Kijana B.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

Being able to serve in a community internationally over the course of two years attracted me to the Peace Corps. I first learned about the Peace Corps in high school and was interested ever since. In college, I engaged with my campus as a Peace Corps Ambassador. I also had the opportunity to speak with a recruiter about the nuances of service, which helped me develop a clearer sense of what I might be getting into. After taking an international course designed to foster awareness of other cultures, I knew that Peace Corps service was something I could truly see myself doing one day.

2. What projects are you working on?

In addition to teaching English at a middle school, I am working on a water pump project intended to help reduce the impact of water shortages in the community. This will allow children to devote more time to their studies and enable adults to focus on economic activities. With another Volunteer I am also hosting an English club at my school, where we help students practice English outside the classroom in a relaxed environment. Other planned projects include introducing the new sport of American flag football and creating reusable grocery bags from water sachets to help reduce plastic use in local boutiques.

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

I like to take different routes going to and from school or community events to meet new people. Soccer, whether attending matches in person or watching it on TV has been a great way to connect with community members. Participating in games and other activities has also helped me build relationships. I organize game nights as a fun and indirect way to teach English while also learning the local language. Spending time with community members outside of work activities has allowed me to see a more relaxed side of them and deepen our connections.

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

The highlight of my service has been seeing those “lightbulb” moments in my students. It has strengthened my passion for education and reminded me of the importance of seeking to understand before making judgments. Every student faces unique challenges, and as an educator, it’s essential to meet them where they are. I have also enjoyed traveling, debating the best jollof rice with strangers, and having my first encounter with fufu—all unforgettable experiences.

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

Community members allow me to joke with them and just be myself. They are patient when I make mistakes in conversation and encourage me to keep trying. I feel comfortable practicing new words or phrases in the local language. I also enjoy the spirit of community gatherings I’ve attended. They are always filled with warmth, laughter, and joy. People here know how to appreciate the simple things in life.

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

I’ve learned that the value of time spent together cannot be overstated. Often, we take for granted that people will always be around, but my community has taught me to value the presence of others. COVID-19 also reinforced this lesson, but here in Togo, moments are often recalled with a fondness that I rarely experienced back home.

I’ve also learned that education is always important. It’s valuable to use context clues and visuals to explain and understand information, skills that I carry into my classroom and with my students.

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

I enjoy exercising, reading, writing, and cooking. Exercise, in particular, is therapeutic for me and helps me embrace the journey I’m on. Cooking abroad has given me space to experiment through trial and error. I’ve learned to make different variations of rice and have improved my ability to measure ingredients by eye. I also love spending time with community members over fufu or a game of soccer. When I need time to myself, I meditate or take long walks, which allow me to enjoy nature and greet neighbors I may not have seen in a while.

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

I’m looking forward to cherishing the precious time I have left with the community members who welcomed me from the beginning and helped me learn about both Togo and myself. I’m also excited to watch soccer matches during the Quinze Août (15th of August) tournament. The games not only bring the community together but also support tree planting and generate local economic activity. This event, organized by a former resident in collaboration with the Community Development Committee, is something I greatly anticipate.

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

When I return to the U.S., I plan to be more mindful of my diet. While I’ll certainly enjoy foods I’ve missed during my time abroad, I want to adopt a healthier and more balanced lifestyle moving forward. I also plan to update my music playlists with new songs and dances I’ve discovered in Togo to share at social gatherings. Additionally, I hope to continue practicing French and begin learning the basics of Spanish.

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