Interview with Lindsey McKay Ibanez, May 24, 2023

Interview Summary

Dominican Republic, 2004-2006, Health Education

Lindsey McKay Ibanez was raised in a working-class family in Ohio. She graduated from Ohio University/Athens Ohio with a degree in journalism and minors in political science and Spanish. Influenced by instructors who were RPCVs, Lindsey applied, was accepted, and assigned to a health education project based in El Pino in the Northwest of the Dominican Republic. Her Pre-Service Training was managed by Entrena. Lindsey worked with Loli, the President of the Women’s Association, to provide instruction for women and youth groups, 15-19, on health issues in El Pino and other communities. Her approach was to develop peer educators of the youth to share their learning with others. For mothers, Lindsey had sessions of nutrition, sanitation, hygiene, and disease prevention. For youth, she also discussed reproduction, birth control, and relationships. Additionally, Lindsey organized classes in art and English. In essence, Lindsey was focused on community integration through assisting the women and youth achieve successful projects. She also had an informal entourage of girls, dubbed the Buena Mosa Social Club, who played dominos, jogged, and organized picnics together.

Interview Keyword

Dominican Republic health education Columbus, Ohio Ohio University/Athens Ohio Journalism political science Spanish Latin American studies instructors recruitment application confusion Miami staging Pre-Service Training Entrena contractor Jennifer McGowen training Director in-site training Santo Domingo Capital Los Alcarrizos neighborhood training center host family motorcycles puplaria colmado bodega types of stores El Pino site housing Loli local leader Fela daughter Women’s Association Women’s Health NGO Dajabon Jorge Blanco President Domingo boyfriend Asociacion de Ganeradores dairy farmers association elections typical day social interaction multiplidores peer educators health education content latrines PEPFAR William peer educator house visits. Miguel Leon Peace Corps staff Ann PCVL local health clinic site rat stayed in site vacations cuplianos de muerto death anniversary missteps Gringo Grita PCV newsletter jengibre ginger tea Puerto Plata USAID hosts memorable moments lessons learned relationships trust reputation social change systems disillusion faith in people cultural influence decentralized economics coming home

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.