The new education volunteers, who would serve in the education sector are; William, Marissa, Scot, and Iyana.
They have been placed to serve in the North Bank and Central River Regions. These US volunteers had undergone eight (8) weeks of pre-service training of building capacity and promoting sustainable development.
At the swearing-in held at a training center in Kiang Massembeh, Lower River Region (LRR), Ambassdor L. Cromer reminded that the new volunteers have learned local languages and cultures and shared fully both the hardships and joys of where they live.
She said their Peace Corps Volunteers were shining examples of the spirit of volunteerism and community service, which she added, had long been a defining characteristic of American society.
She recalled that more than 1,800 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in The Gambia since the programme was established in 1967.
The US diplomat maintained that Peace Corps both signifies and facilitates true understanding and friendship between the people of The Gambia and the United States of America.
Siiri Morley, Peace Corps country director, expressed appreciation to the government of The Gambia and the US Embassy and the communities for being an important part of their work.
The Country Director said the Peace Corps' founding mission of promoting world peace and friendship among all countries remains as relevant as ever.
She pointed out that the ideals of Peace Corps were timeless and they were proud to be working in partnership with the Gambian government.
Professor Pierre Gomez, minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, while congratulating the new Peace Corps volunteers for their efforts, reminded them of their active roles in the communities.
Prof Gomez acknowledged that the Peace Corps education project continued to improve early literacy and numeracy through the capacity building of teachers to enhance teaching and constantly learning how to assist pupils and students align perfectly with the MoBSE scheme towards achieving fundamental learning outcomes.
He said that they are aware of the education sustainable goal the country is committed to achieving, pointing out that there is no doubt that the Peace Corps project was relevant in addressing the priorities of ministries and the Gambia government.
Minister Gomez thus encouraged the newly sworn-in volunteers to support and reinforce positive practices and provide advice or timely intervention to address any weaknesses
He assured them of the government and his ministry’s continuous commitment to maintaining their fruitful partnership despite any challenges.
