In this interview, you’ll hear from Jackson Meadow, a Peace Corps (CED) Community Economic Development volunteer in Namibia. Jackson shares what daily life looks like, the work being done, and how service has shaped their personal and professional growth. You’ll learn about housing, cultural differences, project work, language learning, and what it’s like to live and work in a new country. This interview offers a real look into Peace Corps service and what future volunteers can expect.
Table of Contents
- Volunteer Experience and Motivation
- Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
- Surprises and Challenges
- Advice and Support
- Practical Tips and Language Learning
- Social Identity
- Final Thoughts
Volunteer Experience and Motivation
1. What do you do as a Peace Corps Development volunteer in Namibia?
As a Community Economic Development volunteer in Namibia, I work closely with students and staff at a vocational school to support entrepreneurship initiatives, income-generating projects, and school events. I help run trainings and workshops, support the sale of vocational products, and connect students to things like funding opportunities, mentorship, and skill-building resources. I also work with NGOs and government partners to help expand access to these opportunities and support the local business environment.
2. Why did you decide to join the Peace Corps and serve in Namibia?
I was inspired to join the Peace Corps in high school after speaking with a good friend’s parents who had served in El Salvador in the 1990s, one of the few cohorts during that decade. Their experience made a lasting impression on me and sparked my interest in service. Funny enough, our Country Director in Namibia actually served with them in El Salvador, which made that connection even more meaningful.
I wanted to do what felt like my part as an American and contribute through public service, and the Peace Corps felt like the right fit. Throughout university, I carried that goal with me and applied through the “where needed most” listing, which ultimately led me to Namibia.
Initially, I didn’t expect to be placed in the Community Economic Development Program, as my background is in mentorship, teaching, and psychology. However, now that I’m here, I can see why I was selected for this role. A significant part of my work involves mentorship, not only supporting students in building entrepreneurial skills but also helping them develop life skills and healthy habits.
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
3. What is your housing like in Namibia?
I live in a semi-rural town called Okakarara in housing provided by my school. I have my own place, which has been nice because it lets me build my own routine and adjust at my own pace. It’s simple but comfortable and has everything I need.
There was definitely an adjustment at first, especially with things like laundry, inconsistent electricity, and cooking with local foods. Over time, though, those things just became part of my routine and helped me adjust to life here.
Overall, it’s been a good balance of independence while still feeling connected to the community.
4. What moments or interactions stand out during your service?
Some of the most meaningful moments have been during one-on-one mentoring, small group trainings, and hands-on activities with students. Those settings make it easier to have real conversations and learn in a more practical way.
Working directly with students as they build their ideas has been especially rewarding. Whether it’s helping them refine a business idea, solve a problem, or just build confidence, those interactions are where I see the most growth.
Surprises and Challenges
5. What has surprised you most about living or working in Namibia?
One thing that surprised me is the community’s attitude toward development. Not everyone is fully on board with it, especially when it comes to business or commercial growth. Cattle farming is a huge part of the culture here, so there isn’t always a strong push to expand local businesses. Support for entrepreneurship tends to come more from national programs than from within the community itself.
Overall, integrating into the community hasn’t been too difficult. Like anywhere, there are good and not-so-good interactions, and sometimes you do end up questioning where you stand. But for the most part, people are welcoming. It’s also been interesting how often people assume I’m German or Afrikaans because of the history here.
As for food, the heavy focus on red meat wasn’t surprising, but trying maize meal porridge (pap) for the first time was. I’ve ended up really enjoying it, especially with stew.
6. What challenges have you faced in your Development work, and how did you respond?
There have been some challenges, many of which were mentioned during pre-service training. Things like people not being on time, lack of accountability, or general disorganization can make work slower and sometimes frustrating.
At times I get discouraged, but I’ve learned to focus on what I can control and where I can contribute. I try to stay flexible, speak up in meetings when appropriate, and stay involved in different activities and projects.
It’s really about adapting and working within the environment rather than expecting things to work the way you’re used to.
7. What secondary projects have you worked on during your service?
I’ve worked on a few projects outside my main role. One of the most meaningful was helping an NGO called NAMDEF refine its five-year strategic plan. Another volunteer and I worked with them to clarify their goals and strengthen how they structured their plans.
I’ve also helped organize and market community entrepreneurship workshops. These focused on raising awareness about funding and resources while also teaching general business skills. It’s been a good way to support people outside of the school as well.
Advice and Support
8. What advice would you give to future Development volunteers in Namibia?
One of the biggest things is to stay patient. Things don’t always move quickly here, and that’s okay. It helps a lot to come back to why you decided to serve in the first place. When things get frustrating, that reminder can keep you grounded.
Try to stay present and avoid comparing your experience to others. Everyone’s service is different. It’s also important to take time to understand your community before jumping into projects. The first few months should be about listening, observing, and building relationships.
You’re going to make mistakes; it’s part of the experience. Just learn from them and keep moving forward. And be open to feedback. If you take advice early, it can save you a lot of time in the long run.
9. How did Peace Corps training prepare you for service?
Pre-Service Training (PST) helped in a lot of ways. Living with a host family early on gave me a better understanding of daily life, culture, and how people live here, which made the transition easier. I also learned basic language skills, safety practices, and general wellness tips that have been useful. The practical sessions were especially helpful since they were similar to what we do in the field.
My advice would be to really take training seriously, ask questions, and put effort into the activities. It makes a big difference once you get to your site.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
10. What would you tell future volunteers to pack—or leave behind?
I’d recommend packing a mix of professional, casual, and practical clothing. For work, things like collared shirts, khakis, and formal shoes are useful. At the same time, jeans are common here and work well in more casual settings.
You’ll also want comfortable everyday clothes, exercise wear, and some warm layers since it can get cold in winter.
Try not to overpack or bring too many valuables. Life here is pretty simple, and you quickly adjust to using what’s available. Just focus on practical items and stay flexible.
11. How has language learning been for you in Namibia?
I studied a language called Otjiherero during my service. It was tough at first since I hadn’t learned a language in years, so I had to push myself to practice during training, especially with my host family and community members. Making mistakes helped me improve the most.
At my site, I don’t always need to use the language, but it’s been helpful for building relationships and showing respect. People in my community take pride in their language and have been very supportive, often teaching me new words or encouraging me to speak. I can now have basic conversations, but I’m still learning and improving.
Social Identity
12. How has your personal identity shaped your service experience?
My identity has definitely shaped my experience. A lot of people assume I’m German or Afrikaans when they first see me because of Namibia’s history. There’s also a common belief that white people have money, and people don’t always understand why I’d volunteer here instead of working.
Once people find out I’m American, they sometimes expect me to be highly skilled in everything, which isn’t always realistic.
Being younger has also played a role. I’ve found that I’m more effective working with others rather than leading things on my own, which fits well with the Peace Corps approach.
Culturally, the community is mostly Christian and fairly traditional. There are clear expectations around gender roles, and as a young straight man, there’s often an assumption that I should be dating, married, or looking to start a family. That’s especially common in rural areas. In cities, things tend to be more flexible.
Overall, these experiences have shaped how I’m perceived and how I interact with people, and I’ve had to learn to stay adaptable and respectful.
13. Did your identity lead to specific challenges or situations?
Yes, at times. One of the main challenges has been people assuming I have money and asking me to buy things or help financially.
Handling that has meant setting clear boundaries. I try to respond in a way that’s firm but not rude, just explaining that I’m a volunteer and can’t provide financial support. I also try not to take it personally, since these situations usually come from broader assumptions rather than anything against me.
Over time, being consistent has helped people understand my role better. I’ve grown a lot from these experiences, especially in how I communicate and handle situations.
14. What advice do you have for volunteers who share your identity?
Set boundaries early. Be respectful, but also firm, especially when it comes to money or requests for things. Be patient too, because people will probably ask more than once. Try not to take it personally.
Also, be aware of your surroundings and avoid situations where people might take advantage of you. The goal is to stay safe while still having positive relationships with people in your community.
Final Thoughts
15. What final advice or thoughts would you share with future volunteers?
I’d say stay grounded in your “why.” There will be times when you’re frustrated or burned out, and in those moments it helps to remember why you chose to do this.
It’s also completely normal to feel frustrated. It doesn’t mean you’re entitled or doing something wrong. What matters is how you respond. Learn from mistakes and take ownership of your experience.
Try to handle situations honestly and directly while staying true to yourself. At the end of the day, your service is what you make of it, and the more you reflect on it, the more you’ll get out of it.
Are you thinking about joining the Peace Corps? If you’re curious about service and ready for something new, apply today. Like Jackson, you can live abroad, work with communities, and grow in ways you didn’t expect. Apply to the Peace Corps and take the next step.
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or Namibia Government
