The Peace Corps delegation of 34 volunteer trainees arrived in Rwanda where they are to support in the health sector and community development. These volunteers are said to boost better understanding between the American people and nations where they operate.
Led by Mr. John Reddy, the Peace Corps visited Gisozi Genocide memorial centre to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the 1994 Genocide.
“We have come to Gisozi genocide memorial to pay tribute to Rwandans who died during the Genocide, and to share the history Rwandans experienced,” Mr. Reddy said.
The delegation is later scheduled to travel to Huye in the Southern province where they will spend close to eleven weeks learning about the Rwandan culture and getting familiar to the Kinyarwanda language before starting their mission.
They will be covering all areas in the health sector and will also collaborate with other United States. However, Peace Corps will not be involved in treating patients; instead they will be providing orientation to medical professionals so that by the time of their completion, their Rwandan counterparts will have gained the necessary expertise to carry on.
“Since the return of peace corps staff in 2008, we have been collaborating with Rwandan government officials to get the agency’s newest program up and running,” said the Peace Corps acting director Jody Olsen, “it is exciting for us to be able to return to Rwanda, and to renew our relationship with the Rwandan people.”
Political instability forced Peace Corps to close operations in during 1994, where 114 volunteers had served for over 20 years. (End)