In March of 1961 President Kennedy, by executive order, established the Peace Corps. The Corps was authorized by Congress on September 22, 1961.
I read about the Peace Corps at school in the Weekly Reader. In the midst of the Cold War the idea of promoting world peace and friendship - Kennedy's words about the purpose of the Peace Corps - seemed a good idea. But I had just turned 10 - too young to join. However, somehow I read about "Children's Plea for Peace" an organization based at the World Affairs Center at the University of Minnesota. At least part of the Center's mission was uniting children around the world through letter-writing. Soon I had two foreign pals, a girl from London, England, and a boy from from Accra, Ghana.
Above is the postcard I received after my pen pal request. The date on card is 31August 1962.
Alas, I think I only exchanged letter for a year or two. Probably stopped writing once I began junior high school.
Still, on the odd chance that someone reading my blog knows or has known these two youngsters of the 1960s, I include my nickname at the time - Narta - as well as the names of my childhood pen friends:
Celia Richards of London, England
Richard Amable of Accra, Ghana
More about pen pals in future.
