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Documenting my journey of adventure, self discovery, and service.
From June 2019 to March 2020 I was serving in Malawi as a Peace Corps Volunteer as an Environment and Food Security Educator. This webpage was created so I could share my stories, pictures, and any fun tidbits with anyone who may be interested in my adventures. Though I am no longer in Malawi because of the COVID19 evacuation, I wanted to keep this page (as it was while in Malawi) as a fond reminder of achievements, lessons learned, and memories made.
WHO
Environmental Warrior. Educator. Change Agent. Volunteer. Teacher. Student. Blogger. Social Media Guru.
My name is Ayla Anderson and this is my story. (Insert Law & Order dun dun here)
about me
WHAT
Current projects here in Malawi include: wildlife clubs, tree nurseries, home gardens, composting, permagardens, malaria prevention, conservation education, dietary diversity and cooking demonstrations, youth clubs, and even a mushroom farming initiative! So many projects, so little time.
WHEN
In June of 2019 I began this incredibly journey, leaving the comfort of the States behind to explore new and exciting territory in a developing country. It was also a good time in my life to change everything. I had been working for the Nevada State Department of Wildlife for almost four years and I was ready to expand my horizons and develop new skills. I dream of eventually finding my way into the employment of a museum or wildlife center, using my creativity and experiences to promote education and instill a love of learning to the general public.
Where
Malawi is a small country in southeastern Africa. So called “The Warm Heart of Africa”, the country is full of greeting people, dozens of different tribes with unique cultures, high mountain peaks, all manner of cichlids in beautiful Lake Malawi, and plenty of nsima.
More about malawi
WHY
First of all, why not? I crave adventure and travel and have always yearned to do work that makes a difference. Secondly, joining the Peace Corps has been on my bucket list for many years: the opportunity arrived, and so have I.
I chose Peace Corps because I believe in the organizations capabilities to do real good in the world and I wanted to be a part of it. I also have to admit Malawi’s slogan “The Warm Heart of Africa” really called to me. Malawi is one of the poorest nations in the world and I thought that if I am doing this to make a difference, I should go somewhere I feel I could make the greatest difference. For me, that was Malawi.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.”
My host family, myself, and the Country Director during the swearing in ceremony.
Photo by: Peace Corps Malawi
Disclaimer: The content of this website is mine alone and does not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Government, the Peace Corps, or the Malawi Government.