(Washington, D.C. | Tuesday, February 27, 2024) – Marking his first official travel since being confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Deputy Director E. David White Jr., the first Deputy Director for the agency in over seven years, will travel to the Republic of Cameroon from February 27 to March 1, to signal the agency's commitment to global volunteerism and impact on the African continent.

According to the United Nations, Africa has the youngest population in the world, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa under the age of 30, presenting an opportunity for the continent’s long-term sustainability and growth. During travel, Deputy Director White will visit programs that support young people, including a Peace Corps SKILLZ Grassroot Soccer coaches and community counterparts training in Kribi, Cameroon.

"As I embark on my inaugural visit to the Peace Corps post in Cameroon, I am deeply inspired by the transformative power of the agency’s mission and our invitation for bold changemakers to serve,” said Peace Corps Deputy Director David White Jr. “This trip represents more than a journey across continents; it symbolizes our unwavering commitment to global service, youth empowerment and education. In Cameroon, the potential of the youth is palpable, and it reinforces our belief that empowering young people is pivotal for health, wellness, sustainable development, and spurring a strong global economy.”

During his visit with Grassroot Soccer coaches and community counterparts, Deputy Director White will discuss the impact of the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) programs and how Peace Corps SKILLZ expands HIV prevention and education across the region to help to save lives. Deputy Director White's itinerary also includes a conversation with Ambassador Christopher J. Lamora at the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé, meetings with Cameroonian government officials, and exchanges with 15 health and education Peace Corps Volunteers who began their Peace Corps Cameroon service on September 1, 2023.

"The dedication and impact of Peace Corps Cameroon cannot be overstated. For over six decades, our Volunteers have worked side-by-side with our counterparts and local community partners to learn as much as they hope to share,” said Peace Corps Cameroon Country Director Nickie Séne. “Our efforts in the education, agriculture and health sectors are not just about transferring skills and knowledge, they are about contributing to the development of strong, resilient communities that are equipped to face their own unique challenges and opportunities. Each Peace Corps Volunteer brings a spirit of open-mindedness, collaboration, and innovation, catalyzing transformative change in the region.”

Overall, Peace Corps has had a significant presence in Cameroon since 1962, with more than 3,900 volunteers serving in various capacities over the last 61 years. Volunteers in Cameroon work on locally prioritized projects in agriculture, education, and health sectors, often learning local languages such as French and Fulfuldé to effectively communicate and engage with communities.

In addition to the traditional two-year volunteer assignment model, Peace Corps Cameroon also runs a Response Volunteer program and a virtual service pilot. Recently, the agency has been actively recruiting for Volunteer positions in Cameroon, emphasizing roles in HIV/AIDS prevention, gender-focused youth education, community economic development, climate change adaptation, agriculture, and youth and adolescent health.

The relationship between Grassroot Soccer and the Peace Corps began in 2005, and has since evolved into a strategic partnership across 14 different countries, including: Botswana, Cameroon, Ecuador, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. The comprehensive soccer program aims to move conversations about HIV and AIDS beyond the goalpost, and into direct approaches that engage youth and provide tailored approaches to meet their needs.

For more information about the Peace Corps and opportunities to serve, visit PeaceCorps.gov/Bold. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by March 1, 2024, to be part of this global movement of service and change.