Sierra Leone
Competitive candidates will have a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree in any discipline and a strong desire to teach English.
The most successful candidates will also have one or more of the following relevant qualifications:
• Teaching experience, preferably in English, literacy, or a foreign language, with elementary school aged students
• A degree or minor in elementary/primary education or other related fields
• Experience working with limited resources to provide high-quality instruction, tutoring, and extracurricular activities
• Experience working with elementary school aged children in an educational setting, e.g. in after school programs, camps, or mentoring programs
• Experience coaching peers and/or co-workers for improved performance
• Technical skills and experience in curriculum design and review, teaching business English/skills, and teaching computer skills such as typing and digital literacy
Many Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) find the opportunity to adapt and adjust to new ways of living and working to be a both challenging and rewarding experience. Peace Corps staff work in partnership with PCVs and their host families and counterparts to ensure they have the language skills and intercultural strategies they need to integrate and adapt effectively and appropriately in this cultural exchange. An open mind and patience are helpful, and a PCV is likely to find their creativity, flexibility, and sense of humor among their strongest assets.
HOUSING: During the 10 weeks of Pre-Service Training (PST), each Peace Corps Trainee in Sierra Leone lives with a host family and has their own room. For the subsequent two years of service, PCVs live independently in housing that consists of two rooms and a parlor, with their own individual toilet/outhouse and room for bathing. Houses are located within a neighborhood, and many homes do not have electricity or running water. Some communities have access to generators that can provide electricity/battery recharges, but this is not standard. It is at most a 15-minute walk to a potable water source.
COMMUNICATION: Trainees receive a phone soon after arrival in the country to use for their term of service, and can call Peace Corps staff and other Volunteers at no charge. Each PCV has network coverage within their community, within walking distance of their home. Peace Corps staff receive mail for PCVs at the main post office in Freetown and can deliver it to PCVs.
TRANSPORTATION: PCVs primarily use public transportation to travel to city centers. Peace Corps Sierra Leone provides bicycles and mandatory helmets to PCVs who want them for their daily routines.
FOOD: PCVs have access to a marketplace close to their homes. It is common to have “looma” days where community members bring and sell items in a central location. The typical meal is a sauce called “soup” or “gravy” made of meat, fish, and/or vegetables served over rice. Other favorite foods include fufu with okra sauce, an assortment of fried cakes, plantains, potatoes, chicken with pepe (hot peppers or gravy), and gari (a flour-like substance made from harvested cassava). Beans, onions, peppers, eggplant, cabbage, tomato, cucumber, and carrots are typically available. Peanuts and sesame seed cakes are popular snacks. Fruits such as pineapple, banana, papaya, coconut, avocado, orange, watermelon, and mango are seasonal. Vegetarians and vegans can maintain a balanced diet, but this can be a challenge when eating with a host family or community members, as most cooked dishes have meat in them.
HEALTH & SAFETY: The health, safety, and security of its Volunteers are the Peace Corps' top priorities. Throughout service, PCVs are trained and supported to work in partnership with their counterparts, host communities, and fellow PCVs to prevent, mitigate and/or manage potential safety-, security-, and health-related risks and challenges. These trainings permit PCVs to work alongside community members within the policies and rules of Peace Corps and the local and national laws of the government of Sierra Leone. The Peace Corps Sierra Leone team includes two dedicated Medical Officers, a Safety and Security Manager, and other designated staff who are always available to support and respond to PCVs’ health, safety, and security needs.
SOCIAL CLIMATE: Sierra Leoneans are known for their hospitality. Peace Corps Sierra Leone welcomes PCVs from various backgrounds in the U.S., and staff and currently serving PCVs are committed to supporting Volunteers through challenges. Because Sierra Leone has some restrictive laws against certain sexual acts, LGB Volunteers in particular must be mindful of cultural norms and country-specific laws and use their best judgment in their communities and host countries. Staff and currently-serving PCVs will address this topic during PST and identify support mechanisms for incoming Trainees.
None
Education
Yes
Sierra Leone
24
Yes
PCV
No
Special leave
As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans with a passion for service abroad to work with communities and create lasting change. Volunteers develop sustainable solutions to address challenges in Education, Health, Economic Development, Agriculture, Environment and Youth Development. Through their Peace Corps experiences, Volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a lifelong commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today's global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 240,000 Americans of all ages have served in 142 countries worldwide.
