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The newly sworn-in Peace Corps Volunteers pose for a group photo with dignitaries attending the ceremony.
Peace Corps Director Swears in "Cambodia One" Volunteers
National Institute of Education, Phnom Penh
April 04, 2007
In a recent ceremony attended by more than 300 Cambodian host family members, Cambodian government officials, and U.S. Embassy representatives, Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter swore in Cambodia's first ever group of Peace Corps Volunteers. The 29 newly minted Volunteers arrived in Cambodia on February 2, 2007 to undergo an intensive training program in the Khmer language, cross-cultural awareness, and technical skills related to their community development responsibilities.
Peace Corps Cambodia is launching its program in Cambodia with English as a foreign language project. Volunteers will teach English at the upper secondary level and support teachers in Cambodian provinces and districts to improve their English language and English teaching skills. The scope of the Volunteers’ work, however, will not be limited to classroom teaching. Volunteers will also collaborate with community groups and individuals to develop sustainable community activities to enhance the quality of life for Cambodians in the communities where they serve. Immediately after the swearing-in ceremony, the Volunteers began to fan out across Cambodia to the provinces of Kampong Cham, Prey Veng, Svay Rieng, Takeo, Kampot, Battambang and Siem Reap.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter stated, "I believe that Peace Corps’ program in Cambodia will open new opportunities for future generations of Cambodians." He continued, "I am confident that the Volunteers we honor here today will exceed our high expectations and carry out the finest traditions of the Peace Corps. They are not only trained professionals, but they are dedicated Americans who share in common a spirit of service and a commitment to make a difference in the lives of the citizens of Cambodia, especially the children and the teachers in their communities."
"What a great day. We have been waiting a long time for this day. In fact some of us think this day is 46 years overdue!" is how U.S. Ambassador Joseph A. Mussomeli opened his remarks. He also added, "Relations between the people of Cambodia and the people of America could not be closer. And Peace Corps is all about relations between people. Bringing Peace Corps to Cambodia is a way for the American people to say they are committed to the Cambodian people."
The Peace Corps is celebrating a 45-year legacy of service in the U.S. and abroad. Since 1961, more than 187,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries where Volunteers have served. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.