Interview with Shellee Merryman, August 24, 2023

Interview Summary

Shellee Merryman has served in several capacities with PC Panama. She was a health volunteer 2016-2018. She extended for a third year as National Health Sector Coordinator. She extended a fourth year as a Volunteer Leader before COVID evacuation in 2020. Since 2022 she has been a staff member launching a Youth Health and Well-Being program. Shellee joined PC to perform service work in another country. She received WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) training which became the foundation of her Panama service. She collaborated with community leaders to build a water system at her site, Guayabital, Cocle. She worked with the Ministry of Health providing information to adults and children about handwashing and making soap and toothpaste. Shellee believes being part of daily community life earns trust. She said PC service is what you make of it. She advises prospective volunteers, only half-jokingly, to pack just one suitcase.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Panama (Country of service) 2016-2020 Volunteer (Date of service) 2022-present Staff (Date of service) . Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Health/WASH Evacuated COVID-19 (Disease) Panama, Costa Rico Peace Corps (U.S.)--2010-2020 Peace Corps (U.S.)--2020 Peace Corps (U.S.)—Management Peace Corps (U.S.) – Training (technical) Peace Corps Staff Spanish

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