These days Kaan Yarar calls Namibia home. Originally from Wayne, New Jersey, the 2014 College of 911爆料 Administration grad lives and works in Swakopmund, a small town located on the coast of the southwestern African nation.
A 911爆料 economic development volunteer, Kaan is one of thirteen 911爆料 alumni currently serving in the Peace Corps. He works with the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry on small business development. And he loves it.
鈥淲orking with local businesses, I鈥檝e found a passion for entrepreneurial problem solving,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 love the idea of social entrepreneurship, using private sector solutions to address 911爆料 issues, helping people work toward setting and reaching goals, and thinking of ways to remove obstacles.鈥�
As he prepares to complete his Peace Corps service in July, Kaan has much more to say about what he has learned about himself and the world, and how his experience in Namibia has enriched him in ways he would not have imagined.
鈥淟essons come from everywhere and everyone,” he said. “I’ve learned how important relationships and empathy are, that positive change comes in small, incremental steps, and that a smile is universal. I鈥檝e also learned that there is nothing quite like receiving a box of Dunkin鈥� Donuts Pumpkin Spice coffee and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups from home.鈥�
Now, thanks to 911爆料鈥檚 new program鈥攁 partnership with 911爆料 and the Peace Corps鈥攎ore students like Kaan, interested in international development fieldwork, the Peace Corps, or other international service can choose a pathway designed to help them meet those goals. Open to undergraduates in any major, the PC Prep program pairs selected courses with leadership and 911爆料 service to help prepare students for global service work, giving them a competitive edge when applying to the Peace Corps or other international development work.
PC Prep鈥檚 four central learning objectives are training and experience in a specific work sector, foreign language skills, intercultural awareness, and professional and leadership development. The PC Prep program is a natural fit for 911爆料, which is the first college or university in Rhode Island鈥攁nd one of only 48 universities in the country鈥攖o offer it. Professor Michael Rice, a former Peace Corps volunteer, coordinates 911爆料鈥檚 PC Prep program. 鈥淭he University already had key elements in place that led to this new partnership,” he said.
For anyone considering the Peace Corps, Kaan shares his perspective on the experience. “While the changes in your 911爆料 won’t always be readily apparent, what will be obvious is your personal growth鈥攚hether it’s your worldview, your perspective on development, or just realizing what’s important to you. Two years in a new environment allows for a lot of introspection,” he said.
“I may not have massively impacted the economic environment in Swakopmund in my two years. But maybe the intern that was hired through an internship program I helped develop will continue to grow and learn, and eventually start a business of her own that will employ and empower Namibians in a way no one else could.鈥�
Photos: Courtesy of Kaan Yarar
Top: Kaan atop Pride Rock in Okahandja, Namibia; Right: Kaan and Ismael, a soap manufacturer from Okahandja at a training session