Peace Corps director visits Mongolia to celebrate 25th anniversary

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Peace Corps director Carrie Hessler-Radelet joined U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia Jennifer Zimdahl Galt at the swearing in of Mongolia’s newest cohort of volunteers on Saturday, the US Embassy website published Monday. The ceremony took place at Mongolia’s National Opera Theater during a celebration honoring 25 years of partnership between Mongolia and Peace Corps. “We are so proud to continue our important partnership with this beautiful country,” Director Hessler-Radelet said during the ceremony. “Through the service of our Peace Corps Volunteers--and the collaboration of their Mongolian counterparts, host families, community members, friends, and supporters-- the hearts of our two nations have been forever connected.” In addition to U.S. Ambassador Galt, Vice Foreign Minister B. Battsetseg, and other distinguished guests attended the 25th Anniversary Celebration. During the event, Ambassador Galt swore in 46 volunteers who will be working as English Education and Community Development volunteers throughout Mongolia. They are the 27th group of volunteers to serve in Mongolia since the program was founded in 1991. Over 1,225 Volunteers have worked in Mongolia in the areas of community and youth development initiatives, health education, economic development and teaching English as a foreign language. The celebration took place during Director Hessler-Radelet’s first trip to Mongolia as Director. During the trip, she has met with government officials including President Ts.Elbegdorj and visited Peace Corps volunteers in their communities. About the Peace Corps: The Peace Corps sends the best and brightest Americans abroad on behalf of the United States to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Volunteers work at the grassroots level to develop sustainable solutions that address challenges in education, health, economic development, agriculture, environment and youth development. Through their service, volunteers gain a unique cultural understanding and a life-long commitment to service that positions them to succeed in today's global economy. Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961, nearly 220,000 Americans of all ages have served in 140 countries worldwide.