Interview with Sten Mawson, July 7, 2022

Interview Summary

Inspired by JFK, Sten Mawson served in Colombia from 1965 to 1967, working in community development. Though trained in San Diego for an urban site, local staff in Colombia sent Sten to Gachantiva, population 150, altitude 7,500 feet. Colombia’s grant program assisted development by having communities organize juntas, identify needs, then request assistance. A satisfying project was when a small town plaza with no clean water successfully organized and built an aqueduct. After 10 months, Sten transferred to San Luis de Gaceno, on the edge of the llanos, where, with his 3 horses he worked in 7 small sites constructing trails, a school and a bridge. (His matador experience remains secret!) After Peace Corps, Sten worked for USAID in Vietnam, married a Colombian co-volunteer, and completed a Masters degree in Community Service and Public Affairs. Sten’s words of wisdom: people are people the world over, if you look closely.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Colombia (Country of service) 1965-1967 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Community Economic Development . Colombia Panama Peace Corps (U.S.)--1960-1970 Vietnam War Spanish

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Interview Usage

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