Hi! I’m Shawn, a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer living in Timor-Leste, a beautiful island nation in Southeast Asia. I work with the Bamboo Institute, helping local communities use bamboo to create income, protect the environment, and support sustainable development. Bamboo is amazing—it grows quickly, prevents erosion, and can be transformed into furniture, handicrafts, and even clean energy. My work helps communities turn bamboo into practical projects that improve livelihoods and the environment.
Living in Timor-Leste has been an incredible adventure. I’ve learned the local language, Tetun, and become close with my host family, who welcomed me as one of their own. I spend my days visiting rural bamboo groups, hiking in the mountains, exploring the coastline, and learning from the people I meet. My work isn’t just about bamboo—it’s about community, relationships, and seeing how people solve problems and create opportunities together.
Visiting local bamboo groups is one of my favorite parts of my service. These groups manage bamboo nurseries, harvest and process bamboo, and make products that generate income for their communities. I also help with demonstration projects that turn bamboo waste into biomass energy for clean-burning stoves—a creative way to combine innovation and sustainability.
Living here has taught me to slow down, be patient, and appreciate life in new ways. Exploring Timor-Leste’s mountains, beaches, and villages has shown me why protecting the environment matters. I’ve had the chance to share my experiences with students, volunteers, and community members, showing how small actions can make a big difference.
Being a Peace Corps Volunteer has changed me in many ways. I’ve learned the value of listening, collaborating, and staying curious. Most importantly, I’ve seen that even in a small country like Timor-Leste, individuals and communities can create lasting, positive change.
I’m excited to share my journey with you and give a glimpse of life here—the culture, the challenges, and the amazing people who make this country so special. I hope my experiences inspire you to explore the world, learn about other cultures, and think about ways we can all help make our communities stronger and more sustainable.
Peace Corps Volunteers like me live and work side by side with community members around the world, collaborating on locally prioritized projects, building relationships, exchanging cultures and knowledge, and helping transform lives for generations. Learn more by clicking here.
