In this interview, you’ll hear from Kinsey Martindale, a Peace Corps Education volunteer in Lesotho. Kinsey 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
- Impact of Media and Final Thoughts
Volunteer Experience and Motivation
1. What do you do as a Peace Corps Education volunteer in Lesotho?
As an Education Volunteer in Lesotho, my main role is to support the improvement of Literacy, Numeracy, and Life Skills in primary schools. Following the priorities of the Lesotho Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), Peace Corps Education Volunteers primarily work with Grade 4 learners. I spend most of my day teaching English Literacy and Numeracy, while my counterpart teaches Sesotho and Integrated subjects.
Some volunteers choose to rotate between grades, but I’ve found that focusing on one classroom allows me to build stronger relationships and make a more meaningful impact. I like to think that about half of my teaching happens formally in the classroom through lessons, and the other half happens informally—during breaks, lunch, or conversations outside of class. These moments are possible because of the strong relationships I’ve built with my learners over the past year.
When I’m not with Grade 4, I enjoy supporting the Grade 7 learners as they prepare for their national exams, which determine eligibility for high school. Nearly every day after school, I host “office hours” on my porch where students can get help with homework, clarify confusing grammar, or simply practice conversational English. These sessions not only strengthen their academic skills but also deepen our relationships. My hope is that when they move on to high school—located right next to our primary school—they’ll continue to feel comfortable coming to me for support, whether academic or personal.
2. Why did you decide to join the Peace Corps and serve in Lesotho?
My decision to join the Peace Corps was actually quite spontaneous—but it quickly became my number one priority. As a first-generation college student, I didn’t always have professional guidance at home. I’m also pursuing an unconventional career path that felt difficult to navigate as I approached my University graduation in 2024.
Interning led me to Peace Corps
During my final semester at NYU Shanghai, where I majored in Political Science and minored in Chinese and Journalism, I interned with Learning Life, a Washington, D.C. based democracy and diplomacy nonprofit. The work was often demanding—attending meetings at 1 a.m. because of time differences, researching NGO collaborators, and organizing virtual events like the Family Diplomacy Dialogues. But in that time, I built a strong relationship with the founder, Paul Lachelier. He recognized my passion for international development and became an incredible mentor to me during that last semester.
One night, during a late meeting with Paul around 11 p.m. after a long day of classes, he brought up the idea of the Peace Corps. Unlike many volunteers, I had no real understanding of what the Peace Corps was. Before doing any research (which I don’t recommend for new applicants), I submitted an application to serve “wherever needed most.” Within 24 hours, I received an email saying I was being considered for an Education Volunteer position in Lesotho. The next day, I had an interview scheduled.
Interview for Lesotho
I didn’t prepare much for the interview—I treated it as an opportunity to learn more about the role and trusted that my experiences would speak for themselves. I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I had never even heard of Lesotho before that interview. But after it ended, I felt an electrifying energy running through me, signifying to me that serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer was the next step I was meant to take.
That same night, I was offered the position and given a tight 72-hour deadline to decide what the next two years of my life would look like. I had real concerns—financial worries, lack of family support, uncertainty about pursuing this career in general—but I told myself I had one summer to figure those things out before departure. In some ways, accepting felt like a no-brainer; in others, it felt like a complete shot in the dark. But I’ve always been a one-track-minded person, so when I set my mind and soul on something, little can be done to stop me.
I empathize deeply with applicants who are still deciding whether Peace Corps service is right for them—whether the timing, finances, or political climate make sense. But I truly believe that if serving feels like the necessary next step in your life, you’ll find a way to make it happen, no matter the circumstances.
Living Arrangements and Cultural Integration
3. What is your housing like in Lesotho?
My home
In Lesotho, I live in a thatched-roof house right next to my host family’s home. For me, it’s the perfect balance between having my own space while also having a built-in support system through my host family. I live alongside my host mother, who teaches Grade 5 at my school, my host father, who splits his time between Lesotho and working in the mines in South Africa, and my family’s niece, who’s staying with us this year so she can attend Grade 6 without walking several miles from her usual home.
My village
My village is small and tucked away in the beautiful mountains of Lesotho. I might be biased, but I truly believe I live in the most scenic site in our cohort! To get into town, I take a taxi for about two hours, though I’m fortunate to live right off a main tar road, which makes taxi access fairly reliable. I usually travel into town a few times each month to stock up on groceries, pay my phone bill, or visit the ATM.
At home
I don’t have electricity or running water in my home, so my cooking setup is simple. I use a gas stove to prepare meals, which are usually basic but comforting. The traditional staple foods in Lesotho are papa (a thick porridge made from cornmeal) and moroho (seasoned, cooked greens like cabbage or spinach). I love enjoying these local dishes at feasts and community celebrations, but day to day, I tend to cook comfort foods from home—things like grilled cheese or pasta with homemade sauce.
More often than not, though, I find myself cooking Chinese dishes. I spent most of my university years in Shanghai, so recipes like 拍黄瓜 (pāi huángguā, smashed cucumber salad), 番茄炒鸡蛋 (fānqié chǎo jīdàn, tomato and egg over rice), and 炒饭 (chǎofàn, fried rice) have become staples in my diet.
4. What moments or interactions stand out during your service?
There are so many interactions that happen every day that it’s hard to pinpoint just a few from this past year. But I think the moments that stand out most to me are the ones that happen outside of the classroom—interactions between my students and me, or between the students themselves.
Lessons learned from me
For example, I constantly emphasize the importance of bodily autonomy with my learners. When they get physical during an argument or play too roughly, I teach them phrases like “please do not touch me” or “I would like you to stop.” There have been many times when I’ve overheard students using those exact phrases to solve conflicts instead of resorting to physical aggression. While the language may seem simple, it represents something much deeper: learning to communicate, set boundaries, and handle conflict with words instead of violence.
Particularly with my female students, I remind them that they alone have ownership of their bodies. Like in many places around the world, gender-based violence exists within Basotho culture, and I can only hope that these small lessons empower them in situations I may never witness. Even if none of my other work leaves a lasting mark, I hope I’ve helped equip my learners with the tools to advocate for themselves and protect their boundaries.
My dog, Jengo
Another meaningful part of my service has been my perfect, furry companion, Jengo. When I first arrived in my village, my host family—quickly picking up on my love for animals—surprised me with a tiny puppy. Though I hadn’t planned on having a pet during service because of the logistical challenges, I immediately took him in and have done everything I can to give him the best life possible here before we return to the U.S. together next year.
Jengo has been transformative for my mental well-being, but he’s also had an incredible impact on my community. In Lesotho, the idea of having a dog purely as a pet is unfamiliar to many people. I take Jengo on walks, train him in the fields, and my learners love visiting my house to give him (far too many) treats. At first, his presence was met with some hesitation, but over time, people have warmed up to him—and even started viewing animals with more kindness.
I’m not here to ever suggest that my way of doing things is any better than my community’s, but I do believe it’s valuable to show that there are many ways to approach every situation, including caring for animals. Through Jengo, I’ve been able to help foster a compassion that many children hadn’t had the chance to explore. I often tell my learners that when we treat animals with gentleness, patience, and love, they reflect those same qualities back—and that the same is true in our relationships with people.
Surprises and Challenges
5. What has surprised you most about living or working in Lesotho?
Lesotho is an amazing cultural identity
One of the most surprising things as I began to integrate into Basotho culture was realizing how incredibly homogenous and strong the culture itself is. I’ve been fortunate enough to live in several other countries in my young adulthood—including China, Spain, and Argentina—and to visit many more, but I’ve never experienced a country as confident and cohesive in its cultural identity as Lesotho.
Through the lasting effects of colonialism and globalization, it’s rare to find a place that has remained relatively untouched by westernization. Yet Lesotho feels unique in this way. Everywhere I go, I’m surrounded by the sounds of traditional Basotho music. Women proudly wear seshoeshoe dresses, and men are often seen wrapped in their kobo blankets. While nearly everyone enjoys the occasional trip to KFC, most people still prefer traditional cuisine in their daily lives. This strong sense of cultural identity has sometimes made full integration challenging, but it’s also one of the things I admire most about Basotho life.
More difficult surprises
While there have been countless pleasant surprises throughout my service, I’ve also encountered some that are more difficult to process. The most striking has been the level of violence that people are exposed to from an early age. Though I don’t want to overgeneralize, I think it’s fair to say that violence—whether physical, verbal, emotional, or even sexual—touches nearly everyone’s life here in some way. It can be present in schools, in homes, or in the broader community.
Through conversations with trusted community members, I’ve learned that many Basotho grow up in cycles of violence that are extremely hard to break. Children often model the behaviors they see from adults, which can continue generation after generation. I know that I won’t be able to change this dynamic during my short time here, but what I can do is lead by example. In my classroom, I use positive reinforcement instead of focusing only on punishment. In daily life, I try to approach every situation with gentleness and empathy.
Whether or not these practices will be adopted by my community is ultimately beyond my control, and I’m careful never to assume that I understand their needs better than they do. Still, I hold myself to the standard of being a consistent, compassionate role model—for my learners, my colleagues, and my community at large.
6. What challenges have you faced in your Education work, and how did you respond?
Classroom discipline
Building off my previous response, one of the main challenges I’ve experienced in my work in Lesotho has been the differing approaches and priorities my counterparts and I have toward education. Disciplining learners, in particular, has been something we’ve continuously worked to find a middle ground on. As I near the end of my first year of teaching, I’ve found that leading by example—showing that effective classroom management doesn’t have to involve violence—has been the most impactful approach.
My first few months were full of trial and error as I learned what my learners responded well to and what wasn’t working. Over time, I found a rhythm that worked for us, and I’ve since noticed my counterpart adopting some of my techniques. At the same time, I’ve learned a great deal from observing her strengths in the classroom and integrating her methods into my own teaching.
Incorporating creativity
Another challenge I’ve faced has been the limited use of creativity in the classroom. I’ve always been a creative individual, and I thrive when creativity is part of the learning process. In Lesotho, I’ve found that learners are rarely encouraged to express their individuality or imagination in academic settings. Early on, my creative approach was met with some hesitation from my counterparts, who viewed it more as a distraction than a tool. But with time and collaboration, that perspective has begun to shift. My counterpart and I now work together to find ways to include creative elements in our lessons—whether through art, storytelling, or games.
Now, my Grade 4 classroom is full of thirty unique little artists, each expressing themselves in their own way. Watching them gain confidence, think more independently, and take pride in their work has been one of the most rewarding parts of my service. It reminds me that small changes in approach can lead to lasting impacts, not only for the learners but for the teachers as well.
7. What secondary projects have you worked on during your service?
Coming into my service, I knew that secondary projects would be an important part of my time and impact in Lesotho. While I’ve always enjoyed working with children, my professional background doesn’t primarily lie in education. I was excited to gain new teaching experience—but I also knew that my contribution would extend beyond the classroom.
SolarSPELL
So far, I’ve helped paint murals, started a pen pal program with a Grade 4 classroom in the U.S., and introduced SolarSPELL—a digital library created by Dr. Laura Hosman and Bruce Baikie at Arizona State University—into our classrooms. Currently, my school and I are preparing a grant proposal to install solar panels and create a shared technology lab for both the primary and secondary schools, as well as the wider community.
This project is something we’re all deeply passionate about. We hope that introducing technology into our teaching will equip our learners with essential digital literacy skills that can support them in higher education, future careers, and beyond. I enjoy staying busy and contributing to my community in different ways, and these projects have been some of the most rewarding parts of my service.
Beyond my school, I also serve as one of two volunteer liaisons between the SolarSPELL team in Arizona and its implementation here in Lesotho. I meet biweekly with the team to discuss successes, challenges, and new ideas for improving the library’s impact. This role has been incredibly fulfilling, and it’s helped bridge communication gaps and strengthen collaboration between Peace Corps Lesotho and SolarSPELL.
PC Lesotho’s social media
Additionally, I help manage Peace Corps Lesotho’s social media pages with a small group of fellow volunteers. It’s been a creative outlet that allows me to share authentic stories of daily life in Lesotho and highlight the meaningful work happening across the country.
Advice and Support
8. What advice would you give to future Education volunteers in Lesotho?
Anyone who knows me knows I’m not big on clichés—but when it comes to advice for future volunteers, I have to admit that some of them hold a lot of truth. First and foremost, come into this experience with an open mind and as few expectations as possible. My experience as an Education Volunteer here is in no way representative of every other volunteer’s journey—each person’s service looks vastly different depending on their own personality, community, and circumstances.
The biggest piece of advice I can give is to stay grounded in your own values and morals, while remaining open to the existing practices within your community and school. Your role isn’t to change your community, but to support it alongside the people who know it best—those who were here long before you and will be here long after.
While leading by example is essential, I’ve also learned that finding balance is equally important. If you approach service with a “need-to-fix-it” mindset, you risk doing more harm than good. Take the time to observe, listen, and understand before acting. The more you allow yourself to truly know your community, the better you’ll understand how to contribute in a meaningful, sustainable way. Only then will the impact you make—no matter how small—really last.
9. How did Peace Corps training prepare you for service?
Peace Corps training absolutely gave me a taste of what service would be like and provided me with valuable tools—but ultimately, nothing prepares you better than experience itself. I really benefited from living with a host family during my first three months of training. It gave me a feel for village life in Lesotho, helped me get accustomed to local cuisine, and allowed me to develop a solid grasp of the language before moving to my permanent site.
Working with the local school in my training village was also invaluable. It gave me confidence to carry my skills into my permanent community and helped me understand how to navigate classroom dynamics in a Lesotho school. Even with all the preparation, my permanent site continued to bring new challenges, experiences, and successes every day.
Pre-Service Training and more
Although I haven’t yet attended Mid-Service Training (scheduled for late January), I’ve participated in several follow-up trainings after Pre-Service Training, including Phase III in May and Student-Friendly Schools/Project Design and Management in July. These trainings introduced new skills for implementation in our communities, but perhaps the most enlightening aspect has been reflecting with other volunteers. Being isolated in our sites, we rarely have the opportunity to discuss our experiences with the full cohort. These conversations have allowed me to validate my own approaches and borrow strategies that have worked for others.
All of this has taught me to approach my service with a beginner’s mindset and to value the ongoing connection with my fellow volunteers. Formal trainings provide a strong foundation, but the real growth comes from reflection, adaptation, and collaboration throughout service.
Practical Tips and Language Learning
10. What would you tell future volunteers to pack—or leave behind?
Pack what brings you comfort
This one really depends on the individual and where you’re placed, but from my own experience, it helps to start by identifying what’s important to you and what brings you comfort in your daily life. For some volunteers, that might mean bringing spices or ingredients that are integral to your diet but hard to find locally. For others, it might be a football, yoga mat, or jump rope to stay active.
A key tip is: don’t bring things you think you’ll use just because you’ll have more time on your hands than usual. For example, I wouldn’t bring a chessboard hoping to suddenly learn chess. I’m aware enough to know it would only collect dust in my home.
Music, art, and books
Personally, I took the risk of hauling my guitar all the way to Lesotho. It wasn’t convenient, but it’s been a great source of comfort and joy—and it’s been a fun way to connect with my community.
I also brought a compact set of art supplies: a few mini sketchpads, a small watercolor set, and some favorite pens. I made sure not to overpack, but enough to stay creatively fulfilled.
Like many volunteers, I brought my Kindle, which has been a constant companion, and a film camera with several rolls of film to capture memories from my service. I can’t wait to see two years of experiences developed when I return home! For most volunteers, a phone is enough to handle this, but I really value having those extras.
What to leave behind
Some items I’d recommend leaving behind are home goods like bedding or kitchen supplies. Unless you’re extremely particular about one blanket or a favorite skillet, it’s usually easier to purchase inexpensive items locally and leave them behind at the end of service.
Clothing is important
One area where I have a slightly different take is clothing. Many volunteers suggest packing minimally and relying on local shopping, but clothing is a big part of my self-expression. Packing a wardrobe that makes me feel comfortable and confident has been incredibly important. Of course, I was mindful of local culture and climate, but bringing some of my favorite pieces has allowed me to maintain a strong sense of identity.
I also packed a few personal accessories, and yes… hair dye. I’m lucky that my community has been very accepting of my eccentric style, including piercings, tattoos, and bright green hair. Having fellow volunteers help me re-dye it during trainings has been a lot of fun, and it’s been a meaningful way to stay connected to my identity throughout service.
11. How has language learning been for you in Lesotho?
Although I’m naturally self-critical, I try to give myself some credit for my language learning journey here. I’ve always had a passion for languages—apart from English, I speak Mandarin fairly fluently and have a beginning grasp of Spanish from living in Spain and Argentina. I was initially nervous about learning Sesotho because it’s so different from any language I already knew. My first few weeks were overwhelming as I navigated new grammar structures while holding myself to a high standard of acquisition.
Real language learning at site
While PST provided a solid foundation, my real language learning began once I arrived at my permanent site. I don’t do well with memorizing sentence structures or long lists of vocabulary, so I rely heavily on real-world practice. Since arriving at site, I’ve achieved a level of Sesotho that I’m quite proud of. Many people in Lesotho speak varying levels of English, but I make a conscious effort to speak almost exclusively Sesotho outside of the classroom and when interacting with other volunteers.
With my host mom, for example, we communicate almost entirely in Sesotho, despite her excellent English. I also often speak Sesotho with my learners when they don’t understand me in English. On taxis or in town, many people automatically greet me in English—but I always respond in Sesotho, which has greatly contributed to my understanding of the language.
Don’t stress over small mistakes
This commitment to using the local language whenever possible has helped tremendously—not only with language acquisition but also with integrating into the community. My community even boasts about my language skills to newcomers, which has given me a lot of confidence. My advice to anyone learning a new language is not to stress over small mistakes. I make errors daily (often eliciting laughter from my learners), but each mistake is an opportunity to improve and communicate more effectively.
Language will also make you a better teacher
Fully embracing this language journey has also improved the way I teach English. I’m better able to understand my learners’ mistakes in the context of Sesotho as their native language, and I emphasize conversational English in the classroom rather than strict memorization. For incoming volunteers, I strongly suggest prioritizing learning the local language, while also being gentle and patient with yourself and the pace at which you improve.
Social Identity
12. How has your personal identity shaped your service experience?
Being a woman
I think the biggest aspect that has shaped my service has been my gender identity. Based on my own experience and conversations with other volunteers, it’s clear that being a female volunteer is tremendously different from being a male volunteer. I typically try to refrain from comparing experiences or assuming I have it harder than anyone else.
But in the context of being a volunteer in Lesotho, I’d venture to say that the women in our cohort tend to experience more discomfort day to day than the men. While this has brought challenges—including dealing with harassment from men, which I grapple with constantly—I try to see it as an opportunity to lead by example for girls and women in my community.
My own style
Beyond my gender identity, the way I outwardly express myself has also shaped my service. As I mentioned previously, I have a somewhat eclectic style, with several piercings, tattoos, colorful hair, and clothing that is more masculine than what many women in my community wear. Although I knew coming into service that I might need to suppress certain parts of my identity, I’m extremely grateful that my community has been, for the most part, very accepting and welcoming of me exactly as I am.
In fact, my Sesotho name, Kamohelo, given to me by my host mother, literally means “welcome.” I’ve also found it beautiful to be able to express that femininity can take many forms. With the support of my community, I’ve been able to stay closely aligned with my self-expression in a way that has been empowering.
Being white
Race has also shaped my experience, though I understand it’s a delicate topic. Being white is something I’ve had the privilege of not always thinking about in my daily life in the U.S. While I recognize this privilege, being in Lesotho has led me to reflect more critically on race. The main message I try to emphasize to my learners is that my skin color does not differentiate me from my community in terms of who I am as a person. It does not inherently make me smarter, more beautiful, compassionate, or more human.
I’ve had many experiences where learners express a desire to look like me, or even insult the color of their own skin. These are situations I do not take lightly, and I’m constantly figuring out how to navigate them. I’m by no means a perfect volunteer, but my priority when addressing topics of race is to empower those around me by uplifting the unique, individual beauty of everyone—regardless of skin color, size, or any other external factor.
I also want to emphasize that I’m not an expert on critical race theory, and as a white person, there are certain experiences I will never be able to fully resonate with. My hope is simply to work every day toward closing that gap a little more and encouraging my community to reflect on identity inward.
13. Did your identity lead to specific challenges or situations?
As a young woman
I experience the most challenges in Lesotho related to being a woman, particularly a young woman. I want to be careful not to generalize, while also honoring my own experiences. I encounter sexual harassment nearly every day here. This is not unique to me as a foreigner—Basotho women also face harassment—but my skin color does attract additional attention.
Since being in service, I’ve learned a lot about setting firm boundaries. While these boundaries aren’t foolproof, they have allowed me to pursue a higher quality of life. Many people, including locals and Peace Corps staff, often discourage pushback against unwanted attention. I’ve taken a slightly different approach: I try to anticipate whether an interaction is worth my energy, but I also allow myself to speak up when I feel objectified or disrespected.
Relationships
One example I sometimes share relates to relationships. Volunteers are often advised to tell men they have a partner as a way to discourage advances. In my experience, this is rarely taken seriously—most men simply suggest another partner. Beyond that, I have a moral issue with needing to fabricate a relationship for a man to respect my autonomy. I choose to tell the truth: I am not in a relationship, I am not seeking one, and I am content with my life as it is.
Many men laugh at this perspective, but I see it as a small act of reclaiming my autonomy. It also allows me to model for women in my community that our worth does not depend on a man or an intimate relationship. I’m not ending generations of misogyny, but through these small actions, I hope to empower others to see that women can live full, independent lives on their own terms.
14. What advice do you have for volunteers who share your identity?
I know I’ve highlighted some challenges that come with serving as a woman, but I don’t want to discourage capable women from serving. It won’t always be easy, and there will be times when you question why you put yourself through certain experiences. That said, serving as a woman comes with unique opportunities to model independence, self-sufficiency, and resilience. Within the bounds of safety, it’s okay to push back when your identity is being disrespected.
For women considering Peace Corps service, I think some internal reflection is important before committing to two years in a community where patriarchal values may still be prevalent. Not every woman will feel comfortable stepping into that context—and that’s perfectly okay. For those who do choose to serve, your gender identity can be either an obstacle or a tool, depending on how you choose to engage with it.
My advice is to approach your service with awareness, courage, and the intention to lead by example. Women who serve have an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful impact, both within their communities and within the broader Peace Corps network.
Impact of Media and Final Thoughts
15. If you share content online, how has that shaped your service?
While I don’t share much personal content online, I have the privilege of working with a few other volunteers to manage the official Peace Corps Lesotho social media platforms. While I believe my own story holds value, I tend to keep my personal sharing more private. That said, I’m grateful to play a role in highlighting volunteer experiences and everyday life in Lesotho for a broader audience through our official pages.
With a background in journalism, I’m a bit of a nerd for storytelling. I’m constantly brainstorming ways to meaningfully capture what it feels like to serve in Lesotho, and I approach each post with the goal of representing others’ stories with empathy, accuracy, and respect. It’s been a rewarding creative outlet—and a powerful reminder of how storytelling can bridge understanding between cultures.
16. What final advice would you share with future volunteers?
One of the most important qualities to bring into service is confidence and self-assuredness. Your service will inevitably be challenging, but working through those challenges is where you’ll experience the most growth—whether personal or on a larger scale. If you enter this experience with self-doubt or uncertainty about your potential impact, you’re already placing limits on what you can achieve.
Service isn’t for everyone, but far more people are capable of it than they realize. Even if you have worries, listen to your intuition. If you feel drawn to serve and recognize qualities in yourself that could positively impact a new community, you might just surprise yourself with what you can do.
Coming from someone who once believed Peace Corps wasn’t an option for my life circumstances, I can say with confidence that if you want it to happen, you’ll make it happen. Talk to serving or returned volunteers, weigh your options carefully, and trust that if service is right for you, you’ll embrace this new chapter and return home with greater confidence, empathy, critical thinking skills, and a lasting impact—however small—on a community you’ll come to deeply adore.
Are you thinking about joining the Peace Corps? If you’re curious about service and ready for something new, apply today. Like Kinsey, 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 Lesotho Government.
