Moroccan Mother Hosts Braintree Peace Corps Volunteer

Jacqueline Stewart, of Braintree, and her husband left for Morocco last September as volunteers with the Youth Development sector of the Peace Corps. Soon enough Stewart was both experiencing another culture and bringing a bit of hers abroad.

Stewart, a 30-year community nursing veteran, went to Morocco to work on community health initiatives and teach English. There she lives with a host mom, Bouchra Tambouche, Tambouche's husband Wahi, and their three children.

"Being an older volunteer it was hard, and still is, to think of Bouchra as my 'host mom,'" Stewart said in a message relayed to Braintree Patch by a representative for the Corps. "She was my friend, my sister, my daughter and yes, I admit, sometimes my mother during those first few months."

Massachusetts is home to 272 Peace Corps, who travel the world to promote peace and friendship, a continuation of an initiative President John F. Kennedy began 50 years ago this March. Currently there are 8,665 volunteers working in 139 countries. Each volunteer must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years and old commit to 27 months of service.

When Stewart and her husband arrived in Morocco, they spent the first few months living with Bouchra and her family and participating in community-based training, in a town called Sefrou. One event, which stood out to Steward for helping her reach one of the Corps' three main goals – namely, helping promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans – happened when Bouchera brought Stewart to the wedding of a local woodcarver.

"Bouchera found some nice clothes for me to wear, and really shared with me many insights into the Moroccan culture," Stewart said. "What I also enjoyed was seeing her relax and have fun at the wedding and show a different side of her personality to me."

Another celebration, this time Bouchera's birthday, Stewart said lined up with a second goal, to help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served. The other goal is helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.

A surprise, American-style birthday party with cake and balloons sparked teary emotions in Bouchera, Stewart said, because it was the first time it had really been celebrated. "It was new to her, but we could feel she truly enjoyed this American experience," Stewart said.

Bouchera is a seamstress/designer, trains young women and is an influential figure in the community, Stewart said. "In addition, she maintains what seems like 24/7 care for her family and home. Throughout her seemingly never ending days, she maintains a wonderful sense of humor and we have shared many laughs together"