FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Peace Corps Begins Historic Partnership with the Kingdom of Cambodia

Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter Administers Oath to New Volunteers and Meets His Majesty King Sihamoni

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 4, 2007 Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter today swore-in Peace Corps\' first group of Volunteers, signifying the beginning of an historic new partnership with the Kingdom of Cambodia.

This first group of Peace Corps Volunteers is bringing with them the great tradition of service and friendship to an extraordinary country and a remarkable people, said Director Tschetter. They are not only trained professionals, but they are dedicated Americans who share in common a spirit of service and a commitment to make a difference in the lives of the citizens of Cambodia.

This new group of 29 Volunteers will be working as English teachers and teacher trainers in seven provinces across Cambodia. Volunteers will teach English at the upper secondary level and support teachers in Cambodian districts to improve their English language proficiency and teaching skills.

Peace Corps Volunteers will live with host families in the seven provinces for their full two years of service and will collaborate with their community groups to develop sustainable projects to enhance the quality of life for the Cambodian people.

U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia Joseph A. Mussomeli also participated in the swearing-in ceremony. He remarked, Cambodia is the kind of country President Kennedy had in mind when he created the Peace Corps. Peace Corps Volunteers do more to advance freedom and justice in the world and protect American ideals and principles than any other program of the United States government.

Following the swearing-in ceremony, Director Tschetter had an audience with His Majesty King Sihamoni and thanked His Majesty for the warm hospitality and friendly welcome of the Cambodian people.

In return, His Majesty said, On behalf of the Cambodian people, we are grateful for your initiative and cooperation and we thank the Peace Corps and the American people for their work in advancing peace and stability in Cambodia.

Since 1961, more than 187,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 139 countries. At the invitation of host governments, the Peace Corps sends American Volunteers for 27-month assignments to help countless individuals worldwide who want to build a better life for themselves, their children, and their communities. Today, more than 7,749 Volunteers are serving in 73 countries, including Cambodia.

# # #

# # #

---