Latest update November 5th, 2024 1:00 AM
More Peace Corps volunteers descend on Guyana
The 25th group of Peace Corps Volunteers from the United States of America, upon completing a ten- week Pre-Service Training, is now prepared to venture off to their assigned sites to commence their services in the health and education sectors across seven Administrative Regions of Guyana.
During a swearing-in ceremony at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) yesterday, the group, comprising twenty-eight volunteers took the oath of allegiance to protect and defend the Constitution of their country throughout their two-year service.
Since their arrival into the country in May, the group has been involved in Pre-Service Training at Primary Schools and Health Centers in the communities of Laluni, Soesdyke, Timehri and Kuru Kururu while being accommodated by families within those communities.
With focus on technical and cross-cultural concepts, local
The volunteers take the oath of allegiance.
language and maintaining personal health, safety and security, the training was designed to provide the volunteers with the necessary practical skills to meet the needs of the communities that they will serve.
Peace Corps Country Director, Brannon Brewer, himself a former Peace Corps volunteer, urged the new batch to approach every situation and encounter with enthusiasm and open mindedness while remembering their responsibility in representing their country and displaying a positive outlook of American people.
Brewer recounted that the establishment of the US Peace Corps came with inspiration from former President John F. Kennedy in 1961 to aid in world development, a mission that came to Guyana initially in 1966 and again in 1971.
According to Thomas Pierce, United States Embassy Chargè d’ Affaires, the 25th group of volunteers brings to 630 volunteers the number to come to Guyana over the years.
He said that the Peace Corps truly reflects the strong sense of volunteerism and marks the openness and strong spirit of adventure of the participants.
While encouraging the 25th group to enjoy the natural beauty of their current environs, he reminded them of the challenges that Guyana faces. These include poverty, education gaps and an HIV/AIDS epidemic.
He said that the United States is very interested in working in partnership with Guyana to meet these challenges.
Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, also brought to the fore the deficiencies particularly in the hinterland areas of Guyana and in the riverain communities.
He acknowledged those vibrant individuals who have served in the deep hinterland areas where teacher shortages are well known, leaving their mark on our education system.
He urged those who will be serving in the education sector to make themselves available for extensive discussions on the Education Ministry’s objectives and policies, so that they are well informed to venture out in the education system in Guyana.
The group will soon be relocated to sections of Regions Two, Three, Four, Five, Six and Nine where they will commence their two-year service in the Primary Schools and selected Health Centres in those Regions.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
Fingerprinting and Finger-Pointing
…Peeping Tom Kaieteur News- No one, not even the staunchest supporters of Guyana’s electoral process, would claim... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
