Community Corner

Haddonfield Peace Corps Volunteer Shares Mozambique Passion

Patrick McGettigan's ocean fair in Mozambique strives to help local populations use the country's coastline for tourism and economic development.

Haddonfield native Patrick McGettigan has spent the past two years living in Mozambique as a Peace Corps volunteer. He recently organized a fair around the African country's coastal health. From the Peace Corps Volunteer Office:

Peace Corps education volunteer Patrick McGettigan, of Haddonfield, recently organized a three-day Ocean Fair in Mozambique to promote coastal conservation in the African nation.

“I love the ocean and have shared that passion with kids in my community,” said McGettigan, a graduate of Boston University who has been living in Mozambique since 2011. “The potential for tourism and economic development exists here, but a focus on coastal conservation is needed to realize that potential.”

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The fair, known as the “Feira do Ocano,” featured both cultural and educational events, including beach cleanups, a sand sculpture competition, an ecotourism workshop and educational presentations on fishery management and marine reserves. Local residents and tourists attended, with many of the activities targeted toward children.

“Everything moves slowly here, and I work hard to understand that and not let it deter me from moving forward with projects,” McGettigan said. “It is my hope that this connection between economic growth, education and ocean awareness continues to develop long after my time here as a Peace Corps volunteer.”

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McGettigan teaches English to 11th and 12th grade students in his island community in Mozambique. He also works with students in an art club at the local school to increase environmental awareness by making art from trash, and has partnered with a local non-governmental organization to start a local library.


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