Joe Cooper

Top 5 Items to Pack for the Peace Corps

Joe Cooper — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:09:51 +0000

Anyone preparing for 27 months in Peace Corps Africa spends more than a few minutes thinking about their packing list. Here are a selection of my favorites:

#1 – Sidewinder Steripen

Giardia, amoebic dysentery, batteries… no thank you. In 90 seconds of exposure water is sterilized by U/V light. 90 seconds of furious cranking cause it doesn’t come with batteries!

#2 – Hammock and Bug Net

Instant malaria free bedding solutions that travel light and pack down. Yes, please! Check out Trek Light for the best product.

#3 – Frantz Fanon’s, “Les Damnés de la Terre”

Fanon’s seminal work instructed a generation on the psychological realities of colonialism and the roadblocks to decolonization. In the original French if you want to get serious about it.

#4 – Custom First Aid Kit

Don’t leave home without tooth-filler, re-hydration salts, and a full course of ciprofloxacin. Visit Rescue-Essentials for the pro gear.

#5 – Rubber Snake

Versatile anti-theft device.

If you think I missed something, add a comment!

JFK in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Joe Cooper — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:13:02 +0000

In 1960 on October 14th, standing on the steps of the Michigan Union in Ann Arbor Michigan, John F Kennedy gave an impromptu speech at 2 o’ clock in the morning. The result was the US Peace Corps.
HEAR THE SPEECH

Where in the World

Joe Cooper — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 16:14:09 +0000

Cameroon is located in central west Africa. It is geographically diverse containing desert, grassland, rain forest and mountainous regions. While the primary administrative language is French many regional languages are spoken as well. Cameroon is governed by a unitary presidential republic and is the only African country to be a net exporter of food. Its national hero is the best paid footballer in the world Samuel Eto’o. Heres Click Here for Today’s Weather

Health NGO Developer

Joe Cooper — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 04:09:22 +0000

“Health NGO Developer” in Cameroon. This translates into working to build administrative capacity at a non-governmental health clinic. Such a clinic deals with public health issues such as basic hygiene, maternal health, and HIV/AIDS. Non-governmental organisation (NGO) is an unofficial designation but functions in a similar fashion to non profit organisations in the US.