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An English dictionary opens doors to education
Macire Diallo was just 15 years old when he met Hilary, a newly arrived Peace Corps Volunteer serving in his village in Senegal in 2005.
When Macire heard that an American Volunteer was staying at the village chief’s house, he couldn’t wait to meet her—he was eager to improve his English and become fluent. That very night, after dinner, he went to introduce himself.
It was a turning point in his life.
Hilary tutored him in English for two years and later encouraged him to support Peace Corps Volunteers upon their arrival in the village, helping them meet with local dignitaries and community members.
This gave him more opportunities to interact with Volunteers and practice the English language. For the next four years, Macire spent his weekends and free time working alongside Volunteers, joining English clubs, and reading American newspapers.
In addition to the English classes, Macire was deeply impressed by Hilary’s work. She helped build a 15-meter well and established a garden that lasted for five years. The well is still functioning to this day, and the community members remain grateful having this ongoing water source.
At her farewell party, Hilary distributed gifts to people in the village. She asked Macire to meet her afterward. Expecting a special gift, he was surprised to receive something even more meaningful. Hilary handed him a book and an English dictionary.
She said, "Macire, read this book. Use the dictionary when you struggle. Once you have knowledge, doors will open for you. And if you keep learning and working hard, you will be presented with more and more opportunities."
Those words stayed with him. He said, “This was the moment that shaped my professional future.”
The years spent learning from and working with Peace Corps Volunteers sharpened Macire's English skills and helped him gain admission to the English Department at Cheikh Anta Diop University where he graduated with a master’s degree in American studies in 2015.
Today, Macire works as a human resources manager at a British company operating in Dakar.
He said, “Meeting and interacting with Peace Corps Volunteers is one of the best things that happened to me. I have more than 65 books in English, many of them given to me by the Peace Corps. I spent eight years in the mining industry and five years in the oil and gas industry thanks to my English studies and master’s degree in HR management – but English was the key that opened all the doors for me. When I apply for a role I speak with confidence, lead meetings effectively, and make sound and impactful reports.”
