Interview with William "Bill" Thomas, October 27, 2021

Interview Summary

William Thomas served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji, from 1970 through 1972, in the Education Program. Bill was often reminded by his grandparents of how lucky he was to be born in the U.S.. He saw Peace Corps as a way of giving back. He applied during his senior year of college. Bill knew nothing about Fiji, but was excited and willing to go. His group, Fiji IV, trained in Hilo, Hawaii. Language and culture were taught by indigenous Fijians, and Fijians of Indian descent. Bill learned Hindi language, and was assigned to teach at Central Indian School in Naqara, near Somosomo, on the island of Taveuni. He was the first PCV on island, and the first American that many had met. At the end of his first year, Bill married another PCV. He extended a third year and taught at Wairiki, Taveuni, along with his wife. The interview discusses Bill’s experiences in Fiji and the impact Peace Corps service has made in his life.

Interview Keyword

Peace Corps (U.S.) Fiji (country of service) Fiji 1970-1972 (date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Education Peace Corps (U.S.)--1970-1980 Fiji IV (training cohort) Hindi (language) Fijian (language) Hilo Hawaii (training) Central Indian School, Naqara, Taveuni (assignment) Somosomo, Taveuni Wairiki (assignment) Indo-Fijians Fiji Indians

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