Williams bound for Morocco
Jonathan Lisle Williams, 23, of Hopewell, has been accepted into the Peace Corps.
He was scheduled to leave for Morocco on March 1 to begin pre-service training as an environmental education Peace Corps volunteer. Upon graduation from volunteer training in June, he will be working with water and forestry departments in Morocco, as well as promoting and teaching environmental awareness.
The son of Rosemarie and Jonathan Williams, and a graduate of Hopewell Valley Central High School, Mr. Williams went on to attend Boston University in Boston, Mass., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in archaeology and comparative religions, graduating in 2007. He previously worked with Boy Scout Troop 71 on several local community service projects around Hopewell Valley.
”I wanted to give something back and show other cultures that there are positive aspects of America and our way of life,” said Mr. Williams. “The Peace Corps has a long and well-established relationship with the people and government of Morocco, so it seemed a great opportunity to travel and help out there.”
During the first three months of his service, Mr. Williams will live with a host family in Morocco to become fully immersed in the country’s language and culture. After acquiring the language and cultural skills necessary to assist his community, he will serve for two years in Morocco, living in a manner similar to people in his host country.
The Peace Corps is celebrating a 47-year legacy of service at home and abroad. Currently there are 8,000 volunteers abroad, a 37-year high for volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 190,000 have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries where they have served. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment. To learn more about the Peace Corps, visit: www.peacecorps.gov.