Imagine a world where everyone works together to help each other instead of only caring about themselves. I’ve always dreamed of this world. I’ve always seen the way the world could be and how we can make it better. We are the solution to our own problems. We choose to be selfish, divisive, hateful, and greedy, but these values will always tear us apart. Why can’t we work together? I’m an American, and as an American I believe in having goals, dreams, and fighting for what I believe in. I believe in peace. I’m a Peace Corps Volunteer here in Madagascar and the Peace Corps goals for the world are peace and friendship. What does that mean? It means that I’ve learned from and listened to Malagasy people with the goal of working together. I’ve learned the language, embraced the culture, and become good friends with Malagasy people just so that we could understand each other better. Through this experience I’ve learned a lot about Malagasy people and I’ve been able to work together to make Madagascar a better place and that’s what peace and friendship is about, not just in Madagascar but the whole world. It’s the idea that we are not succeeding unless everyone is equal.

I’ve been able to work peacefully with my Malagasy friends, neighbors, and coworkers to achieve our goals. When we understand each other and know that we have similar goals, peace is possible. I’ve had so many wonderful experiences here in Madagascar, but the most meaningful have been those with Malagasy people. The Malagasy people I know are funny, generous, kind, amazing, beautiful, hard working people and I want to help them as much as I can, but it wouldn’t be possible without common understanding. They know I come from a different culture and background, but we are still able to work together. Imagine if everyone puts aside their differences and worked together, we could accomplish anything.

So, how do we achieve peace in Madagascar? It won’t be easy, it won’t be fast, and it cannot be achieved if there are people who don’t believe in peace. You’ve got to listen to each other, teach each other, learn from each other, and support each other. You cannot divide yourselves by ethnicity, skin color, wealth, or dialect because those who are divided will never be able to fix their issues, never be able to succeed. You’ll never be able to achieve peace and lift each other up. So, imagine a Madagascar where everyone has equal pay, good jobs, healthy foods, and access to healthcare. Imagine all Malagasy people happy, smiling, and laughing without fighting or crime. Imagine Malagasy people working together with people all over the world. Imagine Madagascar being so wealthy and powerful it’s able to help other countries. Now imagine peace, it’s possible if we work together.