Essex Junction native among the first Peace Corps members to return to Kenya since the pandemic
Ben Nelson is one of the first Peace Corps volunteers to get a chance to serve overseas for the first time since the pandemic.
Ben Nelson is one of the first Peace Corps volunteers to get a chance to serve overseas for the first time since the pandemic.
Ben Nelson is one of the first Peace Corps volunteers to get a chance to serve overseas for the first time since the pandemic.
For the first time in over two years, the Peace Corps has begun sending volunteers back overseas, and one Essex Junction native is among the first to return to the organization's Kenya service site.
Ben Nelson is a Peace Corps volunteer who said getting a chance to serve has been a goal years in the making.
The Vermont native will serve as a health volunteer in Kenya.
It's something he said he has strived for since graduating from Northern Vermont University at Johnson State College.
"This is something I've always wanted to do since I got out of school. It's a dream that I've been chasing for the last five years," said Nelson. "I'm just really there to learn and understand and just to work side by side with these people and to hear about what the issues are they need help with."
Volunteer cohorts are made up of both first-time and returning volunteers who were evacuated in early 2020.
The first cohort of volunteers made their way back overseas in March of this year.
Peace Corps officials are encouraging those interested to apply.
"Of the more than 60 posts, we have been able to return to 32 of those locations already, and we are currently issuing invitations for 55 [countries]," said Erin Curran, a public affairs specialist with the Peace Corps. "We've been serving in Kenya since 1964, and during that time [we've sent] more than 5,000 Americans. So Ben is joining a great group."
According to Peace Corps officials, anyone with a willingness to serve can sign up.
"You don't need to be some sort of altruistic superhero to do it. I think anyone can do this," said Nelson.
Ben Nelson will be heading to Kenya next week, where he will complete a preliminary three-month training before getting to work.
Those interested in applying can do so at the Peace Corps website.