The volunteers, known as the Micro-77 Batch, were sworn in by American Ambassador to Palau Helen Reed-Rowe in a swearing-in ceremony held at the Ngirngemelas Square in Ngiwal State.
The event was also attended by Palau President Johnson Toribiong, Ministry of Education (MOE) Director Emery Wenty, Paramount Chief Reklai, and faculty and staff of the Ngiwal Elementary School.
The swearing-in ceremony marked the official end of the trainees’ five-week training program. During this time, they were immersed in Palauan language training, cross-cultural study and technical skills training.
In his speech, Pres. Toribiong congratulated the new volunteers and lauded them for their willingness to serve the people of the island republic.
“In behalf of the government and people of Palau, I would like to congratulate, to wish you all the best in the years to come. You are the best ambassadors that your country can offer,” he stressed.
Volunteer Lauren Truss said the new volunteers are assigned to the education sector and will teach in different elementary and high schools in Palau.
She identified these schools as the Palau High School, Airai Elementary School, Ngchesar Elementary School, Bethania High School, Melekeok Elementary School, Ibobong High School, Ngaraard Elementary School and Ngarchelong Elementary School.
“They will be teaching the English subject,” she disclosed.
Truss added that the volunteers will be staying at host families’ homes for the duration of their two-year service in this island republic.
Approximately more than a thousand Peace Corps volunteers have served in Palau since 1966. Peace Corps volunteers in Palau work on projects in the areas of education, agriculture, science and fisheries.
Currently, there are 14 Peace Corps volunteers working in Palau.
The Peace Corps is an American volunteer program run by the United States Government, as well as a government agency of the same name. The mission of the Peace Corps includes three goals: providing technical assistance, helping people outside the United States understand U.S. culture, and helping Americans understand the cultures of other countries.
Peace Corps volunteers must be US citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.
Since its founding in 1961, nearly 20, 000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps, working in such diverse fields as education, health, HIV/AIDS education and awareness, information technology, business development, the environment and agriculture.
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