Peace Corps Fiji welcomes 100th group of Volunteers

Eight Trainees landed in Fiji this month, marking a historic milestone—the country’s 100th group of Peace Corps Volunteers since the first group arrived in 1968.

One of the Trainees, Anthea C., shared her enthusiasm by saying, “It feels special to be the 100th group. I’ll be working as an economic advisor, and I’m excited to meet my counterparts. I’m hoping to pitch in and learn as much as I can.”

Over the next two months, the Trainees will learn the indigenous iTaukei language, the Fijian culture, and strategies to support the work that they’ll be doing. At the end of that training, they’ll bring the total number of current Volunteers supporting Fiji’s community economic development to 33. During their two-year service assignments, the Volunteers will strengthen local capacity in project design and management, finance, budgeting, and business.

Host families and the community leaders who will collaborate closely with the new Volunteers are equally excited.

A staff member from the Ministry of Youth and Sports shared the reason the ministry looks forward to the arrival of new Volunteers: “They bring valuable skills, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to youth development and community empowerment. Their cross-cultural experiences and innovative approaches help us design and implement programs that truly resonate with young people. Working together allows us to exchange ideas, build capacity, and create a lasting, positive impact.”

Peace Corps Fiji’s new country director, Charles Encisco shared: “My hope for group 100, and for the many groups that will follow, is that they continue to embrace the spirit of mutual learning, service, and respect, and that they carry Fiji with them wherever they go.”