SAMMAMISH, Wash. — A Skyline High School Graduate is among the first Peace Corps volunteers to head overseas since the COVID-19 pandemic caused the organization to stall operations worldwide.
After more than three years of delays, Liam Paup is getting ready to depart for the French-speaking West African country of Benin. Paup, who speaks French, will be providing educational support, translating for teachers and helping students develop their English.
“I actually applied in 2019 and then when everything shut down I was genuinely worried that the agency may not rebound, so preparing to depart is a momentous occasion for me,” Paup said.
Paup was first introduced to the idea of volunteering with the Peace Corps after finding out a teacher of his at Skyline High School was a former volunteer.
“I joined the Peace Corps to experience a different cutlure, meet new people, and use my skills to help others. I most look forward to immersing myself in a new culture and learning from community members and my fellow volunteers,” he said.
Paup will undergo three months of training in Benin and then remain in his assigned community for two years.
“I would say it’s quite the commitment. I don’t even know where I will be assigned or what to expect for housing. I may or may not have running water, a toilet, or those things so I’m just bringing the basics and solar-powered batteries and lights,” he said.
Paup said he plans to buy local fabrics and clothing to better integrate into his new surroundings. He said condensing his life into two suitcases "has been an experience for sure."
Peace Corps CEO Carol Spahn said volunteers returning to Benin will work alongside community members to support urgent development efforts and build critical connections.
“The world is at a critical juncture. The largest global vaccination effort in history is underway, while other widespread health, social, political, and environmental issues continue to erode the foundation of our global society. Actions taken in the next few years have the potential to fundamentally impact development trajectories for decades to come,” Spahn said.
Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 240,000 Americans have served in 142 countries worldwide. Liam Paup departs Sammamish to serve in Benin West Africa for two years on Sunday, June 5th.
Believe it or not, Paup said one of the things he will miss the most here at home is “the Seattle weather!”