Kul Chandra Gautam: Support the mission of peace and solidarity in D.C. and the world
Dear supporters,
I write to you today as one of the thousands of Nepalis–and perhaps millions of people around the world–whose lives have been touched and transformed by their association with the Peace Corps.
My relationship with the Peace Corps began in 1962 when two volunteers were assigned to my school in the village of Tansen in Nepal. They taught me English–so well even that I started beating them at Scrabble–and propelled me on my way to a long career with the United Nations in service of the world’s poor and disadvantaged people.
I know from my own personal experience the transformational impact that Peace Corps volunteers can make, and I sincerely believe that the Peace Corps is and can be the greatest organization dedicated to promoting global solidarity at the people-to-people level.
Supporting Peace Corps Park is a way to ensure that the values of peace and partnership that led John F. Kennedy to create this great organization will survive and thrive in troubled times, and help build a more enlightened America, and world.
Let us remember that solidarity, unlike charity, is a two-way street: The Peace Corps experience is just as important for the education and enlightenment of the Peace Corps volunteers as it is for the benefit of the host communities they work with. Our increasingly interconnected world demands global solidarity—not charity—to solve global problems that transcend national borders.
Please consider making a gift to Peace Corps Park, and to the many visitors whose curiosity will be inspired by this lasting symbol of the values of solidarity and peace. With its digital app, the Park will open a bigger world to all who visit it–especially the younger generation–thereby magnifying the impact of your generosity.
I am in the last phase of my life now, after a successful career and fulfilling life devoted to serving humanity. I do not need or seek any more personal awards, rewards or glory now.
But I do cherish a hope – a dream really – that we can turn this wonderful program and the community of people it represents into an inspiration for people around the world to dedicate themselves to helping those in need no matter where they are.
Please help the Peace Corps Foundation make this dream a reality.
Kul Chandra Gautam
Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations (2000–2007)
Deputy Director, UNICEF (2000–2007)
