Director's Welcome

In March 2020, globally all Peace Corps Volunteers were evacuated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In time, when it is safe to do so, Volunteers will return to continue the mission of world peace and friendship. Until that time, keep in mind the powerful words of Dr. Martin Luther King, JR “Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”

I encourage you to still serve. Serve in your community, places of worship, schools, libraries, shelters, at home or virtually; serve with people that bring you joy and hope; serve addressing cause that are important to you- just Serve.

While you are serving, stretch yourself to further your growth in service to others; engage in places that are new, strengthen/ learn a new language. Even Peace Corps has done that. Right now, 158 Response Volunteers are engaging in the second-ever domestic deployment. Their service is assisting with vaccination hesitancy by doing health education campaigns, offer factual health information with underserved communities. They all have one driving purpose: to serve.

We look forward to having Volunteers back in Vanuatu and throughout the world. In the meantime, continue to serve.

Also, remember the founding words of President John F. Kennedy, at the time of inception of Peace Corps over 60 years ago, which still very much rings true today. You can find the full text and video here.

In service,

Penny Alexander

Country Director Peace Corps Vanuatu