THE NEW volunteers with American Peace Corps, who took oath on Monday, have been urged to make an effort to learn from the various Rwandan communities in which they are going to offer education services for a period of two years.
THE NEW volunteers with American Peace Corps, who took oath on Monday, have been urged to make an effort to learn from the various Rwandan communities in which they are going to offer education services for a period of two years.
The call was made at the US Charge d’Affaires’ residence in Kiyovu during the swearing-in ceremony of 45 Peace Corps who are going to work in the education sector, serving in 45 different schools countrywide.
The ceremony was presided over by Matthew Roth, the charge d’affaires at the US Embassy in Rwanda, and was graced by the State Minister for Public Health and Primary Healthcare, Dr Patrick Ndimubanzi.
Roth stressed the importance of learning and sharing knowledge between them and the communities.
"Generously share knowledge, skills, and experiences with the people of Rwanda. Remember you represent yourself and the US. You are all ambassadors here,” he said.
Ron Campbell, the Peace Corps country director, told The New Times that it was important for the Americans to understand the people of Rwanda as it is for Rwandans to understand the people of America.
He urged them to engage with the communities not only to teach but also to learn from them.
"Peace Corps have served in remote places of the country and we are proud to be learning from Rwandans as we also help Rwanda to achieve the ambitious vision 2020,” Campbell said.
The young Americans have spent three months in the country learning many aspects, including local language, dance, and various types of work.
Elaine Frances Kerry, a volunteer, said the three months they have spent in Rwanda have given them good experiences that will help them complete their mission successfully.
She expressed optimism that their work will impact lives in the country,
"Our muddy footprints will leave a mark on this land,” Kerry said.
Geordan Williams, another peace corp volunteer, aims at being a good teacher.
"I want to be a good teacher. I want to help the community. Other peace corps are likeminded.Though we have different cultures (with Rwandans), we are one,” he said.
Teachers from different schools that will host Peace Corps volunteers also spoke about their experiences and expectations.
Dinah Uwizeyimana, a headmistress from Nyamagabe, whose school is receiving a peace corp for the first time, said she expects the volunteer to help teachers improve their English and teaching skills for the subject as well as help in the implementation of the new curriculum.
She also pledged to make efforts to teach the volunteer about Rwandan culture as well as helping him to live well in the community.
The Peace Corps is an organisation founded by former US President John F. Kennedy in 1961.
The Peace Corps in Rwanda was opened in 1975 to 1993, with 132 volunteers working in the sectors of university education, fisheries, agriculture, conservation and health.
Upon invitation by the Rwandan government, the Peace Corps returned to Rwanda in 2009, and since then almost 500 volunteers have worked in the country.
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