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Since 1961, when President John F. Kennedy sent the
first group of Peace Corps Volunteers to the west African nation of
Ghana, 57,500
Volunteers have touched the lives of people across Africa. Today, of the 6,500
Volunteers serving overseas, more than 2,200 are working in 28 African
countries,
including Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, and Senegal, which President Clinton
will visit during hishistoric trip. Volunteers live and work at the grass-roots
level and contribute to Africa's development. They help African teachers
improve education for children. Volunteers work with African communities to
prevent the spread of AIDS and bring clean water to families. They also help
Africans protect their environment, encourage small business development, and
improve their farming techniques. At the same time, because they serve for two
years, Volunteers learn the languages, cultures, and customs of Africa's
people. As they bring this experience home, Volunteers strengthen America's
understanding of this important and diverse continent. Through their service,
Peace Corps Volunteers
are building the bridges of friendship and understanding between Americans
and Africans.
President Clinton has urged Congress to join him in a
bipartisan effort to expand the Peace Corps to 10,000 Volunteers serving around
the world by the year 2000. The Peace Corps invites you visit our
web site where you can read essays
written by people who have served as Volunteers in Africa and learn more about
the contributions that Volunteers are making overseas. |
