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Continuing Peace Corps’ legacy at an Indonesian high school
It was truly heartwarming to discover that my teaching counterpart, Ibu Gigih, was once a student of a Peace Corps Indonesia Volunteer named Kevin almost a decade ago.
Inspired to learn English
Ten years ago, Ibu Gigih was inspired by Kevin’s teaching. In our conversations, Ibu Gigih fondly recalled how Kevin ignited her love for English in her third year of high school, encouraging her to view the language as a bridge to global connections. She attended an English club he hosted for about a year. Inspired by his mentorship, she chose to follow in his footsteps, determined to inspire her own future students in the same way.
“One of my most vivid memories of Kevin was his unwavering passion for teaching. He motivated my friends and me to take our English studies seriously and supported us through extracurricular activities. Our English club became a vibrant space for learning and fun, where I realized that English could be more than just grammar—it could be a joyful and engaging experience,” Ibu Gigih shared.
Teaching English
After graduating from senior high school, she pursued her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English education at a university about four hours from the city she grew up in. Then she returned to her high school, where she has been teaching English for the past two years.
Ibu Gigih co-teaches English to about 70 children, in two different classes, alongside me. Together we develop fun activities to develop students’ conversational, listening and grammar skills. In the classroom sometimes she uses story dice that Kevin introduced during their English club many years ago, and still stays in contact with him.
Exchanging insights
Ibu Gigih considers it a privilege to work alongside those who inspire her to grow and refine her teaching skills. As her counterpart, I have learned immensely from her insights during our time together. Her enthusiasm for the subject is palpable.
“As a student, I craved engaging activities, and it was exhilarating to learn from teachers who brought fresh perspectives. Now, as a teacher and a counterpart to current Peace Corps Volunteer Nafi, I am passionate about creating dynamic English classes through innovative methods. I actively seek out games and activities that enhance learning, adapting ideas introduced by Nafi to benefit our students. Being a counterpart to Nafi allows me to discover new and exciting teaching strategies,” she said.
A continuing legacy
As a Peace Corps Volunteer, I understand that our mission extends beyond building relationships with local communities; it also involves creating sustainable projects and initiatives. The impact of education and service at our school is evident not only through Ibu Gigih's dedication but also through the enduring legacy of the English club. The most active branch of our English club—the 12-member debate team—includes coaches who were once students of Volunteer Kevin nearly a decade ago. They have shared how his influence shaped their education and sparked their passion for debate.
By sharing our excitement, knowledge and creativity with Indonesian students, Peace Corps Volunteers foster sustainability, ensuring the vitality of the English club and the debate team's ongoing presence and success at our school. I am committed to continuing this initiative throughout my service.
Lasting impact
The value of our work is more profound than we can imagine. The two years we serve as Volunteers will be defined by how we engage with our community and the relationships we cultivate. While the journey may present challenges, our efforts and collaborations leave a lasting impact!
