With her background in chemistry and public health, she felt she had much to offer a developing country. One of a growing number of older volunteers, Robinson was assigned to the West African nation of Senegal. People with albinism are ostracized in Senegal, Robinson says, and even discussion of the subject is taboo. She and l'ANAS members organized a seminar to educate the public on albinism, and as a result the Senegalese government donated land for a new community center for l'ANAS, which was named Robinson House. Robinson's work is an example of the kinds of contributions that older Peace Corps volunteers make.
Assignments often require sacrifices.
In addition to learning a new language, volunteers may have to adjust to harsh weather and acquire a taste for unfamiliar foods. All rights reserved. AARP Webplace Privacy Policy .