Local Peace Corps volunteer is heading out, two years after the operation suspended

Sep 12, 2022, 5:50 PM

LAYTON, Utah – At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Peace Corps suspended global operations and evacuated nearly 7,000 volunteers from more than 60 countries.

Right now, the first Peace Corps volunteers are returning to overseas service at a critical time globally. A recent college graduate from Layton, Utah, will be among the first volunteers headed to Peru.

Countries worldwide struggle with fundamental issues concerning healthcare, social and political well-being, and the environment. Kevin Jones said he is eager to help Peruvians improve their lives.

“Excited and nervous. But far more excited than nervous,” Jones said about his mindset headed for the Peace Corps.

He is embarking on a major life adventure in Peru, motivated to join the Peace Corps to serve a new community, improve his Spanish, and get out of his comfort zone.

“It’s mainly teaching English, probably assisting with math,” Jones said in an interview last week in Layton.  He is in Washington, DC, getting ready to leave for Perú on Wednesday.

During Jones’s two-year volunteer commitment, he’ll focus on youth development, helping young Peruvians improve their job opportunities.

“We’re working with students and the parents of the students to try to help them work together so they can learn the skills they need to succeed,” he explained.

Jones graduated from the University of Utah in the spring of 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in quantitative analysis of markets and organizations and landed a good job with a healthcare software company in Wisconsin.

“My main job was testing software,” he said. “And, I guess I didn’t feel too challenged or anything. So, I wanted to try something a bit more exciting.”

His work with the Peace Corps will be an opportunity to not only help Peruvians but also define his own life and explore his family roots.

“My mother and her side of the family are from Peru,” Jones said.

Those grandparents grew up in a small town and then moved to Lima a half-century ago.

“Because that’s where the jobs, and basically a better life was possible,” Jones said. “My mother, she’s a hard worker, studied hard, became a nurse in Peru, and a midwife and moved her way up to the US.”

His family, at first, was surprised and concerned by his decision.

“They think I’m poco loco, a little crazy,” Jones said. “They worked so hard to come here. But then I’m going out there. I guess it could be considered a little disrespectful. But, either way, they’ve all been supporting.”

They think he’s a little crazy, but he has his family’s support. Jones is among several dozen volunteers from across the country headed to Peru. After three months of training in Lima, he will be assigned to an area outside the capital.

KSL 5 TV Live

Local News

Skiers compete at the Dear Valley World Cup....

Emma Benson

‘Super Bowl of freestyle’: World’s best skiers compete at Deer Valley World Cup

The Super Bowl may be tomorrow, but they call this the Super Bowl of freestyle skiing.

5 hours ago

Construction work on the Cottage Homes development in Sandy on Dec. 9. A study led by a University ...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.com

Mass deportation negatively impacts housing availability, affordability, jobs, Utah study says

A month before President Donald Trump officially took office on Jan. 20, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reinforced the state's plans to aid the Trump administration in deporting undocumented immigrants living in the country en masse.

6 hours ago

FILE - A snowplow in Little Cottonwood Canyon as the storm hits the road....

Jacob Freeman

7 separate accidents cause delays on I-15 in Lehi

Drivers were experiencing delays Saturday evening after seven separate accidents were reported on Interstate 15 in Lehi.

8 hours ago

People walk through art booths at the Art Market at Millcreek Common on Jan. 24. (Millcreek Common)...

Cassidy Wixcom, KSL.com

‘Connect with community’: Millcreek art show spotlights Wasatch Front-inspired pieces

For Miriam Gutierrez, connecting with other local artists can be an eye-opening experience seeing what people from different areas create.

10 hours ago

An officer assigned to the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Pioneer Patrol Division Bike Squad ...

Diana Jones

SLCPD officers arrest 2 people suspected of drug trafficking in Library Square

On Thursday, Salt Lake City Police Department’s Bike Squad arrested two men for a suspected drug trafficking operation in Library Square. 

12 hours ago

Salt Lake County Search and Rescue responds to an avalanche fatality in Big Cottonwood Canyon on Sa...

Jacob Freeman

One dead after avalanche in Big Cottonwood

One person died after an avalanche in the Silver Fork area of Big Cottonwood Canyon on Saturday.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Local Peace Corps volunteer is heading out, two years after the operation suspended