Niki Maffettone ’17

Mentoring Youth in Ukraine

One of the first two students to complete Moravian College’s Peace Corps Prep program, Niki Maffettone ’17 was accepted to her first-choice placement as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ukraine, where she has begun her second year of service.

A youth development volunteer in the village of Turya Remeta in Zakarpattia, she organizes English club and sports camps, tutors students one-on-one, and is developing new projects.

"I am not sure what’s next for me after Peace Corps,
but I know that I will always have a home in Ukraine.”

“The school is passionate about the environment, so we have spent time in the forest planting trees and discussing ways to keep the community clean,” says Maffettone. “The children are great to work with and enthusiastic about working with an American.”

Now on her own, Maffettone spent her first year living with a host family that welcomed her enthusiastically. “I feel like I am part of the family,” Maffettone says.

“I have learned so much about Ukraine and its history. I truly feel blessed to be here. There is always a friendly face in my village, and I know that if I ever need help, someone will be there to lend a hand. I am not sure what’s next for me after Peace Corps, but I know that I will always have a home in Ukraine.”