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In a ceremony held on september 27th, 9 Peace Corps volunteers reaffirmed their commitment to service, marking the formal resumption of Peace Corps operations in El Salvador. Previously, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to inaugurate the administrative headquarters where the Peace Corps will be located in El Salvador. The return of the Peace Corps marks an important milestone in bilateral relations, after more than six years of pause in operations.
During the event, the volunteers renewed their vows and reaffirmed their commitment to complete a year of service in the country. They pledged to work alongside members of the salvadoran communities where they will be assigned to promote sustainable development and strengthen cooperative ties between the United States and El Salvador.
These 9 Peace Corps Volunteers have already completed two years of service in various countries in Latin America or Africa and decided to extend their service for another year. During their stay in El Salvador, they work in the areas of youth development and community economic development and will work closely with Peace Corps staff to finalize the establishment of all work programs.
Since 1962, more than 2,300 Peace Corps volunteers have worked in villages and communities in 14 departments of El Salvador. Volunteers carried out various projects based on public health, agriculture, community economic development and youth development.
The ceremony was led by U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador, William H. Duncan; Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Mauricio Pineda; and Peace Corps worldwide director, Carol Spahn.
In his remarks, Ambassador Duncan stressed the importance of this new phase: “Peace Corps volunteers are known around the world for their direct work in communities. They work alongside the people of their communities to promote projects that reflect their needs and aspirations, and the community welcomes and adopts them as part of their family.
Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn expressed her satisfaction with the return of the program, noting the dedication of the new volunteers and their key role in strengthening the community in community economic development and youth development.
The reaffirmation of this commitment by the volunteers marks the beginning of a new phase for the Peace Corps in El Salvador, reaffirming the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries with an eye toward building growth.
This moment in history demands boldness, and I know that you have it within you, because if you did not, you would not be here today.
Although more than 2,300 Volunteers have worked in El Salvador over the past 60 years, you are the first to return since the global pandemic. Today’s world is not the world of 2020, let alone 2016, the last time Volunteers had the privilege of calling El Salvador home. But with the solid foundation laid by those who came before you, you have the opportunity to chart your own paths and set the course for all who come after you.
Again, congratulations and thank you for taking on this exciting new opportunity. I can’t wait to hear your stories and see all that you will accomplish as you help strengthen the ties between our two countries and create opportunities for young salvadorans in this beautiful nation.
