Embedded Files
The West Cascade Peace Corps Association funds humanitarian programs from throughout the world that support the goals and ideals of the Peace Corps. We are especially interested in supporting the work of Peace Corps volunteers from Oregon. We encourage Oregon volunteers to include their programs in the Peace Corps Partnership framework and then call this to our attention. Our funding comes from membership dues, fundraising activities, donations, and distributions from the Beryl Brinkman Memorial Fund.
A Solar-powered computer lab in the mountains of Lesotho
Kinsey Martindale, PCV, Lesotho
The Lesotho school where Oregon PCV Kinsey Martindale teaches (pictured at right) does not have a computer lab. Nor does their village have electricity. The community is raising funds for a solar-powered facility which'll have at least 8 laptops for teachers and students to learn with. This innovative project focuses on building sustainable digital literacy skills for students, educators, and the broader community. Beyond improving classroom instruction, the lab will give teachers access to expanded educational resources and be open to community members seeking skills to support personal development and workforce entry.
In February WCPCA contributed $750 to Kinsey's request, and they've now reached their goal of $8300. More about Kinsey: https://www.reachtheworld.org/kinseys-journey-lesotho/traveler-bio
Kinsey at the opening of the computer lab.
Nolan at his swearing in.
Building a Pottery School as Part of Cultural and Economic Revitalization
Nolan Carson, PCV, Colombia
A volunteer grad from OSU now in Colombia, Nolan Carson, is asking for money to help complete funding for a pottery/ceramics building and equipment (pottery wheels, kiln.) He has already received $14,000 from the local community and $5,000 from other sources. His goal is to develop a permanent school that provides free, hands-on training to equip community members with practical skills while fostering sustainable economic opportunities and cultural revitalization, emphasizing skill-building and knowledge transfer as a foundation for long-term impact. We voted unanimously to send him $1,000. (Awarded Dec. 2025.)
Getting Started
Walls Go Up
Roof Goes On
Lab is Complete
Building a Computer Lab in a Kenyan Village
Megan Mastrorilli, PCV, Kenya
Hello, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! I hope this note finds you in good health as you kick off the new year. I'd like to begin by expressing my deep gratitude for your contribution to my Computer Lab Project. This lab could not have gotten off the ground without your support. Second, I would like to give you an update on how your donation is being spent and how the build is going! After receiving the funds in late November, we began building on December 1, 2025. Throughout December, I've managed our budget alongside my counterpart who has hustled hard to gather materials while builders got to work. Just this week, the roof was completed!
With students returning from their long holiday this week, I am so excited for the lab to be complete so we can get to work learning in the new space. We are targeting the end of January for the lab to be finished. Thank you, again, for your contribution that enabled this build to happen. Myself, my students, my school, and my community are all so so grateful. (Awarded Nov. 2025.)
With excitement & gratitude,
Megan
World AIDS Day, Lane County
Jade Lazaris, HIV Alliance, Development Director
WCPCA supports World AIDS Day activities annually. This year we contributed $250 to special programming for clients and education and advocacy for the community at the downtown The Farmers Market Pavilion in Eugene on Dec 1.
Thank you card from HIV Alliance.
Student Library and Teacher Training project in Lesotho
Carlton Delgado, PCV, Lesotho
The project seeks to increase learners' access to information through technology at a local school in Lesotho through the establishment of a library equipped with tablets. Like many villages across the country, access to books and libraries is limited. Based on the community's expressed desire to improve school performance, this project will renovate a room into a small library space for children to access books and learning resources through technology. The space will also serve as a resource for teachers to incorporate technology and alternative teaching methodologies into their lessons. (Awarded July 2025.)
Multipurpose Vehicle for Health Care
Nathaniel Blair, PCV, Sierra Leone
This is Nathaniel Blair, the PCV whose community you helped get a referral vehicle! It feels like just yesterday I was stopping by the meeting at UO getting ready to leave! I wanted to reach out with some photos and videos and with the biggest thank you ever for the donation. Your generosity is so appreciated.
The Tawuya community has been showing off this referral vehicle to anyone and everyone! Some of the photos show the progress and some different angles once it's been finished! The videos are of the commissioning ceremony (that of course was rained out.) Then another of the chiefs showed it to the District Health Medical Team. That team has been so impressed and we hope they are considering replicating the project because of its cost friendliness compared to expensive ambulances. (Awarded January 2025.)
Composting for Gardens & Science Education
Victoria Kunberger, PCV, Nepal
This grant supports the expansion of an existing composting system at a school in rural Nepal to promote sustainability, hands-on environmental education, and waste reduction. This project will increase composting capacity by upgrading infrastructure, adding waste and compost bins, and providing training for students and staff. Composting will be integrated into the school curriculum through the already established eco club, giving students the opportunity to learn about sustainability through real-life practice. Compost generated will be used in the school garden and for community vegetable cultivation.”
In Nepal, there is no formal garbage collection system. Ongoing support from teachers, students, and community members will be key to maintaining the system and fostering everyday sustainable practices. With active engagement from the school's Eco Club and backing from local stakeholders, the project is designed for long-term impact. The municipal government has expressed interest in adopting this model in additional schools. (Awarded July 2025.)
Report abuse