Interview with Joyce Majewski, March 16, 2023

Interview Summary

Joyce Majewski served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in a health program in the central Philippines from 1982-4. She discusses assisting the head of the local health department in identifying, training and supporting local primary health workers to promote adoption of basic health practices in 29 communities/bariguays. She talks about her efforts to blend into the community and provide a different perspective on American woman than seen in the media. She discusses the many friendships she made, especially with a fellow volunteer and the on-going close multi-generational friendship with one family. She also talks about changes in the local political climate after the removal of Ferdinand Marcos. She concludes with reflections on the profound impact of Peace Corps on her life and career helping people acculturate in different circumstances and counters some young people’s perception that the Peace Corps service is a form of colonialism.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (US) Philippines (Country of Service) Health (Peace Corps program) 1982-4 (years of service) removal of Ferdinand Marcos by the US (historical context) New People’s Army (historical context) Busuk (town near the city of Lapu Lapu where she was stationed) Mario Amores, Director of the local health department.

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