25 new US peace corps volunteers sworn-in

TANGA: TWENTY five Americans were sworn in as Peace Corps Volunteers in Tanga Region on Thursday, to begin their service in Tanzania.

US Ambassador to Tanzania, Michael Battle and Peace Corps Tanzania Country Director Stephanie Joseph de Goes presided over the swearing in ceremony.

Continuing the legacy of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and John F. Kennedy’s commitment to world peace and friendship, the 25 volunteers joined a cadre of over 3,200 men and women who served in Tanzania since the programme’s debut in 1961.

After 12 weeks of intensive Kiswahili language, intercultural competence, safety and security, health and technical training to adapt and transfer skills to local communities, the new volunteers are ready to begin work in their sites in Dodoma, Iringa, Kilimanjaro and Njombe regions, as well as Zanzibar.

The volunteers will live and work in communities for two years in the areas of secondary education in Math and Science, community health and sustainable agriculture, including the promotion of climate resilience.

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In his address before administering the oath to the new volunteers, Ambassador Battle told them, “The work you do here alongside our Tanzanian friends and neighbours can change lives. Dream big but remember not to dream alone. Let your communities guide you in understanding their priorities and needs and work together to create sustainable solutions.

This is the heart of the Peace Corps’ mission: development centred around community.” Peace Corps Tanzania Country Director Stephanie Joseph de Goes stated, “Today, we stand on the foundation of a partnership that began over sixty years ago…What makes Peace Corps extraordinary is how we approach development: Rooted in people, built on relationships and driven by the needs and aspirations of communities…To our Tanzanian government partners, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your support, collaboration and trust are what allow Peace Corps to serve effectively across this beautiful country.”