October 2001

To whom it may concern:

As the Peace Corps Country Director of the Dominican Republic I would like to offer my personal recommendation for Nathan T. Wight. I have had the privilege of supervising and counseling Nathan for the last two years, and have seen his exceptional abilities in designing, planning, promoting, and implementing successful projects in his community, Los Tramojos, and surrounding communities of San José de Ocoa.

Nathan worked as a Community Agricultural Extensionist in a small community without electricity, running water or reliable public transportation. However, despite working under such conditions, and in a different language with cultural boundaries, Nathan provided his counterpart non-government organization, the communities in which he worked, and the Peace Corps an excellent example of a dedicated and enthusiastic Peace Corps Volunteer.

Upon arriving in Los Tromojos, Nathan assessed the needs and problems of the community. In an effort to improve soil and water conservation, Nathan organized and facilitated community work brigades to build live and dead barriers on sloped farms. Due to an inadequate technical knowledge of farming specialized crops, and a limited access to stable farmers markets, Nathan educated farmers on the importance of growing alternative crops and guided them on how to find the highest market value. Through his NGO, Nathan solicited and managed project funds, set goals, directed community work teams, and implemented technical training for growing passion fruit as an alternative cash crop. The project benefited 12 farmers (and motivated dozens more) and their families, giving them a more cost effective crop, yielding a higher market value, thus improving the well being and general health of the community.

Although Nathan served as an Agriculture Extentionist, his commitment to community development led him to evaluate other community needs. Nathan organized the reforestation of 10,000 pine trees in an effort to restore land stability and prevent soil erosion. Nathan’s commitment to the youth, their learning and development motivated him to organize a youth group of seven active, motivated students and facilitated the training and awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention through participation in conferences and workshops. Nathan and the youth group gave a series of 8 workshops in 6 communities, providing information on transition and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Nathan solicited and budgeted funds, educated the youth group, and successfully informed 550 people.

It has been a pleasure to work with such a self-motivated and outstanding individual. I believe his pleasant personality, coupled with his diligent work ethic, will be an asset to any organization or company. I firmly believe that Nathan will provide leadership and professionalism in any endeavor he chooses to undertake. It is with great pleasure I give Nathan T. Wight my highest recommendation.

Please feel free to contact me if you require more information. The following statement is included as required by Peace Corps regulations: “This letter constitutes a personal recommendation of the undersigned and should not be construed as an official recommendation by the Peace Corps or the Government of the United States of America.”

Sincerely,

Country Director

Peace Corps, Dominican Republic