Arusha — U.S. Ambassador Alfonso E. Lenhardt swore in 38 Peace Corps Volunteers Wednesday, November 25.. The volunteers will serve two years in Tanzania and will be stationed at secondary school and teachers colleges in 19 districts, including Kondoa, Mpwapwa, Njombe, Moshi Rural, Mwanga, Rombo, Same, Kilwa, Lindi Rural, Ruangwa, Hanang, Rungwe, Masasi, Newala, Mbinga, Songea Rural, Manyoni, Singida Rural and Muheza.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Ambassador's residence in Dar es Salaam in the presence of the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Vocational Training Mr. Celestine Gesimba, Tanzania Peace Corps Country Director Andrea Wojnar-Diagne, former Peace Corps Volunteers from around the world, and officials from partner volunteer agencies.

Peace Corps Volunteers, said Ambassador Lenhardt, "represent the best our country has to offer in terms of commitment, intelligence, and energy. As U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania, I cannot imagine a better way to demonstrate our collective engagement to serve the people of Tanzania, a commitment that began four decades ago. With this group of Volunteers here today, the Peace Corps is in its 38th year of service in Tanzania.

"Today, relations between the United States and Tanzania are dynamic and based on mutual respect. With a shared commitment to common interest such as economic development, education, environmental conservation, and the fight against poverty and disease, the bonds between the two countries have continued to strengthen. Our relations are amongst the strongest on the African continent."

Tanzanian students, especially those in rural areas served by volunteers, benefit from valuable trainings and expertise provided in line with the school curriculum. Peace Corps Volunteers teach in secondary schools and teachers training colleges. The extra-curricular trainings they provide help develop students' abilities and skills.

Founded in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, the Peace Corps is a U.S. Government agency that supports about 8,000 volunteers in more than 75 countries. For 48 years, Peace Corps has maintained apolitical and non-sectarian ideals of technical and cultural exchange. More than 189,000 volunteers have served in 138 countries.

The volunteers offer assistance and training on environmental education, including land degradation, preserving water catchments, soil conservation and implementation of agro-forestry techniques and emphasize partnership with women and youth. Volunteers also offer bio-intensive gardens to promote household food security as well as a variety of income generating activities.