Interview with Rodney Watkins, September 6, 2023

Interview Summary

Rodney Watkins served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia from 2011 to 2014 in the Rural Aquaculture Promotion program. While studying business management at George Mason University, Rodney took part in The Otherness Project, which made him want to expand his global awareness. He credits his sister with introducing him to the idea of Peace Corps as a way to accomplish that while serving others. Rodney’s group trained in Chipembi, learning Bemba language. Rodney was the first PCV assigned to Mufili village, Luwingu District, Northern Province. He worked with the Department of Fisheries to train locals to create and maintain fish farms, and to harvest and market their product. Secondary projects included Mother and Child Nutrition education, HIV prevention, and Camp GLOW. Rodney extended for a third year, moved to Lusaka, and worked with the American Chamber of Commerce in Zambia to further development of trade with the U.S.. Rodney reflects on his experiences, the importance of respect for culture, and what he gained from his Peace Corps service. He continues to feel a deep connection to Zambia and friends he made while serving there.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Zambia (country of service) 2011-2014 (date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Rural Aquaculture Promotion Peace Corps (U.S.)--2010-2020 Peace Corps (U.S.) – Training (cultural, language, technical) Bemba (language) Chipembi (training site) Mufili (assignment) Luwingu Northern Province Lusaka Black Americans Arican-Americans diversity in Peace Corps many faces of Peace Corps #manyfacesofpeacecorps George Mason University Camp GLOW nutricion, HIV education fisheries fish farm The Otherness Project American Cahmber of Commerce Zambia

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