WASHINGTON, D.C., May 22, 2000—The Peace Corps is temporarily reducing the number of Peace Corps volunteers assigned to rural sites in Zimbabwe. This decision was made in light of continuing unsettled conditions in Zimbabwe.
"The Peace Corps has a long standing commitment to development in Zimbabwe and has maintained an excellent relationship with the Zimbabwean people," Peace Corps Director Mark Schneider said. "Our decision to temporarily reduce the number of Peace Corps volunteers in Zimbabwe was not easily reached and is made with sincere regrets. However, it is our deepest hope that we will be able to resume a full program in Zimbabwe as soon as possible."
A group of 30 to 40 volunteers will be placed in urban areas where sites have already been identified. The volunteers in those sites will focus their efforts on education, application of information technology, and on capacity building among local, non-governmental organizations.
The Peace Corps office in Zimbabwe will remain open and fully staffed, working to support the remaining volunteers and preparing for the return of a full program. Volunteers who return to the United States will have the option of requesting re-enrollment in other Peace Corps programs, or reinstatement in the Zimbabwe program when conditions permit.