In this interview, we hear from Arthur Gold. Arthur is working as a Peace Corps Education volunteer in St. Lucia (Eastern Caribbean). What Arthur shares gives us a better understanding of the work volunteers do. We learn about the challenges, rewards, and personal growth that happens from volunteering in a new place. Arthur talks about living in a different country, working with local people, and dealing with surprise situations. Join us as we learn about Arthur’s journey and see how volunteering with Peace Corps can change lives.
Table of Contents
- Volunteer Experience and Motivation
- Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
- Surprises and Challenges
- Advice and Support
- Practical Tips and Language Learning
- Social Identity during Service
- Final Thoughts
Volunteer Experience and Motivation
1. Tell us more about serving as an Education volunteer in St. Lucia
At Canaries Primary School’s Smart Classroom, I teach computer skills every Friday. When I arrived in September 2023, the technology was non-functional. The principal had a dream of transforming this classroom into a hub of digital learning and innovation.
Now, thanks to donations, we have a high-speed network and a lending library that fosters reading. Students use AI for reading, document creation, and online exploration, while teachers utilize online resources on large screens, making learning exciting. The principal’s vision has truly come to life, as the classroom buzzes with activity and students’ faces light up with excitement.
2. What motivated you to join the Peace Corps and choose St. Lucia?
After retiring from a career as an Industrial Engineer and Quality Management consultant, I assumed caregiving duties for my father and worked as a personal trainer. Following his passing, I explored opportunities abroad and considered joining the Peace Corps on a friend’s recommendation.
Despite initial concerns about my age, 72 at the time, I decided to pursue this path. After careful preparation, I applied and received a placement offer in St. Lucia. The opportunity to engage with a new culture and assist local communities was significant. I have since been approved to extend my stay for another year.
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
3. Tell us more about your home situation
During my first month, I was with 27 other Volunteer Trainees at a resort. In the second month, I stayed with a host family to experience the local culture. My prior independence made this challenging. By the third month, I moved to Canaries, St. Lucia, a secluded fishing village with diverse living conditions.
My home is in a gated community near the village and primary school where I work. It’s a spacious place with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large kitchen, and a balcony with mountain views. Despite my two years here, I still cook most of my meals. I go to a nearby community gym and use my own exercise equipment at home.
For entertainment, I use a Firestick connected to my TV to watch videos and follow the news via the internet.
4. Any memorable experiences or interactions you’ve had?
A week prior to relocating to Canaries, I visited the area by bus and spent the afternoon touring the community with my school’s principal. We walked through the streets of the small village, and she introduced me to many residents.
On a corner, we encountered an older gentleman, a Rastafarian with white dreadlocks, dressed in worn clothing. Despite missing many teeth, he had a noticeable smile. His name is Apache, and we quickly formed a connection. Coincidently, Apache is the principal’s stepfather. I mentioned our meeting at the next training session to the staff and noted that I had made my first acquaintance in St. Lucia.
I began researching the origins, customs, and beliefs of Rastafarians. Upon moving into the village, I had a few weeks before school started to explore the Canaries more thoroughly. I spent considerable time with Apache walking around the village. He introduced me to the local fishing community and acted as my tour guide. He also coached me in the local language, Kweol, and together we sampled local street food.
Now, two years later, Apache and I have maintained a close friendship. Many nights we sit on the jetty overlooking the Caribbean, watching the sunsets and observing pelicans dive for fish. Children from the village often join us. Our friendship is well-known and acknowledged by the community.
Surprises and Challenges
5. What has surprised you most about challenges in St. Lucia?
The cultural attitudes towards education in St Lucia differ significantly from those in the United States. Family structures here are distinct, with scarce employment opportunities and long, unpredictable commutes for resort workers. Men often hold multiple jobs like fishing, mechanics, and carpentry, leaving no one at home to support study habits.
Sports such as football (soccer), track and field, and cricket are equally emphasized alongside academics, driving many students’ aspirations to become professional athletes. I aim to broaden these aspirations using library and internet resources and take pride in celebrating each success.
6. What challenges did you face while working on Education projects?
While setting up the Primary School’s library, I struggled to find books. Hands-Across-the Sea donated many books to start the library. Friends from the US who live part-time on the island helped by bringing suitcases of books. After the library was established, local businesses also contributed.
7. Could you share some of the secondary projects you have been involved?
When I arrived, the Peace Corps Medical Officer gave me a blood pressure cuff to monitor my slightly high pressure. It normalized shortly after. One evening, I measured my friend Apache’s blood pressure in the village at sunset, attracting nearby fishermen who wanted theirs measured too. Now it’s a regular Sunday event, with 15-20 people getting their blood pressure checked.
Without local medical facilities, I’ve referred a few neighbors to the clinic when necessary. I’m now frequently asked to measure blood pressure as I walk through the village.
Advice and Support
8. What advice would you give to someone considering serving as an Education volunteer in St. Lucia?
Be patient for the first 6 months to a year. Bring your best self and focus on learning a new culture with different priorities. Celebrate small wins, and soon you will feel established. It’s an adventure with purpose.
9. How has the Peace Corps training helped you during your service?
I approached all my training with an open mind. I realized that many have come before me and every facet of the training was well thought out as a whole the training bolstered my confidence and taught me to expect the unexpected.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
10. Anything that you packed or didn’t pack that you’d like to tell future St. Lucia volunteers?
Glad I packed a strong umbrella. I have only worn my rain poncho once. A small Bluetooth speaker has proved essential in both the school and at home. Also glad I brought my Kindle e-reader.
11. How has learning the language been?
During my training, I encountered difficulties in learning the local Kweol language. Upon arriving on-site, I discovered that everyone was bilingual and eager to assist me in mastering the local dialects. Although I am still not fluent after two years, people always smile when I greet them in Kweol and make remarks such as “I live in Canaries,” “Good afternoon,” and “I am not a tourist.”
Social Identity during Service
12. How has your social identity shaped your approach to service in the Peace Corps?
A challenge has been maintaining my own spirituality of Buddhism while respecting local Christian beliefs. Both the Catholic and Seventh Day Adventist churches are significant institutions in the community. I made it a point to attend services at both early on. I attend many local funeral services and avoid flaunting my own beliefs. I continue my rituals, such as daily meditation practice and studies, privately. While acknowledging others’ expressions like “God spare,” I do not say it myself. I wear spiritual charms discreetly.
13. What challenges have you faced as social identity, and how did you overcome them?
Initially, being the only light-skinned person in my village felt strange. Attending local sports events made me feel conspicuous. Eventually, I started to blend in and developed familiarity with many people. Now, I only stand out in tourist areas when vendors and tour guides approach me.
14. What advice would you give to others considering joining the Peace Corps?
Walk with confidence and respect others for being different than you.
Final Thoughts
15. Any last comments or observations you’d like to pass on to future St. Lucia volunteers?
Life can begin at any age. It began at 72 for me and keeps on going.
Arthur’s story shows how Peace Corps service is both a personal journey and a way to build real connections with others. His work as an Education volunteer in St. Lucia highlights the power of persistence, curiosity, and kindness. Through classroom projects, community friendships, and small acts of service, Arthur has made a lasting impact. His experience reminds us that meaningful change often begins with listening, learning, and showing up each day with an open heart.
What are you waiting for? Opportunities like this don’t come often. If you have a passion for service and an adventurous spirit like Arthur’s, apply to the Peace Corps today. Expand your horizons, push your limits, and create positive impact as a volunteer. You never know how serving as a Peace Corps volunteer could change your life.
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or St. Lucia Government.
