Interview with Jerry Boal, May 4, 2021

Interview Summary

Jerry Boal served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, from 1966 to 1968, in the Education and Community Development Programs. He continued his service in Paraguay from 1968 to 1970, in the Community Economic Development Program. Boal was part of the first group to serve in Micronesia. Training in Marshallese language, culture, and teaching skills was conducted in Key West, Florida. He arrived first in Majuro, the district center, where he waited two months for transportation to his site, Woja island, in Ailinglaplap Atoll. Boal taught English and math to all grade levels. Boal reapplied to Peace Corps before completion of his service and was accepted to a program in Paraguay. Language training was conducted in Spanish and Guaraní. Training locations include San Antonio, Texas, Toluca Mexico, and San Lorenzo Paraguay. He was assigned to Cocuerá, a recently established agricultural colony. His job there was to organize the distribution of food and supplies donated by organizations including USAID and CARITAS Catholic Aid. Other projects included a water census, organizing sporting events, and acquiring materials to build a school. Boal discusses his experiences of living and working in isolated communities in both countries.

Interview Keyword

Marshall Islands (country of service) 1966-1968 (Date of service) Paraguay (Country of service) 1968-1970 (Date of service) Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Education Peace Corps Volunteer Job: Community Economic Development Woja Island (Marshall Islands) Ailinglaplap (Marshall Islands) San Lorenzo (Paraguay) USAID Cocuerá (Paraguay)

Interview LC Subject

Peace Corps (U.S.) Volunteers Oregon Sociology Education Vietnam War, 1961-1975 Draft University of Southern California Micronesia Pacific Ocean Marshall Islands International travel Training Florida Weather Heat Hurricanes Languages Diversity Radio Housing Electricity Communication School buildings Church buildings Teacher Communication and culture Interpersonal relations and culture Paraguay Marshallese language Spanish Guarani language Peace Corps (U.S.)--1960-1970 Toluca Valley (Mexico) Caritas Internationalis Peace Corps (U.S.)--Marshall Islands Peace Corps (U.S.)--Paraguay United States. Agency for International Development Marshallese Paraguayans

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Interview Usage

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