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French grad addresses food insecurity and sustainability through Peace Corps in Senegal

Namara Rwakatare ’23 knew after graduating from ������Ƶ, she wanted to be involved in service work, specifically on the African continent. In September, pending medical clearance, the global & international studies and French & Francophone studies major will have that opportunity as a Peace Corps volunteer in the West African country of Senegal.

“I have always had a heart that wanted to serve others and being able to serve somewhere in Africa was really important to me because my father is from Tanzania,” she said. While there were no Peace Corps opportunities to serve in the country he is from, Rwakatare sought countries where she could use the language acquisition skills she gained at ������Ƶ and her experience working with children. “At ������Ƶ, I’ve been able to develop skills and practices tailored to my learning style. Using the methods I used to learn French will be important as I have to learn to speak one of the local Senegalese languages to engage in and perform my duties fully,” she explained.

Rwakatare will work with community partners, master farmers, and growers to address food insecurity through sustainable agriculture, partnerships, positive youth development, and gender empowerment. She will learn to develop the facilities required to assess the agricultural sector in the community and collaborate with community partners to develop solutions to specific community issues with the goal of implementing sustainable agriculture activities. “While I am not well versed in agriculture yet, I look forward to learning from and collaborating with community partners to work towards their sustainability goals,” she said.

She also looks forward to continuing to develop her research and analysis skills. “The Independent Study component of a ������Ƶ education has provided me with invaluable research skills, including my ability to identify reliable resources and pertinent information. I.S. developed my mental fortitude and taught me to work through obstacles that arise,” she said.

������Ƶ’s liberal arts education enabled Rwakatare to engage with diverse cultures and interact with individuals from different academic backgrounds, which exposed her to unique and rich perspectives. “I am able to approach people and experiences with an open mind and desire to understand other’s points of view,” which will be invaluable in her Peace Corps work, she said.

Throughout her academic journey, Namara has demonstrated a strong dedication to learning, and she fully capitalized on the opportunity to study abroad through Middlebury at L’Université Catholique d’Afrique Centrale in Yaounde, Cameroon. As a result, she has not only mastered the French language but also gained invaluable cross-cultural experiences, said Marion S. Duval, associate professor, French and Francophone studies. “Her story exemplifies the transformative educational experiences offered by ������Ƶ, showcasing the institution’s commitment to global perspectives and community engagement.

Rwakatare’s study abroad experience in Cameroon during her junior year taught her how to adapt to a new environment, communicate effectively in a non-native language, and navigate living in another country—all transferrable skills that she will use in Senegal. “The Peace Corps is a great opportunity to engage with the Senegalese community, to foster what I hope will be long-lasting connections,” she said.

After Rwakatare’s two-year commitment to the Peace Corps, she wants to pursue graduate studies in public policy and applied economics. Her long-term goal is to work as a civil servant in public policy analysis “to ensure that historically marginalized groups are considered in the policies that are going to directly impact them,” she said.

Posted in Alumni, News on June 7, 2023.