Interview with Sean Fagan, January 1, 1970

Interview Summary

Sean Fagan served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in an education program in The Gambia from 1987-89. He discusses applying to the Peace Corps, at first being disappointed being sent to an English-speaking country, but happy with where he was sent and learning Mandinka. He discusses teaching Mathematics at a technical high school, becoming department head and providing advanced Mathematics instruction to his best students. He talks about helping build a well and travel adventures delivering mail to PCVs throughout the country. He also tells stories about his daily life in the village of Sukuta, including differences in his experience as a white American, and that of his fellow volunteer Lisa, who is African American; singing Handel’s Messiah in a local choir; visits to Banjul; and vacation trips he took with fellow volunteers. He concludes talking about Peace Corps’ impact on him and its return on investment to the US.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (US) The Gambia (Country of Service) Education (Peace Corps program) 1987-89 (years of service) Bakau, near Banjul, Gambia Gunjur, Gambia Serrekunda, Gambia Attaya Rutgers University Chinese gunpowder tea

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