Reflections from IREX's Returned Peace Corps Volunteers: Cape Verde

Not many students come to the library at the University of Cape Verde in the late afternoon on weekdays. The 2nd and 3rd years are in their classes and the 1st years have already gone home for the day. But Monica comes to the library most afternoons to do research and design the visuals for her class. She is doing her thesis on using Cape Verdean folktales as authentic materials to teach English. She has spent a lot of time researching the use of authentic materials, as well as translating Cape Verdean folktales into English to use in her internship class.  After she has taught these lessons, Monica always comes back to the library with a full report on how each student responded to each of her questions, promptings, and assignments. The excitement she felt about connecting with her students made the hours she devoted to preparing her lessons worthwhile. She is that kind of teacher.

As a Peace Corps volunteer in Cape Verde, West Africa, I managed a library and resource center at the teacher training institute, which evolved to become a part of the University of Cape Verde. My work there encompassed many tasks within the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities- including organizing reading groups and programs, developing workshops on academic research skills, working with students as they completed their student teaching internships, and assisting the students with their thesis research. I was continually brainstorming ways to connect current teachers in Cape Verde, a nation comprised of 10 islands, with the resources available to them.

Working with current and future teachers during my service with the Peace Corps allowed me to develop an understanding of schools in Cape Verde and the challenges that teachers there face. I also developed technical knowledge about educational concepts and methodologies. I have been able to directly apply that understanding and knowledge to my work with the International Leaders in Education Program (ILEP), a teacher exchange program sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State, implemented by IREX. Beyond understanding the educational context in a different country and learning new skills, my service in the Peace Corps gave me a deep respect for the teachers. Working with the ILEP fellows reminds me of working with Monica and her colleagues on quiet afternoons in the library.

Emily Longenecker is a Program Associate at IREX