Bintu S.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

I became interested in the Peace Corps because I wanted to give back to my country in a real and meaningful way. I’ve always felt a responsibility to support others, and I wanted to step into a role where I could truly serve, learn, and connect with people on a deeper level. The Peace Corps felt like the right path for me to grow, make a difference, and honor the place and people who raised me.

2. What projects are you working on?

My responsibility mainly focuses on health education, disease prevention, and community empowerment rather than clinical care. I work alongside community health workers, clinic staff, and my community health support supervisor to support health talks, outreach activities, and household visits. Through close collaboration with local leaders and a health team, I help strengthen community knowledge and capacity and promote positive health behaviors to prevent illness and improve maternal and child health outcomes. At the moment my counterpart and I are thinking about starting a tailoring workshop for women in the community. The idea is to help women learn a new skill so they can earn an income and support themselves. It’s still in the early stages, but it’s something we’re interested in exploring together.

3. What strategies have you used to integrate into your community?

To integrate into my community, I’ve focused on building genuine relationships and showing respect for local traditions. I spend time with neighbors, participate in community activities, and make an effort to learn the local language so I can communicate more meaningfully. By listening, asking questions, and learning from the people around me, I’ve been able to build trust and feel more connected to the community every day.

4. What is a highlight of your time in service so far?

A highlight of my time in service so far has been the hands-on experiences I’ve had with the community, like helping at the coal bay, where community members gather to burn wood into charcoal, bag it, and prepare it for transport to the town. I also help pick rice on rice farms. These moments allowed me to connect with people in a meaningful way, learn about their daily lives, and truly appreciate their hard work and resilience. Being part of these activities has made me feel welcomed, valued, and more connected to the community than I ever imagined.

5. What have you enjoyed most about the community where you are serving?

What I’ve enjoyed most about the community where I am serving is how welcoming and caring the people have been. They are very protective of me, open to me, and treat me like I am one of their own. From inviting me into their homes to including me in daily activities like helping on the rice farms or going to the coal bay, I have felt a strong sense of belonging and connection. Their kindness and generosity have made my experience truly special.

6. What are some of the most important things you’ve learned from your community?

Some of the most important things I’ve learned from my community are the value of hard work, resilience, and togetherness. By helping at the rice farms, going to the coal bay, and participating in daily activities, I’ve seen firsthand how dedicated and resourceful Liberian people are. I’ve also learned the importance of generosity, kindness, and looking out for one another, as community members are always willing to support and protect each other. These lessons have not only taught me practical skills but have also deeply shaped the way I view community, relationships, and life.

7. How do you spend time when you are not working on a project?

When I am not working on a project, I spend time at home cleaning and cooking, which gives me a chance to relax and take care of myself. Later, I often play music with the kids, dance with them, or go to the local field to play kickball. These moments are some of my favorites, as they allow me to connect with the community, have fun, and share joy with the children.

8. What are you looking forward to in your remaining time as a Volunteer?

In my remaining time as a Volunteer, I am looking forward to deepening my relationships within the community and building connections with local organizations and NGOs. I hope to create opportunities that empower women and youth, support community development, and make a lasting, positive impact. I am excited to continue learning from the people around me while contributing in meaningful ways that matter to them.

9. Once you finish service, what will you do differently when you return to the U.S.?

Once I finish my service, I hope to continue contributing to Liberia’s growth, either by extending my time with the Peace Corps or by working with an NGO or the UN. I want to make a real difference in my country, helping to create opportunities and empower communities. I’ve learned that even small actions can have a big impact, and while progress may be slow, steady effort and dedication can lead to meaningful, lasting change. My time here has inspired me to be part of Liberia’s journey toward a brighter future.

Learn more about serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Liberia.