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28 Peace corps volunteers sworn-in
(Kaieteur News) – The United States Peace Corps Guyana on Wednesday hosted the swearing-in ceremony for its 37th cohort, with 28 volunteers set to serve communities across the country.
The ceremony, held at the Theatre Guild in Kingston, Georgetown, saw 23 Peace Corps Volunteers and five Peace Corps Response Volunteers take the Peace Corps Oath, administered by United States (U.S.) Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot.
The volunteers will now begin two years of service, partnering with the Ministry of Education and communities to support development priorities in the health, education and environmental sectors while fulfilling the Peace Corps’ mission of promoting friendship, understanding and peace.
United States (U.S.) Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot (sitting center) alongside Peace Corps Guyana representatives and the 28 newly sworn-in Volunteers at the Theatre Guild on Wednesday.
Before being officially sworn in, the volunteers underwent 10 weeks of training in communities across Guyana, where they challenged themselves, learned new skills and immersed themselves in the Guyanese culture in preparation for serving alongside local communities.
Delivering the opening remarks, Peace Corps Country Director Christie Scott told the volunteers that the ceremony marked the beginning of a journey that would transform not only the communities they serve but also themselves.
“Today marks an important transition. Beginning today, you are no longer preparing to serve—you are Peace Corps Volunteers. The learning doesn’t end today; in many ways, it is just beginning,” she said.
“During the past 10 weeks, you have supported one another, persevered through uncertainty and demonstrated resilience, responsibility and determination. None of that happens by accident,” Scott added.
She urged the volunteers never to underestimate the impact of even the smallest moments during their service, noting that while such moments may never appear in reports, they would be remembered by the people whose lives they touch.
“We do not expect you to arrive at your sites with all the answers. Your communities are not expecting perfection; they are looking for someone who is dependable, curious, respectful and willing to work alongside them. Some of your greatest successes will come from the relationships you build and the consistency you bring every day,” she told the volunteers.
In her charge to the 37th cohort, Ambassador Theriot said, “To the members of GUY 37 and our Response Volunteers—you arrived at a very important moment. The bonds you will build with your communities will have an added resonance in this time of sadness.
“This will be a life-changing experience for you. You will have hard days—days when nothing goes as planned, when the gap between your intentions and your impact feels impossibly wide. And you will have days that remind you exactly why you are here. Hold onto both; they are both part of your Peace Corps experience.”
Speaking about the Peace Corps’ service in Guyana, Ambassador Theriot noted that since the organisation was established in 1961, approximately 1,132 volunteers have served in the country.
She said Peace Corps Volunteers have co-taught more than 3,000 science lessons alongside 168 teachers across Guyana.
The volunteers, she added, have also worked with the Ministry of Education to establish libraries in primary schools and have trained more than 200 teachers and students in library management.
The Ambassador also commended the host families, community counterparts and partner institutions for supporting the work of the Peace Corps.
Representing the Ministry of Education was Senior Education Officer in the Literacy Department, Donella Shamsudeen, who said the ceremony represented another meaningful step in the continued partnership between Peace Corps Guyana and the Ministry of Education.
She said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to service, education, cultural exchange and community development.
Commending the volunteers for their willingness to serve the people of Guyana, Shamsudeen said, “Over the years, Peace Corps Guyana volunteers have worked alongside our educators and community members to support literacy, numeracy, youth development, classroom engagement, reading clubs, our library initiative, community outreach and school learning support systems. These contributions have significantly strengthened the learning environment and helped learners participate more confidently in their educational journey.”
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