Christopher Vitt showed rural school children in the Rorke’s Drift area the original 1977 film Star Wars. For most, it was their first encounter with a film – never mind science fiction.
The 25-year-old Californian is concluding a two-year stint teaching and living in this rural area outside Dundee as a volunteer with the United State’s Peace Corp programme. An initiative started in 1963 by President JF Kennedy as a way of encouraging Americans – especially young graduates – to give back to society and and for Americans to develop friendships with other nations and people.
For Christopher it was also a way of realising a dream to travel, see and meet different people and cultures. After studying history at university, he arrived here in July 2014 and says living in a rural area, at a homestead with a rural family, is where you ‘really learn about yourself’.
He teaches English and Maths to Grades 5 and 6. “Communication is possibly the biggest challenge although all Peace Corp volunteers attended a three-month language and culture course before being posted to their respective families.” The host families do receive payment from the Education Department to feed and house the volunteers.
Christopher was one of those who integrated himself into the family that comprised of ‘his Gogo’ and her son of about 57.
“She really cared for me as one of her own sons. Even though I told her it is not necessary for her to wash my clothes.” Christopher loved the quietness of the rural setting, commenting that seeing the stars blaze down from a clear winter sky or watching the drama of thunderstorm on a summer’s night, are memories that will also live with him. “Even the birds are different here. It is so wonderful to take in all these new things.”

Showing the kids Stars Wars was so special – they fell in love with the characters and the story has universal appeal

Christopher says he ‘is sure’ his teaching made an impact on the school where he even helped build and raise money for a library. “Showing the kids Stars Wars was so special – they fell in love with the characters and the story has universal appeal – the battle between good and evil and why good must win.” He says leaving behind his ‘Gogo’, the pupils and his fellow teachers, who have all been so welcoming, will be hard. “I am returning back to the USA to continue studying – perhaps law – but a piece of this rural area around Dundee will live with me forever.”

Gypsey traveller
Marie Lee at 68 is not one of the ‘usual’ younger Peace Corp volunteers. A self-confessed gypsy, born in California, but who has travelled and lived around the world including, in various parts of the USA (where she was a teacher), Italy (where she was an actress), and Istanbul. She has taught pre-schoolers and adult education and was going to retire in the USA and ‘get out of the system’ when the travel bug bit again and she volunteered for the Peace Corp. “One could choose from Armenia, Georgia, the Philippines or South Africa. South Africa, with its complex history, seemed so fascinating, so here I am.’
Self-confessed gypsy
Marie is staying on an extra year and also teaches at a school in the Rorke’s Drift area. She has started a new library programme at her school, taught creative writing and drama and generally exposed the kids to genres that were all new to them. “Because it is a rural setting, the children are very insular and only know they own small world. I have also stressed the importance of reading and getting them to speak English. This will open up so many opportunities to them.”
She too lives with a local family near the school and her face warms with emotion as she describes how their home has been opened up to her with such kindness. “How many people in the US would take in people and look after them like we have been looked after? This is the question we ask?”
Marie says she feels very appreciated at her school and believes she has made a difference. “Here I am in this rural area – the crazy American lady doing crazy things with these kids who are so keen to learn. What a privilege to be here.” Christopher and Marie are two of 12 Peace Corp volunteers in this battlefields area who have committed themselves to making that difference so far away from home. Clearly, good has overcome so many difficulties and made a positive change in so many young lives.