“I’m resourceful. As a Peace Corps Secondary Education volunteer, I’ve learned to work in situations with little to no available resources, in extreme physical and mental conditions. Even without books, electricity or similarly modern conveniences, I am still able to give my students a quality education.”  -Sapphire Carter, 24, Chippewa Cree, UNITY 25 Under 25 Awardee
I am currently a Peace Corps volunteer serving as an English teacher at an Islamic high school in a small rural Indonesian village off the coast of the Java Sea. I’m approaching the last months of my service in Indonesia. Nine months to go before I come home! The school year has started again and I am working on several projects with students and counterpart teachers. I have collaborated with a group of students who are interested in volunteerism and reading to read books to children in our village. We have already went to two Elementary schools and read to over 160 children. We will create a “Taman Baca” or reading room, where Elementary age children can attend events hosted by my high school students. Currently, working on a grant proposal with two of my community counterparts to make this dream of a Taman Baca become reality.

I’m proud of the initiative my students are taking on implementing the literacy project. They are becoming leaders and wonderful role models for their younger peers. I am learning more through this project on how to facilitate and guide my students rather than dictate what needs to be done. Peace Corps volunteers in Indonesia work with their communities on English education projects. During their service in Indonesia, volunteers learn to speak local languages, including Bahasa Indonesian, Javanese, Sudanese, and Madurese.Learn more at: https://www.peacecorps.gov/indonesia/

Sapphire is a beautiful example of the spirit of UNITY’s servant leadership.