FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, July 29, 2013

Peace Corps Volunteer Revitalizes High School Computer Lab in Cameroon to Promote Computer Literacy

Washington, D.C., July 30, 2013 - Peace Corps volunteer Christian Freymeyer of Ocean Pines, Md., is working with his local community in Cameroon to refurbish a high school computer lab and boost its energy supply so more students can participate in computer lessons.

“Technology breeds innovation; however, in this rural high school in Cameroon, students are unable to receive adequate instruction in computer science due to the lack of basic infrastructure,” said Freymeyer, a graduate of Christopher Newport University who has been working as a computer literacy teacher in Cameroon since June 2011. “While the school has more than 12 computers, only four are able to run at one time because the power voltage to the school is very low.”

Freymeyer will use funds raised through the Peace Corps Partnership Program (PCPP), which helps support Peace Corps volunteer community projects worldwide, to increase the school’s electrical energy and install voltage regulators, surge protectors, and new computer desks and chairs. Once the project is complete, the school’s 12 computers will be operable at the same time.

The school administration, teachers and community representatives have all pledged to contribute to the project as well as donate goods and labor. Freymeyer will also train a committee to help maintain the new equipment.

“This community is forward-thinking and members understand that computer literacy is crucial to this generation’s success,” Freymeyer said. “This project aims to prepare students for their future, and computer literary is becoming more and more essential.”

To receive funding through the PCPP, a community must make a 25 percent contribution to the total project cost and outline success indicators for each project. This helps to ensure community ownership and a greater chance of long-term sustainability.

About Peace Corps/Cameroon: Nearly 3,380 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Cameroon since the program was established in 1962. Currently, 231 volunteers serve in Cameroon. Volunteers work in the areas of education, environment, agriculture, health, business, and information technology. Volunteers are trained and work in Pidgin English and French.

About the Peace Corps: Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961, more than 210,000 Americans have served in 139 host countries. Today, 8,073 volunteers are working with local communities in 76 host countries in agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health and youth in development. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment and the agency’s mission is to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.

 

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