Catherine Pinkerton Keeling and husband Travis serving in the Peace Corps
Santa Paula News
Published: April 09, 2004
Married just over a year and a half ago at the home of local ranchers Dan and Susan Pinkerton, their daughter Catherine and her husband Travis are now nearing the half way point of a two year Peace Corps assignment.
Married just over a year and a half ago at the home of local ranchers Dan and Susan Pinkerton, their daughter Catherine and her husband Travis are now nearing the half way point of a two year Peace Corps assignment. They are stationed in Cano Negro, Costa Rica. It is a small rural town of nearly 300 in a large wildlife reserve in the northern lowlands that shares a border with Nicaragua. They have a small house, a cat and no electricity. They are learning how to live without refrigeration and modern electric appliances. They do cheat a bit with a plug that is connected to the electric supply of the police station. One must have music.
They are assisting several women’s groups in starting small businesses. Travis is teaching a class to children in 5th to 8th grade showing how an education can enhance ones ability to earn a better wage and improve life. Many of the children stop school at the 6th grade. Catherine is teaching English classes to park rangers so they can give better tours to English -speaking scientists who visit the refuge. The classes have been popular and have grown into an adult education program for the local townsfolk. Similar to our local school’s garden program, Travis and Catherine have also started vegetable gardens in the local schools. There is some excitement noted in the students and teachers with this fun project. Travis and Catherine have other programs in the works that, hopefully, will make a positive difference in the community even after they leave.
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