The COVID-19 pandemic put an abrupt halt to Peace Corps work in more than 60 countries when the organization evacuated nearly 7,000 volunteers from overseas back in March 2020.
Now Angel Padilla of Ridley Park is among the first volunteers to return to overseas service, writes Peg DeGrassa for the Daily Times.
Padilla has a political science degree from Swarthmore College with a minor in peace and conflict.
His assignment will take him to the Philippines Jan. 28 where he will serve as an education volunteer for two years.
Padilla said it’s always been his goal since graduating college to work in public service domestically and abroad.
“After working as an inner-city school teacher, and then as a constituent services advisor for a state representative in Philadelphia, becoming a Peace Corps volunteer seemed like the most natural next step in my career,” he said.
In addition to his education work, Padilla will also join Peace Corps volunteers in COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.
“I will take on the role of a co-teacher, co-facilitator, and community development worker,” he said. That means working with families and the schools to provide the local community with a quality education.
Read more about Angel Padilla at the Daily Times.
Jodi Middendorf offers advice to new Peace Corps volunteers.
