Navigating Race as American Volunteers in Fiji
Peace Corps Fiji's Group 93 is fortunate to include a range of diverse racial identities that reflect our vast American heritage. Over the past year, I’ve gotten to converse with some of our current Volunteers about the unique challenges that our races and genders bring to our service. I’ll share here in the hope that we can gain some perspective on the experiences of our fellow Volunteers as well as navigate our own challenges in ways that make them easier to manage. Peace Corps Fiji Group 93 after 5 months in Fiji Despite “making do” with their Volunteer stipend as all must, male Volunteers who present as white may be perceived as being wealthy by Host Country Nationals. That perception of excess can lead to being targeted for robbery. It’s very common in Fiji to be asked “Where are you going?” or “Where do you live?” But Volunteers should exercise caution when responding and potentially have some vague or even downright misleading answers prepared for anyone o