Marie A.

1. What got you interested in the Peace Corps?

My desire to serve humanity got me interested in the Peace Corps. I was born in a village outside of Freetown, Sierra Leone, and came to the U.S. in 2005. I spent my childhood cultivating a desire to give back to the community and the land that raised me.

Through the Peace Corps I was able to fulfill my desire to serve my community as a Health Volunteer.

2. What projects are you working on?

I am currently working on three projects and have few other ongoing projects.

My first project is collaborating with health center staff to conduct monthly outreach efforts to combat malaria in my community and nearby villages. This includes promoting the importance of a clean environment and sleeping with treated bed nets, especially for children under five and pregnant women.

I am also working on reconstructing the incinerator and waste management system at the health facility in my community and introducing a complementary feeding workshop for caregivers and children under five. These projects will contribute to the overall decrease in malaria mortality and will help reduce the malnutrition rate in the community.

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

My strategy for integration has been simple: to listen without judgment. Listening has been a key way for me to understand the needs of my community and identify the appropriate Participatory Analysis for Community Action (PACA) lens to use for the stated needs.

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

My highlight of service so far is the community youth half-marathon race in my community.

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

I’ve enjoyed the experience of oneness and sense of belonging in the community. The community always makes sure to involve the Volunteer in celebrations and important events.

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

I’ve learned that you are your neighbor’s keeper.

I’ve learned that people’s actions are fruits, and you have to be willing to plant a seed and nurture the plant.

I’ve learned that we can sometimes be the cause of our own problems.

I’ve learned that everyone wants respect regardless of their age and circumstances.

I now understand the reason we have “two ears and one mouth.”

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

When I am not working on a particular task or project, I will visit my friends in the community. Sometimes I will read under the mango tree or go for a walk.

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

I am looking forward to completing my ongoing projects, making a lasting impact in my community, and maintaining the relationships I have built for future opportunities for development.

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

When I return to the States I will listen more carefully and appreciate the little things I took for granted in the U.S.