US Envoy Swears In 47 Volunteers

The US Ambassador to Tanzania Alfonso Lenhardt has sworn in 47 Peace Corps volunteers for a two-year service in Tanzania.

The swearing-in ceremony took place at the ambassador’s residence in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

The American volunteers who will work in the education field will be stationed in Kiteto, Lushoto, Singida Rural, Kyela, Hanang, Muheza, Same, Ruangwa, Mbarali, Chamwino, Kondoa, Rombo, Mbeya Rural, Newala, Karatu, Masasi, Mbinga, Rungwe, Iramba, Mufindi , Iringa Rural, Mbeya Urban, Kongwa, Babati, Moshi Rural, Hai, Mkinga, Mtwara rural, Korogwe, Micheweni, Monduli and Njombe districts.

Lenhardt said he is always inspired during his travels throughout the country each time he meets Peace Corps Volunteers, and see firsthand their service to so many communities.

“Peace Corps volunteers are American envoys of goodwill and friendship. They serve as emissaries who promote cross-cultural understanding while they provide much needed skills and training. But they do much more than that,” he stressed adding: “They live with Tanzanians, learn their customs, speak Kiswahili, volunteer to harvest the land alongside farmers, and share meals with families. And to these families, I say thank you for welcoming America's sons and daughters into your homes and communities. The Peace Corps demonstrates the United States' priority to serve the people of Tanzania."

Addressing the volunteers, the Ambassador said they are supposed to be the face of America to many people.

“It is an honour, an opportunity and a responsibility, to represent the United States and the American people. With your service, you do us all proud," he noted.

The chief guest, George Yambesi Permanent Secretary, President’s Office, Public Service Management, thanked the American people for the support offered by Peace Corps volunteers in Tanzania.

He recalled the partnership between former presidents John F. Kennedy and Mwalimu Julius Nyerere which introduced the Peace Corps to Tanzania.

The Peace Corps which is a US government agency, was founded in 1961 by President Kennedy. It today supports over 7,000 volunteers in more than 70 countries.

Over 2,500 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in Tanzania since 1962, working with communities in the fields of secondary education (math, science and English), health promotion, and environmental education.

The volunteers offer assistance and training on environmental education, including land degradation, preserving water catchments, soil conservation and implementation of agro-forestry techniques and emphasizing partnership with women and youth. The Volunteers also offer bio-intensive gardens to promote household food security as well as a variety of income generating activities.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN