University of Florida alumna Alayna Dean (B.S. in Microbiology and Cell Science, Minor in International Studies, Class of 2024) is currently serving as a Community Health Peace Corps Volunteer in Homa Bay County, Kenya. Since beginning her service in September 2024, Alayna has been working closely with her community to strengthen local health through education on HIV/AIDS prevention and maternal health, including antenatal and postnatal care. One of the most exciting initiatives she is co-leading is the Refurbishment of a Youth Empowerment Center, a project designed to create new opportunities for education, health, and skills development for youth in the region.

This center will create many new opportunities in the region, providing:

  • A cyber café and computer lab for digital learning

  • A community library and reading area — the first in the area

  • A youth-friendly health services space

  • A community meeting and training room

  • A small vocational area equipped with sewing machines to promote sustainable livelihoods

Through this project, Alayna and her community aim to create a safe, innovative, and empowering space for young people to learn, connect, and build brighter futures.

She shares, “Working hand in hand with my community to make this dream a reality has been one of the most rewarding parts of my service.”

You can support this UF alum’s work by spreading the word with your personal/professional networks and contributing to the project. No donation is too small!

To contribute to the project, click here

To learn more, click here

To learn about Peace Corps at UF, visit here.