U.S. Peace Corps turns 50

Ms. Andrea Wojnar-Diagne, 
U.S. Peace Corps Country Director in Tanzania.

As I travel throughout the country, I often meet Tanzanians who tell me how Peace Corps volunteers have enriched their lives. Our volunteers live in villages, towns and cities around Tanzania, becoming a part of the community, helping to promote goodwill between our two countries and assisting in vital development work. These volunteers are continuing a proud American tradition that stretches back to Tanzania’s independence.

Fifty years ago, on March 1st 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed Executive Order 10924, formally establishing the Peace Corps. I am proud to commemorate this 50th anniversary, which exemplifies the enduring links of partnership and friendship between Tanzanians and Americans.

Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration, grew an agency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship.

President Kennedy’s words in signing the executive order still ring true today: “The initial reactions to the Peace Corps proposal are convincing proof that we have, in this country, an immense reservoir of such men and women-anxious to sacrifice their energies and time and toil to the cause of world peace and human progress.”

“We will only send abroad Americans who are wanted by the host country-who have a real job to do-and who are qualified to do that job. Programs will be developed with care and after full negotiation in order to make sure that the Peace Corps is wanted and will contribute to the welfare of other people. Our Peace Corps is not designed as an instrument of diplomacy or propaganda or ideological conflict. It is designed to permit our people to exercise more fully their responsibilities in the great common cause of world development.”

“Life in the Peace Corps will not be easy. There will be no salary and allowances will be at a level sufficient only to maintain health and basic needs. Men and women will be expected to live alongside the nationals of the country that they are stationed-doing the same work, eating the same food, talking the same language.”

“But if the life will not be easy, it will be rich and satisfying. For every young American who participates in the Peace Corps-who works in a foreign land-will know that he or she is sharing a great common task of bringing to man that decent way of life which is the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace.”

Since 1961, more than 200,000 Peace Corps volunteers have answered that call to service in 139 host countries worldwide.

Today’s Peace Corps is more vital than ever, working in emerging and essential areas such as education, environment and health (including malaria and HIV/AIDS prevention), information technology and business development. Peace Corps volunteers continue to help countless individuals who want to build a better life for themselves, their children and their communities.

The Peace Corps mission has three simple goals: 1.Helping the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women. 2. Helping promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the people served. 3. Helping to promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.

Today, Peace Corps volunteers in Tanzania work primarily in education, environment and health, the three sectors which the government of Tanzania has asked volunteers to dedicate their service. The partnership between Peace Corps and Tanzania continues to be vibrant and strong. More than 2,100 volunteers have served here since 1961.

About 140 volunteers are currently serving in Tanzanian communities teaching science, mathematics and English, helping to safeguard natural resources and improve health conditions from Songea to Same and Mbeya to Masasi.

Let us celebrate Peace Corps’ 50th anniversary together and congratulate both the people of Tanzania and the Peace Corps volunteers who have formed and created innumerable partnerships and friendships with them over the years. Find out more about the Peace Corps at: 

 www.peacecorps.gov