By: Saidu Jalloh
The United States of America Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan Hunt has on the 9th of August, 2024, sworn in six new Peace Corps volunteers at the peace training center in Kambia.
The swear-in ceremony was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Basic, Senior and Secondary Education and Ministry of Fire Affairs in addition to local dignitaries.
In the press release, the US Embassy stated that the new volunteers completed ten weeks of Krio Language, technical and cultural training to prepare for two of service in health and education across three districts.
They expressed that the volunteers would live alongside communities, often in rural areas, as they would work with local counterparts in primary and secondary schools and local health programs.
US Embassy also added that the Peace Corps program worked in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone and local communities when deciding on work locations and program focuses for volunteers.
Ambassador Hunt also underscored that the United States Government was honored to have a Peace Corps program there, and these volunteers were joining the ranks of 3,000 Peace Corps volunteers who had served in Sierra Leone and were becoming part of a legacy of dedication and service.
They concluded that Sierra Leone and U. S Governments signed a memorandum of understanding in 1962, authorizing the US Peace Corps to serve in Sierra Leone, and since then, every year for 62 years.
Sierra Leone has welcomed volunteers who come to contribute to the development of the country and foster mutual understanding between the Americans and Sierra Leoneans.
