Peace Corps’ 63-year mission continues

Happy 63rd Anniversary, Peace Corps.

On April 18, the Central Ohio Returned Volunteer Association partnering with the Ohio State University College of Food, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences/international Programs held their annual sendoff party celebrating newly selected Peace Corps volunteers who will be serving in countries such as Guyana, Rwanda , Zambia and Tanzania.

Ohio State University has partnered, supported and trained volunteers for service in the Peace Corps since its inception in 1961.

Over 7,800 Ohioans have served in the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps was established in March of 1961 by President John F.kennedy and since then over 240,000 citizens heeded the President’s call “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

Peace Corps volunteers have served in their assigned host countries, both rural and urban communities, in sectors such as education, English as a second language training (ESL,) rural electrification, agriculture and forestry,, health and environmental sustainability.

Right now, the host countries’ biggest request is ESL training. Currently 2,100 Peace Corps volunteers are serving in 60 countries worldwide from Vietnam, Pacific Island nations, to Africa and South America.

More information can be found on the Peace Corps website www.peacecorps.gov.

Stuart Moskowitz, CORVA board member, Dublin