Peace Corps Volunteers Sworn In: New Faces, Fresh Hope for Sierra Leone
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE: Six new Peace Corps trainees were officially sworn in as volunteers on Friday, August 9, 2024, at the Kambia Training Site, marking the culmination of an intensive 10-week training program. Known as “Salone 12,” the group includes four education specialists and two health experts, all poised to make a significant impact in Sierra Leone.
U.S. Ambassador Bryan David Hunt opened the ceremony with a powerful endorsement of the Peace Corps’ enduring legacy in the country. “Our partnership with Sierra Leone spans over six decades, built on deep friendship and cooperation,” Hunt stated. He praised the more than 3,900 American volunteers who have served in Sierra Leone since 1962, highlighting their transformative contributions to the nation’s education and health sectors. “This collaboration has been a game-changer for Sierra Leone. We are committed to continuing this vital work,” Hunt affirmed.
Peace Corps Country Director Natalie Gill-Mensah expressed her gratitude to the Kambia community and homestay families for their warm hospitality. “Your support has been incredible,” Gill-Mensah remarked, emphasizing the dedication and resilience of the new volunteers. She noted that the connections they’ve made during training will be invaluable throughout their service, creating bonds that will last a lifetime.
Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, took the podium to celebrate the Peace Corps’ significant contributions to Sierra Leone’s education system. “Today is not just about swearing in these volunteers; it’s about honouring a partnership that has been pivotal to our nation’s progress,” Sackey declared. He commended the Peace Corps for their role in enhancing literacy, promoting STEM education, and improving public health, stating that their efforts have inspired countless students and strengthened the educational foundation of the country.
In closing, Zainu Deen Sanusi, Director of Multilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said “We are thrilled to have the Peace Corps back,” Sanusi said. “Their commitment to service and their integration into our culture is vital for our future.” He emphasized that the volunteers’ contributions will be crucial in promoting peace, harmony, and development in Sierra Leone. “This renewed partnership is a beacon of hope for a brighter future,” Sanusi concluded.
Country Director’s Welcome for new Sierra Leone Volunteers
Country Director Natalie Gill-Mensah (Zambia 2005-08)
Peace Corps Sierra Leone has served Sierra Leone since 1962!
Kabo means welcome in Sierra Leonean Krio, and I am so pleased to welcome you to the Peace Corps Sierra Leone website! I’m thrilled to have you here and to share the incredible opportunities that await those who choose to serve with us in this beautiful West African nation.
As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer myself, having served in Zambia (2005-08), I understand firsthand the profound impact that Peace Corps service can make. The experiences I had during my service not only shaped my personal and professional life but also ignited a passion in me to continue to be part of the Peace Corps mission. I was truly honored to return to the agency as a Country Director, and I am committed to moving our efforts forward to promote world peace and friendship in Sierra Leone.
Since 1962, Peace Corps Volunteers have been making meaningful contributions to the development of Sierra Leone, particularly in the areas of health and education. Our volunteers have worked tirelessly to contribute to the lives of countless individuals, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Many influential leaders in Sierra Leone, including government ministers and even the President, have been taught by Peace Corps Volunteers. This is a testament to the impact that our volunteers have had on the communities they serve.
Sierra Leoneans have also positively impacted the lives of countless Peace Corps Volunteers who have served in this country. Their warmth, hospitality, and resilience have made a lasting impression on volunteers, creating a rich experience that they bring back home with them to the US. Volunteers often speak of the deep connections they have formed with their communities and the sense of purpose and fulfillment they have gained from their service. Sierra Leone has one of the most active and dedicated Returned Peace Corps Volunteer communities that return to country annually to continue supporting Sierra Leone well beyond their service.
We recognize the importance of intercultural diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and we are committed to creating a Peace Corps experience where every Volunteer feels welcome, seen, and respected across all identities. Sierra Leone is a country rich in cultural diversity, and our volunteers have the opportunity to learn from and engage with people from a wide range of backgrounds both within their cohort and around Sierra Leone. We believe that this diversity makes our volunteers better equipped to serve effectively and to make a lasting impact.
In addition to our primary project areas of health and education, we also focus on cross-cutting issues such as gender, climate, and malaria control and prevention. These issues are critical to the overall development of Sierra Leone, and our volunteers play a vital role in addressing them.
If you are considering applying to become a Peace Corps Volunteer, I encourage you to seriously consider Sierra Leone as your top choice. The experiences that you will have here will be both challenging and rewarding, and you will have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others.
Thank you for visiting our website, and I hope that you will consider joining us in our mission to promote peace and development in Sierra Leone.
Sincerely,
Natalie J. Gill-Mensah
Country Director
Peace Corps Sierra Leone
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