Letters from Alfonso: Learning to Listen: The first-hand account of a Colombian village's birth and growth--important lessons for the Peace Corps, NGOs, and the rest of us - Softcover

Letters from Alfonso is real; and including the voice of Alfonso is the best part. In the '60s, many of us heard the words "Listen to the people." Earl did just that. Great text, wonderful, moving photos, and what a long friendship! -- Barbara Belding, Senior Natural Resources Officer, U.S.A.I.D.

The story of how the poor are the victims of the environment -- floods, windstorms, tremors, drought -- is rarely told as beautifully as by Alfonso, the community's leader, to Earl, his Peace Corps friend and supporter. -- Pablo Gutman, Senior Director Environmental Economics, World Wildlife Fund

The lessons of Letters from Alfonso are important for anyone interested in understanding the process of development, especially those who want to get deeply and meaningfully involved in the good work of helping real people who are trying to better their lives. -- Bimal Patel, Ahmedabad University

Construction, development projects, slum improvement—rewarding work for Peace Corps volunteer Earl Kessler. But when residents of a Colombian town wiped out by flood took the future into their own hands, his life intersected with that of Alfonso Perez Correa, and he learned lessons in local participation and empowerment that have helped bring success in meeting community needs all over the world.