[toddst]

Please pray for the safety of all the PCV's in Africa.

Will certainly do that. What do you know about this situation? Is there no chance the area can move toward democratic government and a true open economic system? Are these people doomed to chaos as thugs push each other out of power?

[BreitbartSentMe]

From what my son tells me, the people there are exceedingly poor, but very friendly and happy. One of the main problems is that one of the only natural resources in Africa to use for building an economy is minerals and precious gems. Since they are controlled by only a few, the general populace doesn't profit from it. It's also an extremely tribal country, with tribal leaders having almost absolute power over the local pepole. He also said that, a least as far as the uprising in Cote D'Ivorie went, there were mercenaries from other countries involved, so that creates a lot of instability.

One of the major focuses of the Peace Corps in Africa is on education, especially on math & science in the secondary level, and educational opportunities for girls. Hopefully, as the generations continue to be exposed to the wider world and opportunities, they can bring their countries along with them.

Thanks for the prayers.