Peace Corps Volunteer, Graduate of Emmanuel College Completes Library Renovation in Africa
July 15, 2010
For Immediate Release
Contact
Peace Corps New England Regional Office
Contact: Elizabeth Chamberlain
617-565-5541
echamberlain@peacecorps.gov
_________________________________________________________________________
Peace Corps Volunteer, Graduate of Emmanuel College Completes Library Renovation in Africa
Boston, MA - Peace Corps volunteer Katelyn Cusack, 24, of Wakefield, MA recently completed a library project in the West African country of Niger. Cusack, who serves as a schoolteacher for children and teenagers, helped organize the residents of her host village near the Nigerian capital of Niamey to renovate the local library.
After cleaning, painting, and reopening the library, the village recently celebrated the new community facility with an open house. According to Cusack, the neighborhood children particularly enjoyed the chalk board table.
Cusack, a Community Youth Education volunteer, arrived in Africa in July of 2009 to begin a three month pre-service training period, during which she stayed with a host family and became immersed in the culture and language of the region.
"I have settled in well, adjusting to the temperature and the food, clothing, and community customs," says Cusack. "I am continuing to work on my languages, because the villagers speak French and Zarma - a language native to my region."
Prior to her Peace Corps service, Cusack attended Arlington Catholic High School and graduated from Emmanuel College in Boston in 2008. According to Cusack, her involvement in Emmanuel's Campus Ministry, as well as her participation in an Alternative Spring Break trip to Phoenix, Arizona during her sophomore year of college, provided the foundation for her commitment as a Peace Corps volunteer. Katelyn's parents, Paul and Patricia Cusack, reside in Wakefield.
There are currently 126 Peace Corps volunteers serving in Niger. Since its inception in 1962, Peace Corps involvement in Niger has focused on education, environmental and agricultural conservation, health and HIV/AIDS awareness, and municipal and community development.
Peace Corps is growing and has many new and expanded opportunities in areas such as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). The agency is also actively recruiting liberal arts majors who have a commitment to public service. Peace Corps volunteers gain both practical, tangible benefits and life-defining leadership experiences from their service.
As Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world with 7,671 volunteers serving in 77 host countries. Historically, nearly 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. To learn more about the Peace Corps, please visit our website: www.peacecorps.gov.
.jpg)
