2010.05.11: Peace Corps to Open a New Program in Colombia after Thirty Years Absence

Peace Corps Online: Directory: Colombia: Peace Corps Colombia : Peace Corps Colombia: Newest Stories: 2010.05.11: Peace Corps to Open a New Program in Colombia after Thirty Years Absence

By Admin1 (admin) (98.188.147.225) on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - 12:24 pm: Edit Post

Peace Corps to Open a New Program in Colombia after Thirty Years Absence

Peace Corps to Open a New Program in Colombia after Thirty Years Absence

In 2009, following the invitation from the government of Colombia, Peace Corps conducted an assessment of programming possibilities, compelling educational needs, security conditions, local initiatives, and a potential time frame for implementation. "The return of the Peace Corps to Colombia marks a sign of our deep, long-standing bonds and Colombia's continued progress in delivering security to its people, said U.S. Ambassador to Colombia William Brownfield. "From the time that Peace Corps volunteers stood beside Gabriel Garcia Marquez and the literary circle of The Cava in Barranquilla to today the presence of Americans teaching English to Colombians promotes a better understanding of each other's cultures and the democratic values we share. Improved English skills will, in turn, better Colombians economic and educational opportunities allowing them to compete in a globalized world."

Peace Corps to Open a New Program in Colombia after Thirty Years Absence

Peace Corps to Open a New Program in Colombia

Caption: Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaime Bermúdez (right) and Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams sign an Understanding to establish a Peace Corps program in Colombia..

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 11, 2010 – Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaime Bermúdez and Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams met Tuesday morning to sign an Understanding to establish a Peace Corps program in Colombia. Colombian Ambassador to the United States Carolina Barco hosted Bermúdez and Williams at the Colombian Embassy in Washington, D.C. for the signing.

Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Jaime Bermúdez (right) and Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams sign an Understanding to establish a Peace Corps program in Colombia.

"We are honored that the government of Colombia has invited Peace Corps to establish a program in Colombia," said Williams. "It has been nearly 50 years since President Kennedy established the Peace Corps, and although times have changed, our mission to promote world peace and friendship has not. This Peace Corps program will encourage Americans and Colombians to work side by side on Colombia's education initiatives, with a focus on youth development in local communities."

In 2009, following the invitation from the government of Colombia, Peace Corps conducted an assessment of programming possibilities, compelling educational needs, security conditions, local initiatives, and a potential time frame for implementation.

"The return of the Peace Corps to Colombia marks a sign of our deep, long-standing bonds and Colombia's continued progress in delivering security to its people, said U.S. Ambassador to Colombia William Brownfield. "From the time that Peace Corps volunteers stood beside Gabriel Garcia Marquez and the literary circle of The Cava in Barranquilla to today the presence of Americans teaching English to Colombians promotes a better understanding of each other's cultures and the democratic values we share. Improved English skills will, in turn, better Colombians economic and educational opportunities allowing them to compete in a globalized world."

The first group of approximately 20 Peace Corps volunteers is scheduled to arrive in Colombia in the fall of 2010. The volunteers, trained in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), will work as English teachers in primary schools, secondary schools, and teacher training institutions. Volunteers will also work together with communities on grassroots initiatives and community development along the Atlantic Coast.

Between 1961 and 1981, over 4,600 Americans served as Peace Corps volunteers in Colombia, working on projects in the sectors of nutrition, health, agriculture, small business, and education.

In addition to Colombia, over the last year, Peace Corps has established new programs in Indonesia and Sierra Leone as part of President Obama's efforts to expand service opportunities for all Americans.

As Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world with 7,671 volunteers serving in 76 host countries. Historically, nearly 200,000 Americans have served with the Peace Corps to promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of 139 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.




Links to Related Topics (Tags):

Headlines: May, 2010; Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams; Peace Corps Colombia; Directory of Colombia RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Colombia RPCVs; Expansion; Peace Corps Directors; Peace Corps Dominican Republic; Directory of Dominican Republic RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Dominican Republic RPCVs; Peace Corps Headquarters





When this story was posted in May 2010, this was on the front page of PCOL:




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Memo to Incoming Director Williams Date: August 24 2009 No: 1419 Memo to Incoming Director Williams
PCOL has asked five prominent RPCVs and Staff to write a memo on the most important issues facing the Peace Corps today. Issues raised include the independence of the Peace Corps, political appointments at the agency, revitalizing the five-year rule, lowering the ET rate, empowering volunteers, removing financial barriers to service, increasing the agency's budget, reducing costs, and making the Peace Corps bureaucracy more efficient and responsive. Latest: Greetings from Director Williams

Join Us Mr. President! Date: June 26 2009 No: 1380 Join Us Mr. President!
"We will double the size of the Peace Corps by its 50th anniversary in 2011. And we'll reach out to other nations to engage their young people in similar programs, so that we work side by side to take on the common challenges that confront all humanity," said Barack Obama during his campaign. Returned Volunteers rally and and march to the White House to support a bold new Peace Corps for a new age. Latest: Senator Dodd introduces Peace Corps Improvement and Expansion Act of 2009 .

Meet Aaron Williams - Our Next Director Date: July 30 2009 No: 1411 Meet Aaron Williams - Our Next Director
Senator Dodd's Senate Subcommittee held confirmation hearings for Aaron Williams to become the 18th Peace Corps Director. "It's exciting to have a nominee who served in the Peace Corps and also has experience in international development and management," said Dodd as he put Williams on the fast track to be confirmed by the full Senate before the August recess. Read our exclusive coverage of the hearings and our biography of Peace Corps Director Aaron Williams.



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Story Source: Peace Corps Press Release

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; COS - Colombia; Expansion; Directors; COS - Dominican Republic; Headquarters

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By Stephen Michael Murray (murraysm) (75.49.236.39) on Friday, July 30, 2010 - 1:37 pm: Edit Post

50th Anniversary Event:

On November 4-5, 2010, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Colombia I Volunteers, the first Peace Corps group to assemble, and Rutgers University, the first Peace Corps training site, will celebrate the moment when the idea of a Peace Corps became a reality.
Keeping the Peace Corps spirit alive, these Colombia I RPCVs, and the University, will hold a Peace Corps forum on November 4. The next morning, Rutgers University's President, Richard L. McCormick, will preside at a commemorative ceremony, culminating in the unveiling of a plaque on the spot where Colombia I began training for the Peace Corps on June 25,1961.

Colombia I RPCVs will host a cumbia-laden celebratory banquet on the evening of November 5, where "elaborations and exaggerations of the truth," particularly with respect to Peace Corps exploits, will not only be allowed, but admired and encouraged.


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