Peace Corps volunteers swearing ceremony (Sept 15, 2011)

Fifty-four new Peace Corps volunteers were sworn in on September 15, 2011 during a ceremony held at the Palais de Congres. The group included 14 volunteers who will focus on environmental issues, 16 who will teach English, 14 who will undertake public health activities and  10 who will focus on economic development. Their inauguration brings the number of Peace Corps volunteers currently serving in Benin to 110. 

Following a welcome message from Peace Corps Country Director Robert Friedman, the volunteers were addressed by a number of prominent Beninese ministers. Charge Susan Tuller then stressed to the volunteers the responsibility being entrusted to them. "In effect, during the next two years you will be ambassadors for the American people to your various communities," she said.  

This ceremony followed nine weeks of language, cultural and technical training in Cotonou. Volunteers will now move to their new homes in villages and towns throughout Benin, where they will collaborate with community members to affect positive change.