Andrew Fellows to speak on “Reflections On Being An American Volunteer in Kosovo Today,” Quaker Meetinghouse, 9:45 a.m., Sunday, October 27.
NEWTOWN, PA — Andrew Fellows will speak via Zoom on “Reflections on Being An American Volunteer in Kosovo Today” at Newtown Friends Meetinghouse, 219 Court Street, at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday, October 27. Following the presentation, there will be worship in the manner of Friends at 11:00 a.m. with people speaking out of silence as they are moved to do so. The public is welcome at all events.
Andrew is currently serving in the Peace Corps as a Community Development Volunteer in Kosovo. He is one year into his two-year mission. His work involves assisting small NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations) and nonprofits with English-language writing and project planning. He is currently focusing on projects aiming to promote inter-ethnic reconciliation and skill development of youth, women, and girls.
Fellows has learned the local Albanian language and has met with Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani and the American Ambassador.
Andrew’s talk on Sunday will reflect on the current state of the Peace Corps and the role of a Quaker (and an American) in the context of Europe’s youngest country. Fellows said, “Reckoning with ethnic tension and cultural differences can be a test of our values, and we must remain aware of our limitations and potential as Americans abroad.”
Andrew said the first half of his service has revealed some of the unsung and unexpected merits of the Peace Corps, as well as experiencing deep challenges to its effectiveness in an era now past its peak popularity.
President John F. Kennedy launched the Peace Corps in 1961 The idea was for Americans to provide a service in other countries and learn about their customs, religions, and cultures, while giving people in their host countries a chance to learn the same about Americans. During the past 63 years, 240,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps in 142 countries, including several other Quakers from Newtown Quaker Meeting.
Andrew Fellows is a graduate of George School (9-12) in Newtown, and Tufts University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies, magna cum laude.
While at Tufts, Fellows served on the Tufts Interfaith Student Council, was a Program Leader in the Tufts Chaplaincy’s Pre-Orientation program, Program Director of Tufts University’s radio station, WMFO Medford, and completed a summer internship with Pennsylvania State Senator Steve Santarsiero.
Newtown Friends Meeting, co-founded by the Quaker artist and minister, Edward Hicks, in 1815, holds services every First Day (Sunday). During the school year, First Day classes for children and adults are at 9:45 a.m. and Meeting for Worship is at 11:00 a.m. Professional childcare is provided. All meetings are open to the public and visitors are warmly welcomed.