Prior to suspending the program in the early 80s, the Peace Corps/Colombia program was one of the original countries, with the first group arriving in-country in September 1961. When the program was suspended due to increasing insecurity, close to 4,650 Volunteers had served in Colombia. Despite the suspension, former Volunteers continued their strong connection to Colombia, especially through an active Friends of Colombia group that organizes projects and service trips back to Colombia.
After a 29-year hiatus, the Peace Corps returned to Colombia in September 2010. Since then, Peace Corps Colombia has supported approximately 90 communities along the Caribbean coast through the work of 250 traditional and Response Volunteers. They have devoted their dedication to promoting English education, youth leadership and well-being, community economic development and disaster preparedness, among other important topics.
