Thirty-three (33) Peace Corps Education Volunteers from the US have been sworn-in at a ceremony at the US Ambassador’s residence in Accra to begin a two-year service in Ghana.
The volunteers will teach Special Education, Visual Arts, Mathematics, Science among other subjects in Basic and Senior High Schools nationwide.
At the swearing-in, Charge D’Affairs at the US Embassy, Christopher Lamora reminded the volunteers to leave a positive legacy to reflect that of their predecessors.
Rebecca Ekpe reports that as part of the process of adapting to the Ghanaian environment, the US. Education Peace Corps Volunteers had ten weeks of training in Ghana’s educational sector, and language skills.
Charge D’ Affaires at the US Embassy in Accra, Christopher J. Lamora urged the volunteers to strive to emulate what he called the ”golden legacy ” of their forebears, by looking to their examples to sustain them in difficult times, while serving in their communities.
While in Ghana, the volunteers will collaborate with Ghanaian teachers to develop teaching and learning manuals, establish science resource centers, laboratories and art studios.
Country Director for Peace Corps Ghana, Gordon K. Brown said the volunteer holds undergraduate degrees in Mathematics, Engineering, Social Sciences, Biology, and Neuroscience. He said one is a doctoral candidate in Adult Education.
Mr. Brown further explained that despite the diversity of their backgrounds, one characteristic that all the Peace Corp Volunteers share in common is their commitment to serve in Ghana.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Mathew Opoku- Prempeh commended the entire team for their dexterity and commitment to serving Ghana, particularly in education.
He told the volunteers to ”live a life above reproach”, as most of their communities where they serve, especially the youth will tend to emulate them as ”role models and shape agents”.
The Peace Corps Volunteers adorned in variety of African fabrics demonstrated their readiness to fit in their communities.
Some who spoke of their expectations and experiences said they have already had a taste of some Ghanaian dishes and said kenkey is a delicacy.
Another volunteer also said she enjoys jollof rice. ”I mostly have it for lunch, I never knew there is any food like jollof rice until I came Ghana” said another Peace Corp Volunteer.
Peace Corp Ghana has its roots and mission to 1961, about 56 years ago when U.S President John F. Kennedy sent the first 52 Peace Corps Volunteers from the US. have served in Ghana.
Story by: Rebecca Ekpe
