Peace Corps Volunteer in Madagascar Leads Effort to Refurbish 31 Schools and Plant 480 Trees

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WASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 29, 2011 Peace Corps/Madagascar volunteer Tatum Moorer of Westminster, Colo., is working with her community in southern Madagascar to refurbish schools in 31 villages and plant 480 trees for a local reforestation project. These projects are funded through the Peace Corps Partnership Program (PCPP), which raises money for Peace Corps volunteer community projects.

Its amazing to witness a community take steps toward bettering the future of their children. Their determination to achieve this is incredible, said Moorer, an environment volunteer who holds a bachelors degree in interior design from the Art Institute of Colorado. In rural villages, the kids are now able to attend classes during the rainy season and because the schools have solid floors, the desks are no longer on the sand and are less likely to break or have as much termite damage.

Through the PCPP, Moorer has raised enough money to refurbish 21 of the 31 village schools that need new tin roofs and cement floors for students to attend classes during the rainy season. Each village will donate wood to help renovate their school house, as well as the tools, materials, transportation and labor needed to prepare and finish the construction of the buildings. Additionally, Moorer is working with each community to plant a garden and fruit trees. The fruits and vegetables produced will be sold for a profit to help maintain the schoolhouses.

Moorer also worked with students and local families to plant 480 trees throughout the community and near a local school. She raised PCPP funds to pay for gutters that will drain water from the roofs and help irrigate the newly planted trees.

In order to receive funding through the PCPP, a community must make a 25 percent contribution to the total project cost and outline success indicators for the individual projects. This helps ensure community ownership and a greater chance of long-term sustainability.

One hundred percent of each tax-deductible PCPP donation goes toward a development project. Those interested in supporting Moorers project in Madagascar can visit www.peacecorps.gov/donate. Moorers project number is 684-117.

About Peace Corps/Madagascar: Nearly 900 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Madagascar since the program was established in 1993. Volunteers on this Indian Ocean island work in the areas of education, environmental and agricultural conservation, health and HIV/AIDS awareness, hygiene promotion, environmental education and natural resource management, and business development. Currently, 113 volunteers are serving in Madagascar. Volunteers are trained and work in French and Malagasy.

About the Peace Corps: President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961, by executive order. Throughout 2011, Peace Corps is commemorating 50 years of promoting peace and friendship around the world. Historically, more than 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Today, 8,655 volunteers are working with local communities in 76 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.