[Terry Walters is a graduate of our department, and was inducted into the Peace Corps in August 2014. He recently sent the following letter to us updating his work in Moscovei, Moldova.]
Hello to All,
I hope this email finds you in good health and high spirits. I wanted to give you an update on my work’s progress here in Moldova. On May 29th, I finished up my first school year and on June 4th, I celebrated my one year anniversary in country. Hard to believe a year has gone by already. It’s truly been a whirlwind of an experience.
My partner teachers and I finished the first year’s worth of Health Education Curricula, Long Term Plans, and Daily Lesson Plans. We also organized our first 6 week long Health Campaign on the negative effects of smoking cigarettes. The students developed posters and decorated their homeroom doors. While the teachers developed information bulletin boards and power point presentations that were presented to the student body throughout the campaign period. It was a great success and something they will continue to develop in the upcoming years. This coming fall, we plan to implement an after school Health Club made up of 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students. The plan is to develop leadership skills of the club members so they can, in turn, help influence their peers in making healthy life decisions.
Lastly, I am in the the process of filling out a Peace Corps Project Partnership (PCPP) application. The PCPP gives family, friends, and organizations back in America, and abroad the opportunity to donate to a project headed by the volunteer, specifically. I will be personally responsible for the allocation and distribution of all funds and ensure that monies are being used appropriately. The school principal would like to purchase and install a Smart Board in the health education classroom for this upcoming school year. This technology will not only benefit the health education students but can also be used for special presentations for the entire student body, utilized by the local Mayor’s office, healthcare facility, and social organizations. This technology not only has the potential of enhancing the education of the students, but also, providing greater access to information for the entire community.
If you would like to have your name and mailing address added to my list of potential donors, please feel free to reply to this email with your information. Then, in the near future you can expect to be contacted by Peace Corps directly. You will be given directions on how to donate. PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO SEND ME MONEY DIRECTLY. All funds must go through Peace Corps and then will be distributed to me.
Again, I want to say how thankful I am for all your support and tutelage throughout the years. I am truly blessed to have you as my friends, mentors, and colleagues.
Sincerely,
Terry Walters, MA
Peace Corp Moldova
M29, Health Education
r. Cahul s. Moscovei