WASHINGTON, D.C., July 22, 2003 – Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez announced today that Peace Corps volunteers would return to Jordan as early as January 2004. The program was suspended in November 2002 due to security concerns in the Middle East. The situation has recently been reassessed and determined safe for the return of Peace Corps volunteers.

Director Vasquez went to Jordan in December 2002 to meet with and thank His Majesty King Abdullah II for his support of the Peace Corps and his continued dedication to the work of volunteers in Jordan.

“We are extremely excited about returning volunteers to Jordan. The Jordanian government is extremely supportive of the Peace Corps, and they have been instrumental in the timeliness of Peace Corps’ return to their country, “ stated Director Vasquez.

Peace Corps began service in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1997. Since then, 216 volunteers have worked in the areas of community development initiatives, micro-enterprise development for women, environmental management and awareness, and teaching English as a foreign language. Volunteers in Jordan also participate in special education programs that support hearing and visually impaired students.

Since 1961, more than 168,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps, working in such diverse fields as education, health and HIV/AIDS education, information technology, business development, the environment, and agriculture. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.

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