000 peace corps volunteers have served in Nepal. Peace Corps Nepal 's program size has fluctuated over the years but in recent years volunteer numbers remain between 125 and 140. Currently there are 106 volunteers in the country. Peace Corps Nepal has 30 full- time staff members including 4 Americans.

The Peace Corps is training Secondary Level teachers in math, science and English. They are also training nurses. "We plan more health education throughout the country. Our experience has been positive worldwide," remarked Schneider.

There are nearly 30 peace corps volunteers currently working in environmental protection programs. Schneider pointed out , "The volunteers are helping preserve the rich natural resources of the country. The Peace Corps is also helping promote Shey-Phoksundo as a world heritage site."

The Peace Corps is also working with various municipalities. "The objective of the program is to engage youths to understand the democratic process. Our aim is to work at all levels, "said Schneider.

Answering to the question whether the Peace Corps has any program regarding Information Technology ; "The volunteers can help bridge the digital divide," Schneider replied.

Schneider became the 15th Director of the Peace Corps on December 23,1999. Schneider brings to the job an extensive and distinguished background in public service, as well as a deep commitment to the Peace Corps and to the work of the volunteers overseas.

Schneider, 58 , served as a peace Corps Volunteer in EL Salvador from 1966 to 1968 and is the second returned Peace Corps Volunteer to head the agency. Prior to his appointment as Peace Corps Director , Schneider was the assistant administrator of the Bureau for Latin America and Caribbean at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). He served in this position for six years, directing US foreign assistance programs in this hemisphere that support social and economic development, strengthen democratic institution, and help protect the environment.

Schneider is the recipient of the Bernardo O' Higgins Medal for human rights work from the Government of Chile, of the Congressional Fellowship of the American Political Science Association, and a Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellowship at Reeds College. He has also been a visiting professor at Georgetown University and has taught at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.

"One of the achievements is that many Nepali families have included Peace Corps members in their families," said Schneider.

Peace Corps Volunteers successfully live and work in villages and urban centers throughout Nepal. At the request of the Nepali Government , volunteers are posted in areas of greatest perceived need and work directly with Nepalese counterparts. Volunteers are involved in primary projects in education, health, natural resources and community development sectors in Nepal.

"The volunteers were also successful at the community level and they became involved in the welfare of the community for their entire life even after they returned home," said Mary Lou Snowden, Director of Peace Corps Nepal.

Peace Corps Volunteers participate in secondary level projects as facilitators in collaboration with the communities in which they reside. The communities initiate the projects, actively participate in the projects' development , contribute funds, material and labor, and manage the projects. This community based approach leads to enhanced skills and expanded development capacity for local communities and grassroots groups. Many of the secondary projects are funded through the USAID/Peace Corps Small Project Assistance (SPA) and Peace Corps Partnership Project (PCPP) funding mechanism.

Peace Corps Nepal has constantly adapted to the new needs and challenges of this growing country and will continue to do so. This year it is inaugurating an At-Risk Youth Development Project to develop skills and community services while helping Nepal's younger generations confront an increasingly competitive job market.