Not many people get to experience what it is like to live in a third world country first hand.

But Jason Hervin, a Mt. Rainer High School graduate, is not only experiencing it, he is helping out there as well.

For the last 18 months Hervin has been stationed in Ghana, Africa, as a Peace Corps volunteer.

Hervin is providing business training, HIV awareness training, and working toward building a vocational training center for the disabled in Sandema, Ghana.

He has nine more months to serve in Africa.

"We are hugely proud of what he is doing, and in awe," Jason's mother Carol Hervin told the Times/News recently.

Hervin's big project is the vocational training center for the disabled. Something that Carol says is "sorely needed" in Sandema.

In Ghana, the disabled are shunned and don't have the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families, he noted.

Ten percent of Ghana's population is disabled, which accounts for over two million individuals. The resource center will provide the disabled skills they can then use to make a living.

His experience in Ghana has taught Jason a lot as well.

"I have probably learned about myself the most since I have been here," Hervin said in an interview. "In the Peace Corps you have a lot of time to yourself to reflect.

"I have also learned about the importance in building relationships in your community and workplace in being able to get things done," he added.

Most people would expect a large culture shock after arriving in a third world country. But Hervin didn't have that experience.

"Surprisingly I didn't get much culture shock when I got here. I think I was too excited, and ready to begin my service, that I tried to experience everything with an open mind." he said.

The biggest shock for Jason was seeing just how slow the work can be, and how long it can take to get things accomplished.

While working for the Peace Corps, Hervin experiences life just as the Africans that he is trying to help. The house that Jason lives in is made of concrete. He currently has electricity and running water, which is considered a luxury.

Hervin is a 2005 graduate of Western Washington University with a degree in business and economics. He plans on continuing his education after his return, working towards a master's degree.

But graduate school had to wait until after the Peace Corps.

"He chose to set that aside to help others in a third world country, inspirational, awe-inspiring and honorable," Carol said.