Peace Corps Graduation from Poland
In June, the United States Peace Corps in Poland will complete its programs that began in September 1990, after the singing of the country-to-country agreement establishing the program on February 20, of that year. Over an eleven-year period, more than 950 Peace Corps Volunteers served in communities throughout Poland, in programs that focused on English education, environmental education and protection and the development of small business. The Peace Corps' Small Business Development program completed work and ceased its operations in 1997. The English Education and Environment Program will close at the end of June 2001.
The Peace Corps opened in almost 15 countries in Central and Eastern Europe in the early 1990's. It had been known from the start of the Peace Corps' association in Poland, as in many of these countries, that its assistance would be temporary. The closure of the program in Poland comes after extensive annual reviews of the development of Poland and the continuing ability of the Peace Corps to effectively meet communities' needs. Due to the tremendous progress in Poland, Peace Corps Volunteers were able to achieve the goals established with the respective Ministries, through their work with Polish schools and organizations.
The Peace Corps was established by executive order of United States President John F. Kennedy on March 1, 1961. Its longstanding mission is to promote world peace and mutual understanding and to offer trained men and women to countries in need. Over 7000 Peace Corps Volunteers currently serve in nearly 80 countries worldwide. Other programs supported by the Peace Corps address local needs including health, agriculture and forestry.
On June 8, 2001, United States Ambassador, Christopher Hill will host a closing ceremony and reception for the United States Peace Corps Volunteer Program in Poland. The event will be start at 1 PM at the Ambassador's Residence in Warsaw. Peace Corps Volunteers and Staff will be available for interviews approximately 2-4 PM at the Residence.
The ceremony will be attended by representatives of the US Embassy and Peace Corps Poland. Attending will be Acting Director of the Peace Corps in Washington, Charles Baquet, III, Roberto Coquis, Special Assistant to the Director and White House Liaison and Ellen Paquette, Director for the Europe, Mediterranean, and Asia Region of the Peace Corps. Nearly 70 former Peace Corps Volunteers will return to Poland to join the 61 remaining Volunteers to honor the occasion. A number of high-ranking representatives in the Government of Poland have been invited.
Please confirm your intent to attend the ceremony and reception by calling the US Embassy Public Affairs Section at 628-3041, extension 2088.
