Here's what 6 youth in development Volunteers have to say about their sector

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A young girl, hand covered in blue paint, adds her hand print to piece of paper with other colorful hand prints.
By Peace Corps
July 31, 2019

Youth in development Volunteers know that individual connections create a global impact.

These Volunteers work with youth to promote community engagement, healthy living, leadership skills and active citizenship. What is working in the youth in development sector really like? Here's what six currently serving Peace Corps Volunteers have to say:

  1. Fabenson Frisch, Ukraine

"I enjoy working with young people because they are usually open-minded and eager to learn new skills and build relationships. I know that I am making a difference in their future. Youth are the future leaders, and if we invest in them we will have a better world."

Volunteer Fabenson Frisch poses with six locals. They're smiling and holding certificates of English Camp completion.
Fabenson Frisch poses with youth who have completed a Ukrainian English camp.

2. Alena Klimas, Morooco

"I enjoy the youth in development sector because I believe that the future lies within the youth of a community. I enjoy mentoring younger girls to become better students and athletes, something that would have seemed impossible in my area just a generation ago. There are moments that these girls make me feel part of their community. They lift me up and give me confidence when I’m feeling low. Our relationship is a two way street. I can say that this development is happening together. I am energized and hopeful for the future of these girls."

Alena and her counterpart pose back to back. Behind them the sun sets on a small Moroccan town.
Alena Klimas (right) works closely with her counterpart, Khalid (left).

3. Andrea Aribe, Thailand

"As a youth in development Volunteer, I enjoy helping others become better citizens and giving back the same way my past mentors have given back to me. I believe if we can help develop the youth, we can make a better tomorrow."

Volunteer Andrea poses with a class of primary school kids. They all hold up homemade name tags and peace signs.
Andrea Aribe (center back) works with youth in Thailand.

4. Lobo Bucher, Ecuador

"My vocation is grounded in work with marginalized youth through therapeutic arts practice. Because of this, [joining] the youth in development sector was obvious. I wanted to see how my own therapeutic art practice could serve the work of youth and families in Ecuador. I was fortunate to come when I did and get to work with two very dynamic Ecuadorian counterparts already doing the same work as I am back in the U.S. It’s been extremely fulfilling."

Volunteer Lobo is encased in a group hug by the children he helps teach.
Students swarm Lobo Bucher with a hug.

5. Ashley Pinamonti, Dominican Republic

"I enjoy the flexibility of the youth, families and community development sector because it allows me to identify and work on projects that directly align with the needs and interests of my community. A significant part of my service has been getting adults involved in youth development activities and it has been heartwarming to see how willing parents or grandparents are to do anything they can to help their kids succeed. I applied to [this] sector because I felt that it aligned best with my past experience and qualifications."

Volunteer Ashley stands in the front of a classroom and raises her hand to encourage student participation.
Ashley Pinamonti delivers a sexual education training at her local high school.

6. Diane Glover, Philippines

"My youth in development family is what I enjoy the most about my sector. I knew that I was jumping in the thick of some of the biggest issues the world is facing (gender-based violence, human and sexual trafficking, and children’s rights), so having a group that is empathetic and understanding of the ups and downs we are all going through is important to me. We have created some of the most powerful memories together, and just watching everyone grow as an individual and as a group is really inspiring for me."

Diane Glover (right) at a Peace Corps Philippines Diversity Committee meeting.

Are you interested in volunteering with the Youth in Development sector? Reach out to your recruiter today to start the process.

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The Peace Corps is a service opportunity for motivated changemakers to immerse themselves in a community abroad, working side by side with local leaders to tackle the most pressing challenges of our generation.
Category: Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Ukraine, Asia, Philippines, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, South America, Ecuador, Thailand, North Africa and the Middle East, Morocco, Youth in Development, Current Volunteers, Prospective Volunteers, Prospective Volunteers, Family and Friends, Peace Corps Volunteer

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