Our Mission HoTPCA aims to promote world peace and friendship
by:
Engaging, uniting, and supporting the Peace Corps community in Central Texas. Organizing and supporting activities that cultivate
cultural understanding. Supporting sustainable community-building projects both locally and overseas.
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The Saraguran people can be found in the Andes of southern Ecuador. They are a group that still follows their agricultural roots in the fertile soils around them. Twenty-five percent of Ecuadorians have indigenous heritage, and these children are showing off some of their native styles of dress for a Christmas program. Most of the time, these same youth would be found in a t-shirt and jeans, though some of their peers still wear traditional outfits on a daily basis.
The program was hosted by the Centro San Juan Bosco, which is a center for youth ages 5- 12 hosted by the city government of Loja, Ecuador. Children typically attend school for only half a day, so this gives them a place to go before or after their classes and receive tutoring or enrichment activities, in addition to a nutritious meal.
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| Submitted by Chandi Wagner, RPCV Ecuador, 2005-2007 |
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Traditional healers are still a part of everyday life in Zimbabwe. They are a much respected component of society and are regulated by the Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association (ZINATHA). Controversy does exist because some healers claim to cure HIV infections. Zimbaweans accept healing from both Western practitioners and traditional healers.
This woman went into a transformative state after sniffing powdered tobacco and the audience (PCVs and trainers) also had to inhale the snuff (or mimick the action by throwing a pinch over one’s shoulder). She did not cure anyone in our group but did predict the future of one or two of the language trainers by channeling her grandfather’s spirit. Her voice changed as she spoke in Shona, which was translated and summarized for our benefit.
One seemingly incongruous picture on her wall was of the blue-eyed, long-haired Jesus. Just as Western medicine is accepted and practiced in conjuction with traditional healing, so Christianity is practiced side-by-side with traditional religion. Black is the usual color for most traditional healers. |
| Submitted by Christine Cwik, RPCV Zimbabwe, 1992-1994 |
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The Debrone Folk Festival takes place in Dobrich, Bulgaria each spring. Hundreds of villagers from 44 villages gather to compete and celebrate in traditional costumes and dances passed down from past generations. Each village has its own unique costume and dance presentations.
Wearing handmade garments and fresh flowers these beautiful young dancers do their part to preserve Bulgaria’s rich traditions in this joyous celebration. |
| Submitted by Bonnie Drenik, RPCV Bulgaria, 2003-2005 |
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