WEFTA volunteer Maggie Jones is a strong proponent of supporting communities as they improve their access to clean water. In her own words, “I struggle to think of any other work that has as much of a direct impact on the health and quality of life of a community.” Her work, first with the Peace Corps and now with WEFTA, demonstrates her commitment to the goal of sustainable access to clean water for everyone.
Panama Revisited
Maggie served from 2012 to 2014 in the Peace Corps in a village in Panama where she helped build multiple gravity aqueduct systems. Upon returning as a WEFTA volunteer in March 2026, she was elated to find most of the water systems in the village functioning well. For Maggie, the fact that community members are maintaining the infrastructure is key to its ongoing successful operation.
The March 2026 WEFTA project included Maggie and two other former Peace Corp volunteers traveling to the Ñokribo region of Panama to work as field engineers. The group completed water system assessments in six different communities and coordinated small fixes for their systems.
WEFTA as a Resource for Developing Communities
Maggie values being part of an organization that prioritizes local involvement, education, and ownership, all of which, she notes, takes time. As she says, “WEFTA does development work the right way, slowly and methodically. There is a sense of dignity in this; WEFTA is not here to save anyone but instead be a resource for the community to better themselves.”
Hugs and Tears
Recalling her return visit to Panama in March 2026, Maggie noted, “While the water systems in my village weren’t perfect, I felt really proud that most of the system components were functioning well and that community members were maintaining the infrastructure. She recalls receiving many hugs and shedding more than a few tears of joy.
A civil engineer specializing in stormwater design, Maggie lives outside of Columbia, Missouri. As a WEFTA volunteer, she hopes to continue making in-country trips, providing engineering support, and documenting each journey in trip reports.
WEFTA is proud to include you in our ranks, Maggie!
