A new batch of Peace Corps volunteers from the United States of America was sworn in Friday, at a ceremony held at the residence of the American Ambassador in Fajara. In his remarks, the US Ambassador to The Gambia, Joseph D. Stafford, said Peace Corps volunteers were introduced by the US Department of State in the 1960s with the aim of promoting better understanding between the United States and other countries in the developing world. He said that Peace Corps volunteers have played important roles in the Gambia’s education sector.

Mr Stafford used the occasion to commend Peace Corps collaborators like FAWEGAM, Action Aid, and tertiary institutions for their support to the organisation and urged them to continue the laudable gesture.

The Permanent Secretary Department of State for Education, Kunkung Jobarteh, said that the education department has been collaborating with the Peace Corps in the areas of Science and Technology. He said the volunteers were very instrumental in the development of education in The Gambia, citing the development of computer labs in schools, the setting up of libraries as well as the development of science in schools in the country. The Peace Corps Country Director, Dr Diana Sloane, advised volunteers to be persistent, patient and work for tangible outcome.

Speaking earlier, the Associate Peace Corps Director for Education, Mrs Yamai Secka-Jack, said the volunteers have received pre-service community-based training which, she said, exposed them to skills and values that would help them to live in the Gambian community.