President Dr. Thomas Boni Yayi of Benin Visits Peace Corps Headquarters



President Yayi was introduced by Africa Regional Director Henry McKoy and Deputy Director Jody Olsen. Dr. Olsen began her introduction in French and shared a story of how former Peace Corps Director Paul D. Coverdell had been an advocate for Benin, even while serving as a U.S. Senator. She noted that the former Director had been given a hat indigenous to Benin, and displayed it prominently in his Senate office. President Yayi remarked that he has heard only positive stories of the grass-roots level work of Peace Corps Volunteers. He said he hopes to build on these strong relationships and look for new programs and ways to work with Peace Corps. "American has a face in Benin that is helping my brothers and sisters," he said about the Peace Corps program.

President Dr. Thomas Boni Yayi of Benin Visits Peace Corps Headquarters

President of Benin Visits and Thanks Peace Corps

Caption: Deputy director Jody Olsen welcomes President Dr. Thomas Boni Yayi of Benin on his visit to Peace Corps Headquarters.

WASHINGTON, D.C., December 14, 2006 – On a visit to the U.S. this week, newly-elected President Dr. Thomas Boni Yayi of the Republic of Benin made a special trip to meet with Peace Corps representatives and said he is looking to expand the partnership between the Peace Corps and his country.

"On behalf of our nation, thank you for what you are doing in our country. Your integrating into Benin is an expression of love for our people," said President Yayi in Benin's official language of French.

President Yayi presents a gift of appreciation to Deputy Director Olsen.
President Yayi was introduced by Africa Regional Director Henry McKoy and Deputy Director Jody Olsen. Dr. Olsen began her introduction in French and shared a story of how former Peace Corps Director Paul D. Coverdell had been an advocate for Benin, even while serving as a U.S. Senator. She noted that the former Director had been given a hat indigenous to Benin, and displayed it prominently in his Senate office.

President Yayi remarked that he has heard only positive stories of the grass-roots level work of Peace Corps Volunteers. He said he hopes to build on these strong relationships and look for new programs and ways to work with Peace Corps.

"American has a face in Benin that is helping my brothers and sisters," he said about the Peace Corps program.

Over 1,400 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in the Republic of Benin since the program began in 1968. Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, is located in western Africa, and currently hosts 107 Volunteers. Peace Corps Volunteers in Benin are working in four of the government’s development priorities: improved quality of life for the rural population, expended educational opportunities for the masses, increased food production, and reforestation. The Volunteers strive to provide the nation with the skills and resources necessary to provide sustainable development in those important areas.

Links to Related Topics (Tags):

Headlines: December, 2006; RPCV Jody Olsen (Tunisia); Peace Corps Benin; Directory of Benin RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Benin RPCVs; Headquarters

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