About Eswatini

The Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini’s Vision 2022 is committed to improving the standard of living for all members of the society through access to quality services, wealth creation and employment opportunities. Part of this commitment is addressing poverty, empowering youth, and supporting access to health services.

History

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the United States Peace Corps in an effort to promote world peace and offer an opportunity for cultural exchange. Peace Corps arrived in Eswatini in 1969 to focus on strengthening capacity in the education sector. Due to the immense progress in Eswatini's school system, Peace Corps ended their program in 1997. 

In 2003, Peace Corps received an invitation to reopen its program to focus on the growing HIV epidemic. The Community Health project aims to promote local leadership and response to the HIV epidemic in collaboration with the Government of Eswatini and international partners.

In 2011, Peace Corps launched a Youth Development program to strengthen the capacity of young people to live healthy and productive lives. Volunteers facilitate projects that empower girls, promote literacy, and assist schools in providing additional support for orphans and vulnerable children.

Other ways to serve

Peace Corps Response sends experienced professionals to undertake short-term, high-impact service assignments in communities around the world. Peace Corps Response Volunteers are expected to possess the technical skills needed to fulfill their assigned role with minimal training.

The Virtual Service Pilot connects qualified U.S. citizens with host country counterparts to meet partner requests in new ways – from supplementing on-the-ground Volunteer efforts to reaching regions where Volunteers cannot go. Participants collaborate virtually with counterparts to complete project tasks, donating 5-15 hours per week for 3-6 months.