As
the Peace Corps marked 50th anniversary of engagement in The Gambia, it is
difficult to quantify the effect that it has on the country, but without doubt
its volunteers have made their marks in all areas and initiative that they
worked.
The
first Peace Corps Volunteers arrived in The Gambia at the invitation of the
Gambian government in September 1967. They worked in skilled trades as
mechanics, engineers, and carpenters, and they organised village cooperatives.
Now,
with 50 years of continuous activity, over 1,800 Peace Corps Volunteers have
served in The Gambia working with their communities on projects in agriculture,
education, and health.
In
all manner of work and life, the volunteers work in partnership with the
people, mainly the local communities, to empower individuals and communities,
build capacity, and promote cross-cultural understanding.
The
engagement of Peace Corps Volunteers has positively touched almost every facet,
every area of endeavour in The Gambia: helping in advocacy, poverty reduction
initiatives, improving agricultural productivity, building the capacity of
teachers and promoting improved teaching methods, helping address the health
concerns, promotion gender equality in access to quality education and
empowering girls and women to succeed in all spheres of life, and engaging in
food security activities.
Peace
Corps has, over the years, significantly complemented government’s efforts in
mitigating the challenges in some of the keep sectors such as health, education
and agriculture and they continue to do so.
Based
on the tradition of selfless service, volunteers put the lives, welfare and at
times, security of others before their very own. The have integrated well in our communities,
taking up local names and speaking their languages, which is a clear indication
of integration to belong in the communities.
This is indeed heart-touching.
We
salute their courage, admire their determination and applaud their
service. Through their relentless and
selfless service, we thank them and the government of America for its
investment in our people, the people of The Gambia, especially the youth.
There
probably might have been some tense moments in the 50 years of engagement, but
the Peace Corps has remained steadfast and its volunteers have honourably upheld
its tradition of selfless service to The Gambia.
“The
Peace Corps is an outstanding organization that promotes peace through helping
countless individuals who want to help build a better life for the community in
which they serve”
Solomon
Ortiz
