Description of Service

I'm winding down my time here, and one of our assignments is to write a description of service. Just to give you an idea of how I've been spending my time (at least in terms of work), I'm going to post it here.

On January 14, 2009, Ms. Downs was sworn in as a United States Peace Corps Volunteer in the Environment and Natural Resource Management sector. She was placed in the rural village of Kafuta, a Mandinka community with 5,000 residents located in Kombo East, Western Region. There she worked with local residents to plan and develop sustainable projects and meet the need for educated extension workers, as well as managing larger projects regionally and nationally. Ms. Downs served as National Coordinator for the Gambia All Schools Tree Nursery Competition (GASTNC), worked with the Kombo-Foni Forestry Association (KOMFFORA) on regional forestry projects and organizational management skills, and facilitated the formation and management of a local cashew growers cooperative. She also worked with numerous individuals on grassroots development efforts, with projects ranging from malaria prevention methods to water and sanitation projects to computer literacy.

Ms. Downs’ primary achievements as an Environment and Natural Resource Management (ENRM) volunteer were as follows:

Collaborated with government officials on the National Coordinating committee for GASTNC, a joint effort with the Department of Education and the Department of Forestry that oversaw the planting of 10,000 trees by 260 schools each year.

Facilitated the transfer of responsibility for GASTNC funding from Peace Corps to the Department of Education, making the project sustainable without the necessity of donor funds.

Updated and revised manual for schools participating in GASTNC, including guidelines on nursery management, environmental education techniques, out-planting methods, and tree-specific information, disseminated to schools nation-wide.

Managed multi-agency GASTNC judging treks for Western Region and Kombo Municipal District. Kept records of nursery and out-planting results for participating schools, advised garden masters on environmental education techniques and nursery management methods, and awarded prizes.

Developed publicity campaign for GASTNC, including spots on local TV station, panel discussions, fliers for schools, and prize ceremonies in two regions covered by television, radio, and newspapers.

Launched One Man, One Tree, a regional tree planting campaign with KOMFFORA that facilitated the planting of 45,000 trees per year in community forests of Western Region communities.

Developed a five year action plan and budget for KOMFFORA. Reinforced grant-writing techniques and advised in project design and management. Provided capacity building training for KOMFFORA executive committee members.

Conducted regional mangrove rehabilitation project, a joint effort of KOMFFORA and World Wildlife Fund (WWF), resulting in the planting of 38,000 mangroves over 15 hectares in five villages.

Ms. Downs' secondary projects as an ENRM volunteer were as follows:

Guided 60 local cashew farmers in the formation of the Jarisu Cashew Farmers Association, through which 10 tons of raw cashew were sold cooperatively. Advised farmers on constitution writing, marketing techniques, and record-keeping.

Conducted local-language trainings for cashew farmers using Farmer Field School technique promoted by International Relief and Development (IRD). Trainings focused on best practices for orchard management, business and entrepreneurial skills, and post-harvest best practices.

Nursed and out-planted 200 mahogany seedlings in community forest.

Instructed 40 forestry students in environmental education techniques. Facilitated 3 environmental education lessons led by forestry students for 100 Lower Basic School students.

Introduced 40 forestry students to basic seed preparation and nursery management techniques.

Trained Lower Basic School staff members in grant writing and project management techniques. Received funds through the United States Embassy Self Help Fund to improve school structures, and Friends of Gambian Schools funding to re-construct a garden wall. Worked with school officials and students to set up a school garden.

Supervised a Water and Sanitation project to improve water facilities at the Upper Basic School, made possible by a Small Project Assistance grant. Project included installation of solar-powered pump and three taps.

Conducted informal pest management and soil improvement talks with 60 women in 4 community gardens, leading to the adoption of simple local practices that increased garden yields.


Ms. Downs also extended her volunteer service to work within the education and health and community development sectors:

· Instructed 50 villagers in malaria prevention methods, including preparation of natural mosquito repellant. Advised three individuals in successful small enterprise development projects based on mosquito repellant production and sale.

· Conducted after school tutoring sessions in general science, math, and test taking strategies for 50 Upper Basic School students.

· Developed curriculum for and instructed one year computer literacy class for 100 high school students. Adapted curriculum, taught, and trained instructor for computer literacy courses at local skills center. Resulted in 50 students certificated in basic computer skills.


Leadership and training roles within Peace Corps:

Planned and implemented eight hours of environmental education training for 15 Peace Corps volunteers. Sessions included appropriate teaching topics for youth and adults, teaching strategies, and adapting lessons to local audiences.

Trained 30 Peace Corps volunteers in basic tree nursery management and local gardening techniques.

Selected as member of Volunteer Support Network, serving as a confidential resource for volunteers in need of mental health support. Trained in conflict resolution and listening skills.

As a Peace Corps Volunteer, Ms. Downs' personal achievements include the following:

· Attained conversational proficiency in Mandinka and scored Advanced-Mid on the Language Proficiency Interview Exam.

· Integrated fully into a rural, non-English speaking community, building close relationships with people of varying levels of formal education.

· Lived in modest conditions with no electricity or running water for two years, becoming a productive member of the community and adapting to life and work in an African village.