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IFESH volunteer educator experience paves way for international development career
Former IFESH International Educators for Africa (IEFA) program volunteer and Fulbright Scholar, Felicia Wilson, is currently serving as an Education Development Foreign Service Officer with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) assigned to the Guatemala Mission. Prior to joining USAID, Wilson was a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Fellow in Paris, France.
Like many other former IFESH volunteers, Wilson traces her successful career in international development to her experience as an IFESH volunteer educator. "The experience has expanded my resource base by giving me connections with educators across nations," she said. "It has also equipped me with a global perspective of education and opened the door for me to a career in international education and social justice. I was interested in going to Africa and working abroad and after I worked in film & theatre for Director Spike Lee, I decided to seek a way to make more of a contribution to society as a whole," Wilson said. "I needed to see my giving in action and also it was time for me to gain a new focus in life."
After she was selected as an IFESH Educator in 1993, Wilson left New York City for Gambia. "Gambia was a paradise. It instantly felt like home, I was easily accepted into the community and I loved teaching the children," Wilson said. She taught 7th-9th grade English, civics and drama at Latrikunda Middle School in the Kombo region of Gambia. "I loved every minute of it."
The Washington, D.C. native has a background in performing opera, jazz, and classical theatre and was able to showcase and share her talents in Gambia. "I was able to sing jazz at a local club and even sang back up for Senegalese artist Youssou N'Dour and did duets with Fallou Dieng," she said. "So being in Gambia not only expanded my teaching skills, it also provided an outlet for me to be a part of the community and make friends from all walks of life. I also enjoyed getting an up-close and personal view of the Islamic religion. Being in the community where people's practice and faith were so strong was an educational opportunity for me."
After serving her initial term in Gambia as an IEFA volunteer, Wilson opted to serve an additional academic year teaching at the University of Ghana in Legon.
"I enjoyed both opportunities which transformed my experiences and thinking," Wilson said. "I believe that I made a contribution in the lives of those I met along the way. Interacting with students of all ages, attending ceremonies in their homes and villages was a priceless experience."
Wilson has advice for educators considering volunteer opportunities with IFESH. "Volunteer because it is an opportunity to serve a global community and the benefit to your self development far outweighs the sacrifice. It is the duty of us, as educators, to share the wealth of knowledge that we have across borders. It is imperative that we share our resources and technology with the developing world, the experience will enrich your life beyond any expectation."
