Joseph Cunningham, Gleaner Writer

The United States-based Peace Corps started from an appeal by then-Senator John F. Kennedy for Americans to pursue world peace by living and working in developing countries.

In accordance with that mandate, the 77th group of Peace Corps volunteers have come to Jamaica. They were introduced at an official swearing-in ceremony on August 25, held at Campion College in St. Andrew. They swore to serve Jamaica and its people.

"Peace Corps volunteers have given invaluable service to Jamaica since they first came in 1963," said country director Dr. Suchet Loois. "Our volunteers have served in some of the most depraved Jamaican communities such as Majesty Gardens in Kingston and Flankers in St. James."

The Peace Corps has established community centres in both communities in an effort to foster long-term social development.

When these volunteers come to Jamaica, it is a requirement for them to complete the 'home-stay experience'.

Home-stay host

Matt Flege, a volunteer from Ohio, lived with a Jamaican family in Hellshire Heights, Portmore, as part of the six-week cultural adaptation exercise. He told The Gleaner that he has become relatively familiar with the dialect, how to prepare local foods and the Jamaican people. He added, "I love Jamaican rice and peas."

Judith Nicely, Matt's host, said she felt obliged to accommodate him after Peace Corps officials visited her home asking if she would be a home-stay host.

"I gave him the spiritual and domestic side of things by taking him to church, taught him different recipes and how to hand wash his clothes," she said.

Nicely added that her son, Andre, exposed Matt to the secular side, which involved stage shows and playing basketball with youths in the community.

According to Dr. Loois, the Peace Corps provides home-stay hosts with the necessary finances.

Matt will teach adult literacy classes, community sanitation and conduct hygiene education in the Overs River community of St. James while on the island.

The new volunteers will remain in Jamaica for a maximum of three years.