13th September 2013
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony also attended by former Peace Corps and officials from partner agencies, Ambassador Lenhardt urged the volunteers to be good envoys of the US and commit themselves to educating students and sharing cultural values by integrating with the community in the districts they will be posted.
He said the Peace Corps volunteers will teach side by side with their Tanzanian colleagues, set up after school clubs, and engage with the families, neighbors and friends of their students. He said the US was committed to support Tanzania in many fields ranging from education to health sector.
“It will be your honour and responsibility to represent the United States and its people. I am confident you will do us all proud,” he said.
He added: “Throughout my travels in Tanzania, I have witnessed firsthand commitment, intellect, and energy as well as the significant impact of their service in the communities where they live and work. These volunteers are America’s frontline envoys of goodwill and friendship,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Education and vocational training Dr Shukuru Kawambwa, the commissioner for education Prof Eustela Bhalalusesa thanked the American people for the support offered through Peace Corps volunteers in Tanzania.
She said that Peace Corps volunteers would offer appropriate tools of addressing different challenges facing the education sector in Tanzania.
She urged the Peace Corps to turn the challenges they will face in their respective stations into opportunities saying the government was behind them and would accord them any support they would need in their course of working in the country.
Earlier, introducing the Peace Corps volunteers, the Country Director Dr. Elizabeth O’Malley urged the volunteers to live, learn and share knowledge and skills with the students as they teach in their respective schools.
She said the volunteers would be stationed in different secondary schools located in the districts of Masasi, Lushoto, Kilwa, Hanang, Rungwe, Same, Ruangwa, Bahi, Kondoa, Newala, Lindi, Mbinga, Iramba and Mufindi.
Other stations include Iringa rural, Mbeya urban, Mbeya rural, Kongwa, Mwanga, Moshi urban, Mkinga, Wete, Singida urban, Unguja, Monduli and Njombe districts.
SOURCE:
THE GUARDIAN
