…  Pre-Service Training for the 23rd group of volunteers
ANOTHER batch of 37 Peace Corps recruits arrived here Monday to commence training in the project areas of Community Health Education and Community Education Promotion. A release coming out of the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown said that the group is expected to be officially sworn in as Peace Corps Volunteers on April 13, 2011, and will join their 59 colleagues already in service. Upon accepting the invitation to serve, Peace Corps Volunteers agree to live and work in Guyana for two years. 
Before commencing their two years of service, the recruits will be involved in an intensive nine-week training programme. The programme will provide them with opportunities and experience that will enable them to function effectively in the project areas and to integrate easily into Guyanese society. During their training, the recruits will be housed with Guyanese host families who will orient them to the customs and norms of local culture, the release said.
The Peace Corps, initially here from 1966-1971, was invited by late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan to return to Guyana. The first group arrived in 1995. To date, more than 400 American volunteers have served the people of Guyana.
The late U.S. President John F. Kennedy created the Peace Corps in March 1961 to provide human resource and technical assistance to developing countries that request this kind of support. This year marks the 50th year of Kennedy’s dream.
Director of Programmes and Training, Kavita Pullapilly, said that the Peace Corps is pleased to provide this development assistance to the people of Guyana and extends its gratitude to the government and people for their hospitality and for the opportunity they offer these volunteers to contribute to the nation’s development.