Interview with Phil Fretz, June 14, 2021

Interview Summary

Phil Fretz served as an English teacher in Sierra Leone from 1967-1969. He was placed at Kenema Technical Institute in Kenema in the Eastern Province. He discusses growing up between World War II and the Vietnam War, and his desire to serve in the Peace Corps. It was clear upon arrival that the school was not prepared for a Peace Corps volunteer, and he would not be able to communicate with students in their native language. He found other ways of teaching and interacting with students, such as through stories and sports. He discusses lack of opportunity, corruption, and the effect of colonialism throughout Sierra Leone. He also recounts health issues, travel, and the absence of Peace Corps staff throughout service. He ends by talking about his writings regarding his Peace Corps service, his travels in Sierra Leone in 2017, and his relationship with writing in general.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (US) Sierra Leone (Country of Service) Education 1967-1969 (Years of Service) Vietnam War (Historical Context) Colonial Influence (Historical Context) Kenema, Eastern Province, Sierra Leone UN Institution (Historical Context) Corruption (Historical Context) Softball (sport) Freetown, Sierra Leone

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Interview Usage

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