Helping hand from US
"I work at a warehouse in Seshego, where we do food distribution," says Nic Graham a member of the American Peace Corps
POLOKWANE – Most men at the age of 32 are already settled in their careers and family lives, but not Nic Graham.
A member of the American Peace Corps, Nic has been working in South Africa since January 2014.
“I work at a warehouse in Seshego, where we do food distribution,” says Nic.
The Peace Corps was established in 1961 and has since served 140 countries.
“It takes one to two years after you apply before you are admitted to the Peace Corps,” he says.
Nic is from Portland, Oregon in the US, and says South Africa is hotter than America.
“We have dry summers and wet winters. I miss Mexican food the most, as well as my family and friends.”
He says his plans when he returns home next year include finding a job and buying a car.
“When I first came to Polokwane, the taxi rank was the first thing I saw and I cannot get that image out of my mind. But I now take a taxi everywhere. The people are nice 99% of the time, but it is better not take a taxi alone. I learned to understand and speak Northern Sotho.”
Nic explains that his work has three goals, namely providing technical assistance, sharing what it means to be an American and taking back what he learned about South Africans.
“I found that South Africa is culturally diverse. I enjoy being here a lot. The best thing to see is people running. And everyone who runs is very friendly. During marathons, I see what democracy is like. Everyone supports everyone. The worst about South Africa is to see people suffer. There are places where there are no facilities for 60km. My experiences in South Africa have been one of the best ever. I cannot wait to share them,” he says.
