Oral history
Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Collection
RPCV-ACC-2019-103
Edwin L. Blanton III served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Dominica from January 2004 to January 2005 on a youth and community development project. He was stationed in Loubiere and assigned to work with the Village Council Community Center to help develop their programs. He also worked with a neighboring school, where he led public speaking classes and coached the Special Olympics. Blanton had to leave the Peace Corps after only one year due to medical issues, but has remained active in the community. He and another returned volunteer started a non-profit called "Ready, Willing...Enable! Inc." Through the non-profit, they have worked closely with special needs children in Dominica and have returned to the country several times. Blanton feels the Peace Corps taught him patience and helped him step outside of his comfort zone. Interviewed and recorded by Christeen Pusch, June 16, 2019. 1 digital audio file.