DILI, 14 december 2023 (TATOLI) – Today, the new cohort of 12 American Peace Corps volunteers swore and began service to local communities in four municipalities such as Baucau, Manufahi, Manatuto, and Aileu, focusing on English education programs and community economic development over the next two years.
“We are excited to have the second group of volunteers swear in in 2023, bringing the total number of peace and crops volunteers in the country to 26,” country director of Timor-Leste, Jaime Fouss, said.
Jaime added, “Since 2002, the United States has proudly partnered with Timor-Leste to host Peace Corps volunteers to support the development of Timorese communities. Their service reflects our goal to invest in the Timorese people so that they can build a healthier, more secure, and more prosperous country.”.
Those American volunteers, Six English teacher-trainer volunteers will advance English language education at middle school and secondary schools, and six Community Economic Development (CED) volunteers will promote community economic development in collaboration with the community, youth center hospitality centers, credit unions and cooperatives, government training centers, and local NGOs.
At the swearing-in, the volunteers pledged to upload the values and principles of the Peace Corps and work tirelessly towards improving the lives of the Timorese people.
Following the ceremony, volunteers will depart immediately to their sites, where they will live with host families.
Peace Corps Timor-Leste has a long history of successful partnerships with Timor-Leste communities. Since 2002, more than 200 volunteers have served in Timor-Leste, working on projects that have impacted the lives of those they served. With the addition of this new cohort, the Peace Corps continues its commitment to supporting the people of Timor-Leste and strengthening the bond between the American and Timorese people.
An American volunteer, Andrew Kline, said, “We will go to the community level and work closely with students and rural communities on teaching and learning English. Some of us will work with NGOs to develop the economic communitarian program.”.
Kline expected that before leaving Timor-Leste in the next two years, they wanted to see sustainable change in community life. “Timorese who are working together are able to continue working and collaborate at the community level,” he concluded.
The ceremony, held at the João Paulo Conference Hall in Tasi Tolu, Dili, and attended by U.S. and Timorese government officials and partners, marks the culmination of a 10-week intensive training program that included immersive Tetum language and cultural courses, technical skills development, and health and safety training.
Journalist : José Belarmino de Sá
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
