1979: Bettie Ann Smith Ivanochko served in Ghana in Navrongo beginning in 1979



Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Bettie Ann Smith Ivanochko can be contacted at ivanochkoacablerongedskdca

Country of Service: Ghana

Training Group: ?

Cities you served in: Navrongo

Arrival Year: 1979

Departure Year: 1981

Work Description: Teacher Training

Bring us up to date on your life after the peace corps:
I left Ghana in 1981 and moved to Saskatchewan, Canada with my new husband. My husband worked for a term as a Peace Corps stateside agriculture trainer in South Carolina (1982). We now live in the northern Saskatchewan boreal forest among the Cree and Dene peoples. We have two daughters (dual citizens)--one of which is attending university in Florida. I got my SK teaching certificate and have been working at a community college (much like the one I taught at in PG County, MD before I left for Ghana). I received a certificate in "Training for Trainers" and women's studies. Then taught pre-trades for women for a few years. I also have taught adult basic education, ESL, adult grades 10, 12 and GED preparation. Now I am the northern Saskatchewan Literacy coordinator. I completed my master's degree in adult education (1995) from St. Francis Xavier University, Nova Scotia, Canada. My family still lives in and around Washington, DC. I visit the states at least once a year. Would love to visit the Peace Corps office and help recruit Black inner city volunteers--as I was.

Any thoughts you have now looking back on peace corps days?:
Serving in the Peace Corps was a major part of my life. I met my current husband (a Canadian CUSO volunteer) there and still continue my career in cross-cultural education. We now live in northern Saskatchewan Canada where I run a literacy program for Canadian Aboriginal (Indian) peoples. The lessons I learned in Ghana, about development, education, culture, etc. serve me to this day.

Anyone you are looking for or would like to hear from?:
Candace Savage

Any message for returned volunteers?:
I have always been proud of the time I worked in Ghana. I learned more about myself and the world than I could ever have while living in Washington, DC.

Originally posted: January 4, 2003

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