New Peace Corps Volunteers Sworn In, Marking a Milestone in U.S.-Sierra Leone Partnership
Today marked a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between the Peace Corps and Sierra Leone, as four education volunteers and two health volunteers were officially sworn in during a ceremony at the Kambia Training Site. This event not only celebrated the culmination of 10 weeks of rigorous training but also underscored the profound and enduring impact of the Peace Corps on Sierra Leone’s development over the past six decades.
A Legacy of Service and Progress
The ceremony, held amidst much anticipation and pride, reflected the deep-rooted relationship between the United States and Sierra Leone. Since its inception in 1962, the Peace Corps has been a pillar of support for Sierra Leone, with over 3,900 American volunteers serving in various capacities across the country. These volunteers have contributed to numerous sectors, including education, health, agriculture, and community development, leaving a lasting legacy of service and progress.
Celebrating the Role of the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, who lauded the Peace Corps for being a “cornerstone of our nation’s progress.” He highlighted the significant contributions made by Peace Corps volunteers in education, literacy, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and public health, areas that are crucial to Sierra Leone’s continued development. “Their work has empowered countless young minds and strengthened our communities,” Sackey stated, acknowledging the volunteers’ role in advancing educational and health outcomes across the country.
U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt, delivered a heartfelt address, emphasizing the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that have been forged between the United States and Sierra Leone through the Peace Corps. He noted the remarkable impact of the volunteers, whose efforts have touched the lives of countless Sierra Leoneans over the years. “The Peace Corps embodies the spirit of partnership and service that is at the heart of our bilateral relationship,” Ambassador Hunt remarked. He reaffirmed the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development and praised the volunteers for their dedication and resilience in facing the challenges of their assignments.
Community Support and Future Aspirations
Peace Corps Country Director Natalie Gill-Mensah expressed deep gratitude to the Kambia community and the homestay families who played a vital role in the training of the new volunteers. She commended the community for their warm hospitality and the volunteers for their unwavering commitment to the Peace Corps mission. “Your dedication to learning, your resilience in the face of challenges, and your passion for service have brought you to this moment,” Gill-Mensah said, addressing the newly sworn-in volunteers. She also highlighted the importance of community engagement in the success of the Peace Corps’ programs, noting that the support from local communities is essential to the volunteers’ work and the positive outcomes they achieve.
Zainu Deen Sanusi, Director of Multilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the Peace Corps back to Sierra Leone after an 11-year hiatus, following the outbreak of Ebola in 2014 which had necessitated a temporary suspension of the program. Sanusi highlighted the vital role that Peace Corps volunteers have played in shaping Sierra Leone’s future, particularly in promoting peace and development in rural communities. “The return of the Peace Corps signifies not just a continuation but a renewal of our partnership, with fresh energy and new opportunities for collaboration,” Sanusi remarked, expressing optimism about the future contributions of the newly sworn-in volunteers.
Looking Forward: Continuing a Legacy of Service
As the ceremony concluded, the new volunteers were filled with a sense of pride and responsibility as they prepared to embark on their assignments in various parts of Sierra Leone. Their work will continue the Peace Corps’ long tradition of fostering cross-cultural exchange, promoting sustainable development, and empowering local communities.
This new cohort of volunteers is expected to build on the legacy of their predecessors, working in close collaboration with Sierra Leonean counterparts to address the country’s educational and healthcare challenges. Their efforts will not only contribute to the immediate needs of the communities they serve but will also play a part in shaping the broader trajectory of Sierra Leone’s development.
As they take up their roles, the newly inducted Peace Corps volunteers carry forward a shared vision of peace, friendship, and service—a vision that has united the people of the United States and Sierra Leone for over sixty years and will continue to do so in the years to come.
