11/20/10 5:48 PMUnited States Peace Corps Volunteer in Zimbabwe, Africa

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United States Peace Corps Volunteer

Zimbabwe, Africa (1993-1995)Description of Peace Corps Volunteer Service

Chambers joined the United States Peace Corps in September of 1992. The threeyears that followed have been the best and most fulfilling in his career. Thepromotions people at the organization say, "It's the toughest job you'll everlove." His job wasn't the toughest, but it was certainly something he loved doing,and he will remember it as a self-satisfying experience.

He was satisfied not only with helping others, but also with the freedom he hadto project his individual characteristics and talents. The latter proved to be anopportunity that he had never had before at the workplace. As long as he didn't'step on any toes', he was able to use his full ability, and generate as muchactivity as possible. He did that as a part of his Primary Assignment and twoSecondary Projects. His projects are now in the Archives at the Peace Corpsheadquarters in Washington, D.C.

His Primary Assignment was one of Curator for the National Gallery of Zimbabwein the capital city of Social Science Research Council to computerize the gallery'sPermanent Collection information. It took almost the three-year period toresearch, design the software and input the data, but it was accomplished, andthe gallery now has a sophisticated information data base. He also trained theAfrican staff in computer utilization and curatorial preparation. Numerousexhibitions were mounted - particularly the Traditional African artifacts - to takeadvantage of the new information system. He made headway in establishing arelationship between the gallery and AFRICOM (a preservation organization) topreserve Traditional African artifacts and share collection information with othermuseums and galleries worldwide. All of this culminated in an invitation by thegallery to exhibit a personal project, Variations On The Dan Mask. This conceptuallook at the African mask form was well-received at the exhibition opening andlater. This exhibition was a good ending to his three years at this institution. Hisproject is now a part of the gallery's exhibitions listings, but what is probablymore important is that he was accepted by the African arts community as anindividual, not an American and not a person of a different race. This fact is reallyimportant to him as he continues to integrate as a part of world society.

11/20/10 5:48 PMUnited States Peace Corps Volunteer in Zimbabwe, Africa

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His Secondary Project was one of arts outreach to African artists ... 'schoolleavers' ... who participated in three (one per year) fine arts/documentaryphotography workshops, The McEwen Photographic Studio, named after FrankMcEwen, the first director of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe. These studentsshowed an outstanding potential for self-expression through the medium ofphotography, and their works were exhibited at the National Gallery of Zimbabweas a part of 'Moments In Time' (1993), 'Moments In Time II' (1994) and'Moments In Time III' (1995). These exhibitions were officially opened by theU.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe. This U.S.A. connection brought the relationshipbetween the African community and the Peace Corps even closer. He feels goodabout this, and considers his contribution not only having educational value, butalso public relations importance as it relates to interracial understanding.

His Tertiary Project was one of grass-roots development to reach out to streetchildren and young adults through a program called, Street Kids In Action. Thiseducational/vocational program brought together interested parties in theAfrican community to make an attempt to solve the 'street problem'. Concertedefforts resulted in substantial funds being raised to offer opportunities to theseat-risk young people. He hopes the program is continuing to solve this problem,and he is happy that he played a role in providing the stimulus to generate thiskind of activity.

11/20/10 5:48 PMUnited States Peace Corps Volunteer in Zimbabwe, Africa

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So, those three years were not his toughest. But, he doesn't think anything elsewill even come close to this kind of self-satisfaction. He doesn't want to comeacross as a sales representative for the Peace Corps, but if you've ever beenpondering this thought - you have to be a U.S. citizen, by the way - focus a littlemore on considering an opportunity that puts you in a situation in which you cantruly be yourself.