Project Launch: 2-1-18

Jan and Betty, two returned Peace Corps volunteers from Uganda and Solomon Islands, are hosting a World Heritage Festival with the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of the Gulf Coast of Florida. They hope to empower their Peace Corps group to share their experiences and celebrate the cultural diversity that exists within their own community.

The festival aims to promote peace and understanding by breaking down community members' perceptions of their own neighbors. The event will feature several regions of the world with music, food, customs, and dance. The food will be sold by vendors from each country and artifacts will also be available for purchase. Folkloric dances and musicians will provide entertainment for all ages! At the entrance, global key chains and information about the Peace Corps and World Connect will be given out, and each person will be asked to place a marker on a map to represent their roots.

Project leaders hope that each attendee will contribute their own experiences and identity. The festival will be an intersection of unique interests, personal experiences, and viewpoints and will take place on Saturday, December 2nd in Sarasota, Florida.

Final Report: 5-25-18

20 different countries were represented at the World Heritage Festival, representing nations in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers and guest representatives interacted with visitors, showcasing traditional foods, attire, and artistry from the featured countries. 72 flags were hoisted for the event.