Interview with Kenneth Carano, September 27, 2021

Interview Summary

Kenneth Carano served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Suriname, from 1998 through 2000, in the Community Development Program. Ken applied to Peace Corps along with his wife, after working for many years as a Social Worker. His cohort, SUR4, trained in Lelydorp, near Paramaribo. They stayed with host families and learned three languages: Sranan Tongo; Saramaccan; and Saikiki. Ken was assigned to a village named Tapoeripa, near Brokopondo. He and his wife were the first PCVs in that village. Their work was driven by needs expressed by the community. They helped to apply for grants to provide clean water and sanitation. They also started an after-school program that included tutoring, and took part in the Peace Corps World Wise Schools program. Ken believes Peace Corps service changed the trajectory of his life, leading him to a career in education with emphasis on global perspectives and cross-cultural awareness.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Suriname (country of service) Suriname 1998-2000 (date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Community Development Peace Corps (U.S.)--1990-2000 Sranan Tongo (language) Saramaccan (language) Saikiki (language) Tapoeripa, Brokopondo Lelydorp Paramaribo clean water sanitation Peace Corps World Wise Schools married volunteers

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