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“For more than four decades, the volunteers of
the Peace Corps
have carried the good will of America into many parts of the world.
Interest in this program is greater than ever before.”
– President George W. Bush on May 21, 2003 |
Since 1961, the Peace Corps has shared with the world America's most
precious resource—its people. To date, more than 170,000 individuals have
served as Peace Corps volunteers in 137 countries from Asia to Central
America, and from Europe to Africa.
The Peace Corps invites men and women 18 years and older to serve for two
year assignments and help communities solve important challenges in
countries around the world. Volunteers work with governments, schools, and
entrepreneurs to address changing and complex needs in education, health and
HIV/AIDS, business development, agriculture and the environment.
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President Bush with Peace Corps
volunteers in Gaborone, Botswana. White House photo by Paul Morse. |
Today's Peace Corps is more vital than ever, stepping into new countries
like East Timor, Turkmenistan, Botswana, and Swaziland; working in emerging
and essential areas such as information technology and economic development;
and committing more than 1,000 new volunteers as a part President Bush's
HIV/AIDS Act of 2003.
Currently 7,533 Americans are serving in the Peace Corps in 71 countries –
the largest number of volunteers to serve overseas since 1974. With requests
for applications continuing to increase, a record number of Americans are
heeding the President’s Call to Service and his goal to grow the Peace
Corps. Moreover, the demand for Peace Corps Volunteers overseas continues to
increase, with more than 20 additional countries requesting Peace Corps
programs and assistance.
For more information about the Peace Corps, visit
www.peacecorps.gov.
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