Interview with Jim Gray, August 1, 2022

Interview Summary

Jim Gray served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Liberia from 1972 to 1976. With his wife, Jim served in an up-country government high school in Sanniquellie teaching math and coaching basketball. Because Sanniquellie had two high schools and was the capital of Nimba County, there were about 13 PCVs in town representing many sectors of PC/Liberia’s program. Although most 10-12 grade teachers were PCVs, there was a Liberian university graduate, and a couple from India. Therefore, Jim’s experience consisted of integrating himself into the local culture and bonding with other Volunteers. Adapting to a culture has many challenges. For example, students frequently came to the house to visit or for help. Liberians are a welcoming and generous people, and “Come let’s eat” is almost a required invitation. However, since he taught 300 students, students were discouraged from coming during lunch.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Liberia 1972-1976 Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Education Peace Corps (U.S.)—1970-1980 Basketball Sanniquellie LAMCO: Swedish American Mining Corp. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Friends groups

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Interview Usage

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