The
United States Peace Corps in The Gambia on Wednesday 4 December 2019 swore-in
44 new Agriculture and Health Volunteers, the largest batch to undertake the
mission in the past two decades.
The
volunteers took an oath of Service, administered by the United States
ambassador to The Gambia, Carl R. Paschall at his residence in Fajara.
The
swearing-in was the culmination of a two-month intensive, pre-service training
programme.
The
volunteers will spend two years working in rural communities throughout The
Gambia. Health volunteers will address multiple public health needs, including
raising awareness on communicable diseases, water sanitation and hygiene while
Agriculture volunteers will take part in activities designed to address food
security, production as well as environmental protection.
Since
1967, over 1,900 volunteers have served in The Smiling Coast. Currently over
100 volunteers are serving throughout the country. Former U.S. President John
F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps on the simple principle that one person
can make a difference in the world, and that the people-to-people approach is
the best way to promote world peace, understanding, and friendship.
Addressing
the volunteers, Ambassador Paschall said
the spirit of volunteerism and community service has long been a defining
characteristic of American society – “since our country’s founding, volunteer
work has helped improve people’s lives, unite our communities and strengthen
our democracy.”
“Through
your actions and attitudes, your service and your kindness to others, you will
show that Americans care deeply about Gambians and are invested in working
side-by-side with them for the long term,” he told volunteers.” “You will make
clear in a tangible way how much we respect and cherish our relationship with
the people of The Gambia”.
In
his keynote address on behalf of the minister of Agriculture, Dr. Saikou
Sanyang said the priorities of the Agriculture sector have during the decade
been redirected to focus on achieving sustainable levels of food security at
household and national levels.
He added that President Adama Barrow is
personally committed to ensuring household food security and improved
agricultural productivity throughout the country.
Megan
Wilson, Peace Corps The Gambia country director, commended volunteers for
taking a decision she said will not only change the lives of people they work
with, but also their own.
She
also told them that over the next two years they would be challenged and tested
in ways yet unimaginable to them.
