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VOLUNTEER INFO | |
|---|---|
| Volunteer: |
Jennifer Meffert |
| Country: | |
| Primary-Site: | |
| Sector/Work: |
Community Development/Teaching Reading in a primary school/HIV education |
READ ME:
Upon successful completion of the training program, Jennifer Meffert was sworn in as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Antigua on September 18, 2007. Ms. Meffert was assigned to the Ministry of Education working with a pilot reading program at Greenbay Primary School. As a member of the faculty Ms. Meffert’s primary role was to provide additional assistance in literacy to students identified by their teachers to be performing below level.
At Greenbay Primary School Ms. Meffert was instrumental in the development of curriculum and assessment materials for the Reading Program. She was also able to source funds and materials to create a library and resource center. She was also asked to work alongside the Ministry of Education in the expansion of the Reading program into other schools around the island.
In addition to the accomplishments made in her primary assignment, Ms. Meffert was able to work on many various projects in the area.
• At the request of Peace Corps/Antigua’s training office she drafted a proposal and received funding for a four-day, behavioural change communication training and implementation in Clare Hall with the Project Hope Youth Group.
• Organized and facilitated two volunteer training sessions with local church groups to develop and execute after-school literacy programs.
• Planned and organized two day camps for children at schools for disadvantaged communities during the 2006 and 2007 summers.
• Mentor to 4th and 5th form students chosen to participate in the Junior Achievement program. She advised the students on the various aspects of business and assisted them in the execution of their business proposals.
• Sponsor to drama group comprised of secondary and tertiary students. The group performed a locally written play addressing the stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV/AIDS for churches, youth groups, and other public events. Ms. Meffert facilitated a question and answer session following each performance. The group also recorded radio dramas to raise awareness regarding discrimination based on nationality courtesy of British High Commission Funding.
• Worked in accordance with the AIDS Secretariat in the promotion of safe sex by distributing condoms and pamphlets during pre carnival events and parades.
• Worked with women’s group and the Gender Affairs Office to empower women in the community. Ms. Meffert also assisted the community group in identifying key problem areas within the area and how they could address those issues through community run projects.
• Assisted The National Parenting Association in writing grants and project proposals to solicit funding and ensure the continuation of the program.
• Acted as children’s coordinator for the 1st and 2nd annual Mango Festival. Created and executed various local activities using mangos.
• Assisted in the transition of a family run chicken farm from free roaming to a more advanced and less labourious cage system.
• Ms. Meffert was elected to represent the volunteers of Antigua as the Volunteer Advisory Council member. The advisory council members represent their peers and present the interests of the volunteers to the Peace Corps administration.