Interview with Janice "JJ" Johnson, August 24, 2020

Interview Summary

Janice “JJ” Johnson was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Fiji from 1972 to 1976, in the Education Program. JJ was inspired by President Kennedy to join Peace Corps. Training was conducted in Nausori, near Suva, and included a trip to Gau Island. She was posted to Gau, at a Junior Secondary School, where she taught science. Gau is a remote island, accessible at that time only by boat. During her time there, Fiji was struck by Hurricane Bebe, causing extensive damage to the island. In addition to teaching, JJ and a fellow volunteer started school clubs. She extended her service for two additional years, teaching at Assembly of God School, and the University of The South Pacific, both in Suva. JJ also helped to train later groups. The interview discusses experiences in training; village life; and working on an outer island, as well as in a city. It also discusses the lasting impact of Peace Corps service.

Interview Keyword

Fiji (Country of service) 1972-1976 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Education Peace Corps (U.S.)--1970-1980 Fijian (Language) Gau Island (Fiji) Dick Wheeler (Country director) Dan Cantor (Country director) Gau Junior Secondary School (Assignment site) Assembly of God School (Assignment site) University of the South Pacific (Assignment site) Hurricane Bebe

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Gau (Fiji) Suva (Fiji) Nausori (Fiji) Voluntarism. Volunteer workers in education Volunteers Language and languages. Travel Culture. Intercultural communication. Interpersonal communication and culture Interpersonal relations and culture

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Interview Usage

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