33 Peace Corps volunteers sworn in to serve Guyana
Thirty-three new Peace Corps volunteers were on Wednesday sworn in by the United States of America Ambassador to Guyana, Perry Holloway after two and a half months of training.
Throughout the weeks, they were stationed in the Essequibo Islands to complete a training exercise with youths in the areas of education, health and well-being, and environmental development.
The ceremony is the 31st of its kind and was conducted at the Ambassador’s residence in the presence of Government Ministers, First Lady Sandra Granger, and Chief Education Officer (CEO) Marcel Hutson.
After taking the oath which was administered by the Ambassador, the volunteers were briefed on some of the work which they will be involved in during their stay in
Front row from left: Peace Corps Guyana Director of Programming and Training, Melanie Ingalls; US Ambassador Perry Holloway; Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence; Public Affairs Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams; Chief Education Officer Marcel Hutson and Peace Corps Guyana Country Director Wendy Hershberger along with the new volunteers
eight of the 10 regions under a rotation system.
For the next two years, the volunteers will reside with Guyanese citizens in the respective regions where they will serve.
In her remarks, Public Affairs Minister Dawn Hastings-Williams applauded the new volunteers for successfully completing the training. She explained that the work which has been done by the volunteers was important to the development of youths across the nation.
“The Government of Guyana recognises the value of volunteerism. The volunteers of the Peace Corps are shining examples for our nation and especially our youths. During your service, you will be working with teachers and students to teach science effectively, stimulate the love of nature and empower our youth to be leaders in environmental protection and enhancement.”
Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence also shared similar sentiments, adding that the volunteers be supported throughout their service to Guyana.
“I am convinced that over an extended period of time, your intervention with the schools coupled with your interaction with parents and health-care workers will certainly impact significantly the choices our youths make,” the Public Health Minister stated.
The Peace Corps was created in March of 1961 by President John F Kennedy to provide human resource and technical assistance to developing countries. The Peace Corps was first active in Guyana from 1966-1971, and later returned in 1995 at the invitation of then President, Dr Cheddi Jagan.
