Interview with Elizabeth MacKelvie, March 26, 2024

Interview Summary

Elizabeth MacKelvie served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Gabon from 1984 to 1986, in the Non-Formal Education Program (NFED). Liz recalls deciding to join Peace Corps at age 9, when JFK introduced the program. Liz attended the University of Wisconsin where she earned a Master’s Degree in social work. Her Peace Corps training began with three months in Evergreen Colorado, learning alternative technology skills. French language training was conducted in Gabon. Liz was assigned to the town of Bongoville. She taught kindergarten, started literacy classes for women, and taught health and hygiene to middle school girls. Liz talks about the characteristic fun-loving nature of African people, and how it taught her to laugh and smile more. She learned how people of other cultures look at the world differently, and believes her experience made her a better citizen of the world. After 40 years, Liz still feels a strong connection with Africa.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Gabon (country of service) 1984-1986 (date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Education Non-Formal Education Program (NFED) Peace Corps (U.S.)- 1980-1990 Peace Corps (U.S.) – Training (cultural, language, technical) Evergreen Colorado (training site) French (language) Bongoville (assignment site) kindergarten adult women literacy training health and hygene education University of Madisoon Wisconsin

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