Interview with Sara Caez Rivera, October 6, 2023

Interview Summary

Sara Caez Rivera was a Peru health/environment volunteer, 2012 -2014. 2015-2016 she joined Panama PC Response, working in environment. From 2017 to the present, she has served on Panama PC staff as a training specialist. In college Sara studied public health. As a Peru PCV, she worked with mothers on infant care and hygiene, and with youth on STIs/ pregnancy prevention. She obtained a SPA grant to build ecostoves that burn wood with less smoke. Living in a poor area made Sara realize how privileged her upbringing in Puerto Rico had been. In Panama PC Response, Sara worked with an environmental NGO on recycling. In 2017 she joined PC staff in Panama City. There she supports volunteer training and integration. During the pandemic, Sara went home but continued to work remotely. Sara enjoys seeing volunteers grow—becoming integrated into and respecting the culture. Her advice for recruits: just try it!

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Peru (Country of service) Panama (Country of service) 2012-2014 (Date of service) (PCV Peru) 2015-2016 (Date of service) (Panama Response) 2017-present (Date of service) (PC Panama Staff) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Health : Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Environment PC Staff Job: training specialist Evacuated COVID-19 (Disease) Peru Panama Puerto Rico Peace Corps (U.S.)--2010-present Peace Corps staff Response Volunteers English Spanish Latinx

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