Despite the Political Crisis, Peace Corps swears in 29 New Volunteers in Madagascar

Even as the political crisis continues in Madagascar, the United States continues to invest in the future.  Peace Corps Volunteers have continued to arrive to the country during the last three years, working in some of the poorest and most remote regions.  Twenty nine new Volunteers were sworn in by American Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Eric Wong today at the Peace Corps Training Center in Mantasoa.  The head of the United States Embassy said that they represented hope for the future of Madagascar.

“Peace Corps represents the potential of humanity,” said Charge d’Affaires Eric Wong after he sworn in the new Volunteers.  “If we all give something back and contribute to our communities, there is no limit to what we can achieve.  This is an American ideal, one on which Peace Corps is based and which each of you can share through your work.”

These Volunteers will work to help protect Madagascar’s unique biodiversity and to promote small business.  Fifteen Volunteers will work in communities that have requested assistance with addressing environmental issues, while fourteen will develop small enterprises with local organizations.  All of the Volunteers completed a three month training program in Mantasoa, which included Malagasy language courses, medical and safety preparation, along with technical training in their fields.

The new group of brings the total number of Peace Corps Volunteers to 143.  Peace Corps/Madagascar volunteers serve in education, community enterprise development, environment, and health sectors.  They spend two years living in working in some of the poorest and most remote areas of the country.  They develop projects jointly with their communities to address issues in their area of focus.

 Over 900 Volunteers have served in Madagascar since the program was established in 1993. Nearly 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries.

Many of these Volunteers continue to live in work in the countries where they served long after their service.  In Madagascar, there currently are over 50 former or Returned Peace Corps Volunteers working with various development and private-sector organizations.   The next group of 30 volunteers, who will serve as English education teachers, will arrive in July 2012.