Peace Corps Online Game Given Silver Award

Washington, D.C. - The Peace Corps Challenge, an online game and educational tool was recently awarded a Silver Award from W3 Awards 2008. The game was judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA), and honored for its excellence and creativity.

The game can be viewed here on the Peace Corps website: http://www.peacecorps.gov/kids/.

Created by ThreeSpot Media, the Peace Corps Challenge gives children the opportunity to explore a simulated version of life as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Children interact online with the people of "Wanzuzu," and work with the villagers to solve problems as Peace Corps Volunteers similar to actual Peace Corps Volunteers in the field. The game has proven popular with adults too.

Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter said of the award, "I am very proud of the work done by our communications department and the World Wise Schools program to create an award-winning game that is engaging to young children. The Peace Corps Challenge is already being used in classrooms, and is a great way to teach children about development issues, and give them an idea of what it's like to be a Peace Corps Volunteer overseas."

"We were amazed at the caliber and quality of work received this year," said Linda Day, the director of the IAVA. "Our winners continue to push the envelope of internet creativity and web design, and it is gratifying to see such great work from the smallest agencies to the biggest firms. On behalf of The International Academy of the Visual Arts, we are honored to recognize our winners as they continue to set a high standard of excellence for Web development."

The W3 Awards are the first major web competition made accessible to government agencies, small firms, and international bodies. The Peace Corps Challenge was chosen out of over 3,000 website, web advertising and web video entries to receive the award. The W3 Awards are judged by the IAVA, a body of top professionals in media and advertising, whose members include executives from Disney and Yahoo!.

The Peace Corps Challenge was submitted under the children’s category and government category. Categories may have multiple winners to maintain excellence of submitted entries. Less than 10% of the entries are selected as Gold or Silver Winners.

In May, the Peace Corps Teen Site was also honored with a "Webby Award" for Best Government Website.

As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Historically, over 195,000 Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries in which they have served. Applications to serve in the Peace Corps have increased 16 percent this past year, the largest boost in the last 5 years. Currently, 7,876 Peace Corps Volunteers are serving in 76 countries. 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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