A Peace Pole Far From Home
Funny how seeing a Peace Pole can remind you of home.
A Peace Pole is an internationally recognized symbol of the hopes and dreams of the entire human family, standing vigil in silent prayer for peace on earth. This particular style of Peace Pole can be seen outside many Quaker meetings as well as Quaker schools; however, this photo was taken outside a community center in Kosovo by Newtown Friends Young Adult member Andrew Fellows.
Andrew Fellows
In the fall of 2023, Andrew was all set to become a Quaker Voluntary Service Fellow in Boston. But then he was invited by the Peace Corp – an opportunity he had been hoping for for months – to serve in Eastern Europe. In October 2023 he headed to Kosovo for three months of intensive language, cultural and job training, which will be followed by two years at a post in Kosovo, working on community and economic development.
In March 2024, Andrew wrote home to family and Friends:
“Merëdita. I live and work in Skenderaj, a small city in central Kosovo. I work at an organization called Citizens’ Initiative Skenderaj, whose goals are to foster inter-ethnic reconciliation, combat hate speech and extremism, and offer youth training in skills they may not receive in school. We’re currently doing a research and education project with local high schoolers to help them identify and respond to instances of hate in their community. I live with a local host family who have helped culturally integrate me. Outside of town, I enjoy hiking in Kosovo’s mountains on the weekends, making as many connections with locals as possible.”
The Newtown Friends community can’t wait for another update from Andrew to find out how he is putting his Quaker values into action.