In this interview, we hear from Ken Mattingly. Ken is working as a Peace Corps Youth Development volunteer in Morocco. What Ken shares gives us a better understanding of the work volunteers do. We learn about the challenges, rewards, and personal growth that happens from volunteering in a new place. Ken talks about living in a different country, working with local people, and dealing with surprise situations. Join us as we learn about Ken’s journey and see how volunteering with Peace Corps can change lives.
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 during Service
- Final Thoughts
Volunteer Experience and Motivation
1. Tell us more about serving as a Youth Development volunteer in Morocco
Here in Morocco, we have one service sector: Youth in Development. The concept of “youth” is quite expansive, given that teenagers to those in their thirties are classified as youth. The model is predicated on placing a Peace Corps Volunteer at a dar chabob (i.e., youth center), to engage in English language learning. Frustrations soon became manifest in that one could never be certain who may appear on any given day.
For example, definitive lesson planning proved to be problematic. Having designed lessons for younger audiences then older attendees would populate the classroom generated feelings of defeatism and anxiety. Plus, regular classroom attendance was inconsistent, adding to personal consternation. This model was not working for me.
Working with young adults regarding career development
When I engaged our Peace Corps Morocco placement officer, I indicated a strong and sincere desire to work with young adults regarding career development. This project became my first signature accomplishment. Local demand proved that Moroccans are highly interested in job search particulars. Researching best practices in resume development, writing cover letters, and interviewing techniques, lesson plans were developed and subsequently translated into Arabic script. Moreover, classroom interpreters were trained and assisted with translation. Over the course of my PCV tenure, multiple workshops have been delivered in three Moroccan communities.
Cultivating Leadership In the Mountains and Beyond
My mudir, (i.e., youth center director), suggested at the beginning of my Peace Corps tenure that a leadership grant be composed, funded and implemented. Using a model in existence since 2011 in Morocco, the C.L.I.M.B. (Cultivating Leadership In the Mountains and Beyond) project was organized with local input. Designing the grant as a Peace Corps Partnership Program initiative, fundraising was generated from American benefactors.
C.L.I.M.B. recruited 18 Moroccans for leadership instruction and hiking in multiple geographic venues throughout the country. Inculcating leadership skills, engaging in healthy lifestyles, environmental preservation, wilderness first aid and ecotourism were primary features of our project. C.L.I.M.B. became my second signature accomplishment in my Peace Corps service in Morocco.
In both these initiatives, collaboration with other Peace Corps Volunteers and project-based counterparts proved critical to success. In Morocco, nothing gets done unless multiple sessions are organized and agendas are discussed in local cafes, where planning and strategies are finalized.
That is the magic of Morocco, where friendships are made, plans are contemplated, modifications considered, and action envisioned.
2. What motivated you to join the Peace Corps and choose Morocco?
When I submitted an application, my choice indicated I would serve “where needed.” Morocco is actually my second two year Peace Corps assignment, having previously served in Ukraine from 2008-2010.
Thinking of a Response position
My initial thinking, as an RPCV, was to pursue a Peace Corps Response position. This opportunity presented itself in late 2019. After interviewing for a Response vacancy in the former Soviet republic of Georgia, the possibility looked extremely promising—until it didn’t. The pandemic, identified as COVID-19, paused global operations. Peace Corps updated the situation every six months until the Response assignment in Georgia was eventually canceled.
Considering Moroccan PCV position
Disappointed by the delay in placing Volunteers in the field, my decision at that point was to complete a two-year application. After being considered for placement in Kosovo and Guyana, Morocco appeared on the radar. Considering the assignment was youth development, I voiced skepticism. My professional background in the judicial field and organizational administration seemed incompatible with the proposed sector. Plus, in Ukraine, my service assignment was community economic development. Regardless, my interviewer convinced me to take the opportunity. Moreover, this was a part of the world that fascinated me. At that point, I seemed to convince myself.
Having retired from the Kentucky Court of Justice in late 2018, I was ready for a new journey in life. Travel to various venues and experiencing different cultures is exotic, thus mentally stimulating, and personally rewarding. Plus, making new friends and acquaintances is definitely life-enhancing. Maintaining an active lifestyle is a critical element in my approach to aging gracefully. The Peace Corps definitely offers that type of engagement.
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
3. Tell us more about your home situation
After living with my host family for about six to seven weeks, I relocated across town to a spacious two bedroom apartment in a very quiet neighborhood. After weeks of searching, this place immediately felt ideal. Its potential to be a comfortable home was readily apparent.
Furnishing my apartment came incrementally. But, with the assistance of Moroccan friends, my new residence became a coveted sanctuary from the activities of urban life.
Routine is important
Routine is psychologically important for my well-being. No matter how difficult any given day might be, tomorrow represents another chance. Relaxing at home, getting a great night’s sleep, awakening to an early morning coffee period, then out the door for a brisk, one hour power walk becomes addictive and a perfect way to begin my day. Locals take notice as I encounter smiles and plenty of thumbs up!
Vegetarian lifestyle
Morocco is known for its many spices. Here in Khenifra, a city of 125,000 people, walking down the city’s main thoroughfare, one can sense the aromatic fragrances emanating from the street-side restaurants. Favorites include tagine and couscous, generally meat and vegetables dishes, but vegetarian selections are available if one is willing to wait, as I do. One concern when I accepted this particular PCV assignment was continuing my vegetarian lifestyle. As I soon discovered, Moroccans are very accommodating even when requesting a non-meat selection.
4. Any memorable experiences or interactions you’ve had?
Yes, definitely, one! Squat toilets are commonly found in apartments and homes throughout Morocco. My host families’ bathroom facilities were customary. This adjustment proved to be a personal challenge.
Squat toilets and security
Venturing into the city, I quickly became an expert at locating Western-style accommodations. One such venue was the local judiciary building. Having frequented there numerous times without issue, one day, suspicions became part of the equation. Asked to stop, then ushered into an office with the door closed, security was determined to discover the nature of my business.
Due to our language barriers, personnel made a telephone call to an English-speaking lady. She calmly asked what I needed. When I responded, I needed to use the public restroom. She responded, “That’s all!” At that point, security officials were tendered the explanation, upon which laughter ensued, and I was allowed to proceed.
Shortly after that episode, I relocated to my own apartment. In true Moroccan hospitality, my landlord replaced my squat toilet with a Western-style commode. Although I pass the judiciary building every day on my power walk, I have yet to return to its interior!
Surprises and Challenges
5. What has surprised you most about challenges in Morocco?
My biggest surprise is transportation. Having previously served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the former Soviet republic of Ukraine, rail and ground transportation networks were simple to negotiate. In Ukraine, train accessibility is ubiquitous and convenient. Plus, a 10-minute walk from my Ukrainian apartment to the edge of the highway guaranteed a quick pickup in a marshrutka (e.g., minibus).
Rail networks
Morocco, conversely, has limited rail networks, mostly along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. There are vast geographical areas where rail transportation does not exist, including Khenifra, where I reside.
Ground transportation is available via grand taxis to various destinations from Khenifra. Direct service is provided to major cities, including Meknes, Fez, and Beni Mellal. Lesser-traveled routes require extreme patience as one must wait for each passenger seat—meaning six—to be sold prior to departure. Wait times are, therefore, indeterminate.
Long-distance bus travel
Long-distance bus travel is possible. However, due to a lack of toilet facilities on these carriers and uncertain travel breaks, these over the road options are not for the faint of heart!
One pre-departure concern I had was maintaining my vegetarian lifestyle. This particular worry immediately evaporated upon my introduction to both my host families. The Moroccan hospitality is such that dietary requests were readily provided without issues.
6. Could you share some of the secondary projects you have been involved?
Moroccans have an amazing fascination with football, otherwise known in America as soccer. This passion begins at a very young age. Kids can be seen playing in streets, alleyways, and fields. Normally, these lads are kicking, as one might expect, a ball. But, on some occasions, when a ball is unavailable, an empty soda or water bottle will suffice.
Teaching about baseball
To show one aspect of the diversity of sports competition in the United States, one day, early in my service, I decided to show Major League Baseball clips to my counterpart, Abdullah. During this impromptu foray, as the video projected on the field action, I provided explanations of what was transpiring. Interspersed with the rules of the game, my counterpart immediately demonstrated his fascination. Having been a long time fan of baseball, and teaching the intricacies of the sport, quickly satisfied my sports-crazed personna.
Anticipating this little learning opportunity to be one session only, much to my surprise, the next day, Abdullah explained that he went home after his first encounter with baseball and decided to research other previously posted video action. He indicated his desire to know more. Abdullah chose to focus on foul ball rules which seems simple enough until he displayed a clip of a batted ball starting in foul territory but rolling fair in the infield. Contrast that where the hitter sends the ball screaming down the third base line just inside the bag but rattles around foul territory in left field.
After our baseball tutorial eventually ended my instantaneous verdict was that these explanatory sessions were two of my best days as a Peace Corps Volunteer including my first two year term in Ukraine from 2008-2010. And, how simple that baseball activity proved to be in partially filling Goal 2 of Peace Corps service.
Advice and Support
7. What advice would you give to someone considering serving as an Youth Development volunteer in Morocco?
Come to Morocco with a definitive idea of the skillsets you are able to provide to interested Moroccan youth.
As for me, my interests are writing and editing, project management, budgeting, secondary research, consultation, interpersonal skills, and establishing procedures. These idiosyncratic attributes facilitated the successes of orchestrating career search workshops and developing a hiking/leadership program during the course of my service.
Plus, during the site placement interview, be frank and transparent about what one would like to accomplish as a Peace Corps Volunteer. This approach paid bountiful dividends in my case, as I voiced my desire to develop and lead job search workshops.
8. How has the Peace Corps training helped you during your service?
Our Volunteer Grants Reporting training gave us the basics in navigating the on-line portal. VGR is a highly useful electronic tool for project updates. It facilitates communication, albeit in the electronic version, with Peace Corps Morocco Rabat staff, including our country director, grant and program specialists.
PST: Pre-Service Training
Preservice training seemed disjointed in Morocco. Rather than dedicating language and cultural learning at a Community Based Training (CBT) site exclusively, Peace Corps Morocco’s approach is to divide training at various geographic venues. CBT emphasizes language acquisition and cultural norms. Upon arrival in Casablanca, our training group was cloistered at a hotel for approximately 10 days prior to our arrival to our designated CBT sites. Here, our training groups were formed, and rudimentary language learning began.
Finally, during CBT, all trainees were required to attend three separately scheduled hubs. These hubs exposed trainees to administrative policies and real world insights in negotiating life as a PCV in Morocco. Hubs became a way to reconnect with other trainees, but consistent language learning was placed in abeyance.
IST: In-Service Training
In-service training (IST) provided needed information geared toward our Volunteer Grants Reporting, mentioned above. For me personally, IST relieved considerable stress as I began to realize other PCVs were experiencing similar frustrations which I encountered in my efforts at my local dar chabob.
MST: Mid-Service Training
Unfortunately, mid service training (MST) seemed less than ideal. By then my focus was on delivering quality outcomes on implementation of our C.L.I.M.B./leadership grant. But, as for fellowship, MST provided a spectacular reunion opportunity with my fellow PCVs.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
9. Anything that you packed or didn’t pack that you’d like to tell future Morocco volunteers?
Yes, bring a Kindle! Although I was able to buy, in limited fashion, English-language books in Rabat and Casablanca, with my voracious reading habits, this approach never sufficed.
10. How has learning the language been?
Quite frankly, the languages in Morocco are some of the most difficult spoken communication artifices on the planet. We were exposed to Darija, a dialect of the Arab language. Although Arabic is spoken throughout North Africa and the Middle East, people from these geographic areas are unable to comprehend Darija.
Darija is a phonetically based language. Having been exposed to this type of learning in elementary school and excelling in that venue, I arrived in Morocco fully expecting to at least master the basics. Wrong I was! Losing confidence, my Darija acquisition experiment eventually fizzled. But, as one of our Language and Cultural Facilitators indicated, language is but one aspect of service. Therefore, one can be a successful PCV even if language deficiencies are evident. I count myself a true believer in this observation as I’m, at the time of this writing, within three months of completing my second tour of duty as a two year Peace Corps Volunteer.
Social Identity during Service
11. How has your personal identity shaped your service experience?
Faith and religion
My Christian faith is a highly important characteristic of my personal identity. Raised a Roman Catholic, my religious beliefs can be characterized as devout. Yet, over the years, a curiosity about Islam has become evident. That curiosity has led to discussions with Moroccans about the genesis of the Muslim faith. Additionally, in my conversations, we communicate about the multiple parallels between the Old Testament, which are taught to both Catholics and Muslims. From this perspective, religion has assisted my integration efforts.
Although a few Moroccans have attempted the proselytizing route, suggesting that I should seriously study the Koran to make an informed judgment about conversion, this particular approach to our conversation seems overbearing and a bit aggressive. From this perspective, religious dialogue is definitely one-sided as Peace Corps Volunteers are prohibited from suggesting a faith conversion.
Older volunteer
Finally, as a retired American serving as a PCV, my age seems to provide a distinct advantage. Plus, in many localities, especially in rural areas, Morocco is a male dominated culture. This personal attribute also facilitated my community integration. Moroccan men generally populate the numerous cafés found throughout the country. My introduction to Khenifra, my host city, consisted of meeting local Moroccans in such venues each evening.
12. Did your identity lead to specific challenges or situations?
How to practice my faith
The primary challenge with my service in Morocco is the inability to fully live my faith tradition as a Roman Catholic. As Morocco’s population is 99% Muslim, there are very few Catholic churches here. One can find Catholic services in select localities such as Rabat, Fez, and Beni Mellal; however, these houses of worship are literally hours, one way, from my service site in Khenifra.
To compensate for my lack of attendance at Mass, my strategies include reading online scripture passages daily and accessing Bishop Robert Barron’s weekly Sunday homily on YouTube. Other Catholic focused video clips supplement Bishop Barron’s efforts.
Although these techniques are barely sufficient, they at least remind me of my bedrock Catholic roots and my ultimate destination—heaven, hopefully! These religious practices can never substitute for the sacred sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of a God focused life.
The old adage that absence makes the heart grow fonder applies in this case. We don’t always understand why events transpire as they do. Morocco was never considered a destination experience in my prior thinking, let alone relocating to this geographic area. But living and working here has given me a newfound appreciation of my religious faith and beliefs.
Volunteers make the best support networks
Moreover, Peace Corps Volunteers make some of the best support networks imaginable. We understand the struggles new cultures present. But, we never have to negotiate these new experiences alone. Empathetic PCVs regularly assist each other. Requesting a religious mentor, and upon arriving to my service site, I was paired with Emilie, an absolutely charming, dedicated devout Roman Catholic who preceded me to Morocco as a PCV by a full year. Her advice proved inspiring and, by the grace of God, a new friend was discovered.
As I await my eventual reintegration into American society, I envision becoming reengaged in a new Catholic community fully practicing the faith inside those church walls and then beyond into the broader community. The personal detour through Morocco truly did make the heart grow fonder.
13. What advice do you have for volunteers who share your identity?
From a humorous perspective, when I informed my family that I had been invited to serve overseas as a Peace Corps Volunteer, one comment I received was, “Aren’t you too old for that?” And, isn’t the Peace Corps for “younger” people in their twenties? My response is that there is no age limit on joining the Peace Corps.
We only have one life. Make the most of opportunities when given the chance. My “no regrets” attitude simply means that once I take a whole life inventory of what I have accomplished compared to what I didn’t pursue, the odds are that it will be the latter category where my disappointments will land. It’s better, I believe, to have fewer “what ifs” in one’s life. Serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer removes one of those potential “what if.”
Final Thoughts
14. Any last comments you’d like to pass on to future Morocco volunteers?
Getting through medical clearance
Having passed the legal clearances early in the application process, the medical took much longer, as is generally the situation with older applicants. But, being dutiful to Peace Corps Medical instructions, my persistence was rewarded. When the supervisory nurse informed me that all medical indicators were deemed satisfactory, her last bit of advice was, “go and enjoy Morocco!”
And, although there have been challenges (e.g., language barriers, transportation frustrations, extreme temperatures, plans that don’t materialize, and unproductive meetings), Morocco has proven to be quite the experience. Yes, I took that advice and have traveled to a number of Moroccan cities.
Travel around Morocco as much as possible
Each Peace Corps Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month—48 in total over the course of two years. This amazing service benefit provides ample opportunities to experience Morocco unhurried and on one’s own terms.
Morocco awaits!
Whether it’s visiting highly appealing cities along the Atlantic coast or Tangier—my favorite—on the Mediterranean, these Morocco jewels will not disappoint. Moreover, embedded in the Rif Mountains, the Blue City of Chefchouan attracts a global crowd!
Those destined to become Peace Corps Volunteers in Morocco plan to recharge energies throughout service. The people of Morocco and adventures await.
What are you waiting for? Opportunities like this don’t come often. If you have a passion for service and an adventurous spirit like Ken’s, apply to the Peace Corps today. Expand your horizons, push your limits, and create positive impact as a volunteer. You never know how serving as a Peace Corps volunteer could change your life.
The content of this post does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or Morocco Government.
