Thomas Lafferty, '17 MS

After graduating in 2017, Thomas Lafferty embarked on a 27-month commitment to the African nation of Swaziland to work as a youth development volunteer for the Peace Corps.

During his time abroad, Thomas is focused on helping young people improve their educational opportunities and encouraging them to make healthy lifestyle choices. He teaches English, prepares older children for the rigors of finding a job or applying to college, and helps all of them to develop effective life skills. He hopes to also use his work to help combat gender inequality by empowering girls.

While working on his degree, Thomas volunteered with the World Affairs Council’s Global Smarts Mentoring Program, a partnership between SJU and the Council. The Holy Family University alumnus instructed six Gesu middle school students once a week. His group successfully represented Kenya at the Jr. Model United Nations debate conference held at Temple University last spring.

“Volunteering with the Peace Corps allows me to do what I love most: work with children on a consistent basis and help them develop essential skills.”