Interview with Tobi Hanna-Davies, March 24, 2022

Interview Summary

Abstract Tobi Hanna-Davies Davies was a BA Generalist Volunteer in Yap Outer Island in Micronesia from 1969-1971where she taught elementary school teaching students speaking, writing and reading, as well as science and math. There, she spoke Ulithi, an unwritten language; while walking to work with her counterpart, she learned the language well. There, also, men wore loincloths and women were topless. Coconuts were the mainstay of the island, providing foods and materials for clothing and building. Because there was no refrigeration, she learned to preserve food by reheating it. Davies’ lifelong involvement in the peace and justice movement is based on her work and experiences in Yap: what she learned there was the best part of her education. She learned to respect others, and to rely on the wisdom exemplified in other cultures. What she regrets is that she didn’t extend her service another year, and that she didn’t learn to weave on a back-strap loom.

Interview Keyword

Yap Outer Island, Micronesia Elementary school teacher Ulithi Topless Preserve food Peace and Justice Back-strap loom

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