Community News

Liberia, Niger, Swaziland, Tunisia, Zaire

By Jonathan Pearson on Wednesday, October 31st, 2012

LIBERIA

Jackie Ladwein (63-67) is being honored in her country of service by one of her former students. Joseph Kpukuyou was inspired by Jackie to continue his education, went on to college, survived the Liberian civil war and reconnected with Jackie. Determined to make sure that her contributions to his country are not forgotten, Joseph has spearheaded an effort to construct the Jackie Ladwein School near Monrovia.

NIGER

Mary Abrams has been named to serve as head of the Oregon Department of State Lands. Abrams recently served as Peace Corps Director in Niger, beginning in 2006. The State Lands Department manages Oregon’s waterways, wetlands and state-owned ranching and forest lands to generate money for schools. Abrams, who assumed the position on November 1st, said “I believe deeply in the mission of the agency to ensure a legacy for Oregonians and their public schools through sound stewardship of Oregon’s lands, wetlands, unclaimed property, estates, and the Common School Fund.”

SWAZILAND

John L. Harrison Jr. is the first recipient of the newly created public service award in Philadelphia presented by Global Citizen’s Mission 365 program. The program fosters civic engagement, networking opportunities, and partnerships among local military, their families, and veteran-serving organizations with local community-based organizations and service programs throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. Harrison, a retired Air Force Major and a member of the Tuskeegee Airmen, headed the Peace Corps program in Swaziland. He also served as a regional director for ACTION.

TUNISIA

Mary Wachacha (71-73) recently concluded a 40 year career of federal service, including nearly a quarter-century with the Indian Health Service. This was preceded by her employment by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as an elementary school teacher for the Cherokee (NC) central school system. Wachacha is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI).

ZAIRE

The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), founded in 2002 by Mike Tidwell (85-87) recently celebrated it’s 10 year anniversary with a recent celebration in Rock Creek Park in Washington DC.  More than one hundred supporters came to mark significant victories for key climate change and clean energy legislation in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.  A well known RPCV author, Mike was recently published in The Nation magazine for his commentary on climate change and Hurricane Sandy.

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