Thirty– nine Peace Corps volunteer have been sworn-in yesterday what they said in honor President Bush’s legacy of service.
In her key note address Dr. Isatou Touray commented “Over the five decades that the Peace Corps has been in this country, our partnership has steadily grown stronger and has been flexible enough to accommodate The Gambia’s ever-changing developmental needs and challenges.”
The new volunteers come from all corners of the United States. Prior to their swear-in, the Volunteers attended a two-month long, intensive pre-service training program. The volunteers lived with host families to gain insight into Gambian culture.
They also learned to speak the language of their future work site. The Volunteers demonstrated their mastery of the language during the swearing-in ceremony by addressing the audience in Wolof, Mandinka, Pulaar, Jolla, and English.
The volunteers will spend two years working in rural communities throughout the Gambia where they will work with extension staff and community members.
They will act as educators, catalysts, and change agents. Volunteers working in the Health section will address multiple public health needs including awareness of communicable diseases and water sanitation and hygiene.
Agriculture sector Volunteers will address food security and production as well as environmental protection.
Peace Corps’ operational model is unique. Volunteers live and work in communities, and help build capacity while promoting better mutual understanding. More than 1,800 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in The Gambia since the program was established in 1967.