I was a Peace Corps Volunteer: Last Days of Training

[@morganmorreale1935]

Hello! I tried to direct message you, but you must have the messaging turned off for your channel. I am currently looking into applying for a position in Guinea and assume I would be in the mountain region, because it is a forestry position. I wanted to know if you felt that the general atmosphere in the area was welcoming/safe, specifically for women. I have watched all your videos and looked at the Peace Corps Crime Stats for the area, but I have also heard that a lot of stats are under reported within the program. I wanted to know if you personally felt it was generally safe for women. Thanks!

[@dawanrobinson5697]

Hey! Sorry I didn't get your message. Ag volunteers can be placed throughout Guinea, to be honest, because their program also deals with bringing this one very drought-resistant, do-everything plant to all parts of Guinea. I don't know about stats being under reported. What I do know is that villagers and communities will work hard to ensure that their volunteers are safe but volunteers also over protect too. I haven't made the video yet addressing this, but I did not go out at night in my village for my first year because 1) I was too busy prepping for work 2) had a reputation to protect and 3) just didn't feel safe because it was always dark/snakes/mosquitoes. My second year, I was more free and comfortable. I feel like a lot of volunteers did the same. All volunteers will get touched by locals because their culture involves less personal space than ours. Kids will grab your hand to steal your luck in the coastal region, students will want to touch your hair because its straight, people will want to hold your hand to show that they care or want to be your friend. All of that is harmless to them but to us can come off as harassment. There were about 4 classes of PCVs by the time I left and probably 60+ women. I only knew of two severe incidents that involved female volunteers and perhaps up to five that involved other forms of harassment that had to be addressed. I'm sure a few others happened and were never reported or I was never in the loop but that's the truth in every country on Earth, isn't it? Nonetheless, those were all unfortunate incidents. I don't know much more details about that or if they could have been prevented somehow either but that's what I can share. If I had to say generally was it safe for women. Yes. I would. But precautions have to be taken like anywhere else. You should reach out to RPCVs females who served there.

[@morganmorreale1935]

Thank you so much! I will definitely get in touch with other volunteers as well.