Caleb Barefield Selected for Peace Corps Service in Armenia

1038
Caleb Barefield

MACON – Mercer University senior Caleb Barefield has been selected to serve the Peace Corps as a community and youth development volunteer in Armenia beginning in March.

This semester, Barefield, from Winder, is completing his coursework toward a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Liberal Arts with a major in religion and a minor in philosophy.

He plans to attend graduate school following his Peace Corps service to pursue a master’s degree in non-profit management.

As a community and youth development volunteer, Barefield will work with a local non-governmental organization (NGO) on youth empowerment and organizational development efforts in Armenia. He will coach youth on leadership and civic engagement and aid the NGO in areas such as planning, project design and management.

“I couldn’t be more grateful to have this opportunity to serve in the Peace Corps. The grassroots efforts of the Peace Corps will give me the opportunity to experience global poverty firsthand and develop a better understanding of the Armenian culture,” said Barefield. “I hope to use this experience when I return to continue to empower youth to be active participants in society.”

As a student, Barefield is an active member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and has participated in two Mercer On Mercer trips to Greece. He attributes those trips to cultivating his interest in service to humankind.

“Through Mercer On Mission and our other forms of engagement, Mercer students realize in tangible ways that research reaches out to a global community. Caleb’s story is an example of how Mercer prepares students to change the world,” said Dr. David A. Davis, director of fellowships and scholarships and associate professor of English.

The Peace Corps, established by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, is a volunteer program administered by the U.S. government to send the best and brightest Americans abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. More than 220,000 Americans have served in 140 countries, and more than 6,900 volunteers are now serving in 63 countries. For more information, visit www.peacecorps.gov.