Hannah P.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps, specifically the Response program?

I first became interested in serving as a Response Volunteer because I wanted to step into a role that allowed me to support teachers with improving their pedagogical skills. Being of Guyanese descent, I felt a strong connection to the mission and saw it as an opportunity to expand my impact from a local to regional level. Throughout my initial service, I have grown as a leader and discovered a deeper passion for professional development and literacy programmatic work. I enjoy collaborating with teachers and find that serving in this role has expanded both my skills and my perspective on education. Extending my service felt like a natural next step to continue growing as a leader in the literacy field and to further support the work I care so deeply for.

2. What projects are you working on with your community?

My counterpart, a regional literacy officer, came to the Peace Corps with the vision of starting reading clubs at all primary and secondary schools across Region 5 in Guyana. I was excited to lead this initiative, as it closely aligned with a similar program during my initial Volunteer service. As I visited schools to support the development of the clubs and assess their readiness, head teachers began requesting professional development sessions and one-on-one instructional support for their schools. This aspect of the work has been especially rewarding, as it highlights the teachers’ enthusiasm and commitment to continuous improvement. Additionally, I am currently collaborating with two schools to implement a literacy-based summer camp designed to support students during the break and minimize learning loss ahead of the upcoming academic year.

3. How have you leveraged your previous professional experience in your service?

During my service, I have consistently drawn on my previous professional experience to enhance the impact of my work. With a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, I entered service with a strong foundation in literacy instruction and classroom management. During my initial Volunteer placement, I started a library at my school and led a training session for teachers on how to effectively utilize and maintain it, ensuring the space remained a valuable resource for students. I also supported incoming Volunteers, delivering sessions on how to design and implement effective pull-out interventions for struggling students. These experiences have allowed me to continue to engage in meaningful skill building for teachers and school administrators.

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

A highlight of my time in service so far has been the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with regional education officers. Each day, I’m inspired by their ability to connect with teachers, parents, students, head teachers, and community members in a way that feels both personal and impactful. Despite the broad scope of their responsibilities, they bring warmth and attentiveness that never goes unnoticed. Watching them navigate their roles with such care and dedication has not only deepened my respect for their work but has also influenced how I approach my own service. It has been truly rewarding to witness how genuine relationships can drive positive change across an entire region.

5. What strategies have you used to meet the challenges of a Response Volunteer experience?

I’ve relied on flexibility, open communication, and relationship-building. Stepping into an existing system required me to listen carefully, understand the local context, and adapt my approach to meet the unique needs of each school. I made it a priority to build trust with education officers, teachers, and administration by showing consistency, respect, and a willingness to collaborate. When challenges arose, such as shifting expectations or limited resources, I leaned on creative problem-solving and stayed focused on the overall goals of capacity strengthening and sustainability. Reflecting regularly and seeking feedback from all parties has also helped me grow and stay grounded in the purpose of my service.

6. How will the skills you are developing help you in the future?

The skills I am developing during my service will continue to shape me as a lifelong educator. Through this experience, I’ve learned how to adapt to different school cultures, collaborate with diverse teams, and lead with empathy and purpose. I’ve gained valuable experience in coaching teachers, designing literacy initiatives, and responding to the needs of both students and educators. These skills will strengthen my ability to lead educational programs and support meaningful learning outcomes in any context. Most importantly, this journey has deepened my commitment to equity and lifelong learning, which will guide my work for years to come.

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