Says Acting Director

After so many years of productive and constructive partnership with The Gambia, the Peace Corps plans to celebrate next year the 40th anniversary of its existence in the country.

This was disclosed by Yamai Secka Jack, Acting Country Director of Peace Corps affairs in The Gambia at a swearing-in ceremony of 22 peace corps volunteers held recently at the American Ambassador’s residence on 18 Atlantic Road, Fajara.

According to Mrs Secka Jack, over the years, Peace Corps has been The Gambia’s partner in development, adding that it had responded to the changing needs of the country and has continued to do so.

“I have been closely monitoring how our programmes have been able to better respond to the needs of the Gambian people, and have expanded in number of volunteers serving the areas we work in and the quality of work done,” she added.

Madam Jack added that, based on emerging needs, the continuous support from the government counterparts and other development partners, the activities of volunteers have increased immensely.

Furthermore, she said volunteers are now more focused in their work as they work within well planned projects and join Peace Corps with better academic qualifications, work experience and are thereby better prepared for service.

Madam Director noted that, the main environmental challenges facing the Gambia is deforestation , adding that Peace Corps is helping in the alleviation of this problem through “ The National All School Nursery Competition” she said.

She added that , this is a cross sectoral activity that all volunteers and counter-parts can participate , so as to complete efforts. She said that thousands of trees would be planted and most of them will survive due to the competitive nature of the project, she said.

Madam Jack further underscored the importance of the project, as all of the fruit and ornamental trees that survive will be given to schools and community members free of charge, adding that of course, there are numerous other projects that volunteers will work on during their service.

She said that ,” These contribution´s you make to the Gambia’s development will make a difference, in terms of slowing down global warming and overall creation of a better living environment.”

She finally urged the new environment Peace Corps volunteers that ,” As you go on to serve your two year tenure, always bear in mind the Peace Corps’ mission, to promote world peace and understanding through technical assistance throughout the world,” she noted.