I do not remember why I first applied to join the Peace Corps.

When Nyassa Kollie’s father thinks about his childhood and the hurdles he overcame in pursuit of his education, he replays the voices of encouragement telling him that he could do anything, even earn a doctorate in chemistry. 

In 1964, a group of 21-year-olds volunteered to make a difference in this world.

In our "I Am Peace Corps Malawi" video series, we introduce you to the individuals who are working in the field here in The Warm Heart of Africa. Tune in each month to meet a current or former Volunteer and hear about their projects,  what they love about Malawi, and what makes their service unique.  

Last year, I was able to implement my first big project in Malawi: my orange-fleshed sweet potato project.

We asked Peace Corps Volunteers, "What do you wish Americans knew about your country of service?"

Driving up to my Peace Corps site in Malawi reminds me of the drive to my grandparents' home in the Sierras. 

On most days, Memory is hesitant to get up in the mornings. 

I arrived in Malawi over three months ago, fulfilling a wish I have had since returning from my first experience as a traditional Peace Corps Volunteer: to work as a nurse in the global health setting.

The central hospital where I serve as a Global Health Service Partnership (GHSP) Volunteer in Malawi serves as a referral center for a large part of the country. 

Mishek Kaonga is unlike any Malawian I have ever met. 

When I was just seven years old, my parents took me on my first international trip.

“We are all human beings and we should help each other to solve problems from the other side of the globe.”

From a rural village, Anastasia Msosa became the first female Chief Justice of Malawi. 

It’s 7:30 a.m. and mothers begin to gather under a shelter at a health center in southern Malawi. 

Malawi is sometimes called “The Warm Heart of Africa” and, after nine months here, I have found this to be true. 

From the traditional (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah) to the fun (Mardi Gras, St. Patrick's Day) and the obscure (Roadkill Cook-off, Burning Man, the Gilroy Garlic Festival), Americans celebrate many different festivals with friends, family and strangers alike.

Peace Corps Malawi was the most influential experience of my life. 

You’re probably familiar with Spanish and French, but what about Sesotho, Malagasy, Khmer or Thai?