Peace Corps in Gambia celebrate 45th anniversary

Peace Corps residing in The Gambia, on 5 December 2011, celebrated the 45th anniversary since they started operations in The Gambia.

Speaking to reporters at the Serrekunda West Park, Heather Beggs, director of management and operations at Peace Corps-The Gambia, recalled that Peace Corps started far back in 1961, and in 1966 the Gambia government signed an agreement with the US government and that 5th of December 2011 marked their 45th anniversary in the country.

She added that Peace Corps is a way in which volunteers demonstrate all the things they do in the villages across The Gambia.

She said they have volunteers working in schools and health centres as well as doing environmental projects, working with farmers and beekeepers.

There is so much going on that probably people do not know about, she said.

According to her, the Peace Corps are working with Gambians in various fields and areas throughout the country.

The Peace Corps is an American Agency of the federal government and all their volunteers work without being paid while others have spent almost two years in working with the Gambians. 

She also reiterated their willingness to work with people of The Gambia.

Gambians and Peace Corps residing in the country are benefiting from each other’s culture, she said.

She also commended Gambians for their hospitality, saying they as Peace Corps feel so accepted and do not encounter any difficulties.

She made mention of the commitment from various government agencies towards the cause of Peace Corps and the Gambian people for their support, adding that “the schools are so receptive”.

She said they also employed Gambians who work with Peace Corps. “There are 92 volunteers working with the Gambian Peace Corps,” he said.