Embassy of The United States
Yerevan, Armenia
August 17, 2005

Sw earing-In Ceremony Held for Peace Corps Armenia Volunteers

On August 15 the thirteenth group of Peace Corps Armenia volunteers was
sworn-in at the Armenia Marriott Hotel. The ceremony, which has become an
annual event, was opened by U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Evans. The 43
volunteers who were sworn-in have completed three months of language,
cultural, technical, and safety and security training to prepare them for
two years of service in towns and villages throughout Armenia. Volunteers
will collaborate with Armenian counterpart organizations in the areas of
English language education, business and community development, and health
and environmental education.

Armenian ministry representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, Ministry of Education and
Science, Ministry of Health Care and Ministry of Nature Protection were
invited to address the volunteers.

Peace Corps Armenia was established in 1992 at the invitation of the
Government of Armenia. Since that time, 500 Peace Corps volunteers have
served in Armenia. With the addition of this new group, 90 volunteers will
work in schools, universities, NGOs, and health facilities throughout
Armenia. The U. S. Peace Corps was founded in 1961 by United States
President John F. Kennedy. The organization has three goals: to provide
trained assistance to people of other countries as requested, to promote a
better understanding of Americans by the people of the countries in which
they serve, and to promote a better understanding of other cultures by
Americans.

A group of new Peace Corps volunteers following their swearing-in.

Peace Corps Armenia Director Patrick Hart is greeting the guests and the volunteers
U.S. Ambassador John M. Evans is opening the swearing in ceremony of the
13th group of Peace Corps Armenian volunteers.

U.S. Ambassador John M. Evans is leading the swearing-in ceremony.

Peace Corps volunteers perform an Armenia song