Tschetter meets with Volunteers, Bulgaria’s President and Prime Minister

SOFIA, BULGARIA - Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter visited Bulgaria for the last three days and met with the President and Prime Minister of Bulgaria, as well as Peace Corps Volunteers and staff.

Director Tschetter visited the U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria John Beyrle and the President of Bulgaria, Georgi Parvanov. In his meeting with President Parvanov, Director Tschetter thanked the President for the strong relationship between Bulgaria and the Peace Corps.

President Parvanov praised the work of the Volunteers in Bulgaria and said, “I have much gratitude for the actions of the Peace Corps over the years in some very important sectors for us.” President Parvanov also discussed Bulgaria’s nascent volunteer and community service movement. “Young people all over Bulgaria are working with archeological sites in old cities without payment. The ideas of President Kennedy are vital for today,” he said.

Tschetter also visited the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Sergei Stanishev. Prime Minister Stanishev expressed his appreciation of the Peace Corps Volunteers in Bulgaria, particularly those involved in English language education programs across the country.

There are 140 Peace Corps Volunteers currently serving in Bulgaria in the areas of English education, community and organizational development, and youth development. Since 1991, over 900 Volunteers have served in Bulgaria.

Director Tschetter visited several project sites and observed Volunteers working with their Bulgarian counterparts, including Tony Dileo, a Volunteer from Scranton, Penn. who teaches English in a village school. Tschetter also met Volunteer Taylor Vaught from Trenton, MI. Vaught works with a foundation that focuses on education for Roma youth in his community. Vaught is one of many volunteers working with minority populations in Bulgaria.

To learn more about Peace Corps/Bulgaria, visit the Where Do Volunteers Go? web page.

The Peace Corps is celebrating a 46-year legacy of service at home and abroad, and a 37-year high for Volunteers in the field. Since 1961, more than 190,000 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.

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