On August 7, the U.S. Charge d’Affaires Bruce Donahue swore-in 42 new Peace Corps Volunteers, who will depart to communities across Armenia to serve for two years as English teachers and Community and Youth Developers.  An audience of over 250 people, including representatives from government ministries, international and local organizations, and Regional Governors attended the event at Yerevan’s State Puppet Theater.  The ceremony also celebrated the completion of an 11-week training that included intensive Armenian language study. 

During the event, the new Volunteers demonstrated their knowledge of Armenian language by performing Armenian songs and sharing their observations of Armenia.  With the addition of this new group, there will be approximately 80 Peace Corps Volunteers working in schools, universities and NGOs throughout Armenia.  

The Peace Corps was founded by President John Kennedy in 1961, with over 200,000 Volunteers having served in more than 100 countries worldwide since then.  Over 750 Volunteers have served in Armenia since 1992.  

Peace Corps’ goals are threefold: helping the people of interested countries meet their need for trained men and women; promoting a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served; and creating a better understanding of other people on the part of Americans.