The 99th group of Peace Corps trainees has arrived in Fiji, marking a significant moment for the program. Twenty trainees from various parts of the United States landed yesterday to begin their two-year volunteer service in the country. They will participate in an intensive 10-week pre-service training program designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for their upcoming commitments.
The aim of this initiative is to prepare these young volunteers for effective collaboration with local Fijian communities. US Ambassador Marie Damour welcomed the trainees during a traditional kava ceremony at the Peace Corps headquarters. She emphasized the importance of their role, stating, “You will use your professional expertise to help enhance economic security in Fiji and contribute to strengthening the resilience of the communities you will be living in.”
Kury Cobham, the Peace Corps Fiji country director, also expressed appreciation for the new group. She noted that since the first Peace Corps volunteers arrived in Fiji in 1968, more than 2,550 individuals from diverse backgrounds have had the honor of serving in the island nation. Cobham highlighted that while the volunteers come to share their skills, they also leave enriched by the experiences and connections formed during their time in Fiji.