Education, Youth Outreach, and Community Development

Education is fundamental to human progress, enabling individuals and communities to acquire skills and knowledge essential for improving their quality of life. Yet in much of the developing world, access to basic education is limited.

Education is the Peace Corps' largest program area, with Volunteers serving as teachers of English, math, science, and business. Education Volunteers introduce innovative teaching methodologies; encourage critical thinking in the classroom; and integrate issues like health education and environmental awareness into English, math, science, and other subjects. Many also work in curriculum or materials' development and train teachers informally or formally in conversational English, academic subjects, or methodology, thus achieving a truly sustainable impact.

Education Volunteers are uniquely positioned to be highly effective community development workers. Through the strong relationships they forge with students, parents, and other community members, Volunteers engage in a wide variety of outreach projects concerning at-risk children or youth, adult literacy, health or HIV/AIDS education, environmental awareness, development of libraries and resource centers, and information technology.

Click on the links below to learn more about the specific opportunities and requirements for Volunteers in education, youth outreach, and community development.

Education

Education is the Peace Corps' largest program area, with Volunteers serving as teachers of English, math, science, and business.

Youth Outreach

Volunteers work with at-risk youth ages 10 to 25, helping communities develop programs to assist young people.

Community Development

Volunteers coordinate with other Peace Corps projects by conducting community outreach and needs assessments.

Kenyan Sign Language

Learn how Volunteers' imagination lead to sign language education in Kenya.

Last updated Sep 23 2008