19 Oct 2015

American Peace Corps volunteers have been applauded for their commitment to serve communities.

Speaking during the swearing-in of 74 Peace Corps volunteers in Molepolole last week, US Ambassador to Botswana, Mr Earl Miller expressed happiness at the commitment made towards serving Batswana.  

“Deciding to join the Peace Corps was no small decision, but all of you have made that step and now you are trained and prepared to begin that journey,” he said. 

He advised them about the need to integrate into communities they serve and to ensure that they learn the local language, adding that they should make an impact in whatever they were doing.

“I am convinced that you are the true ambassadors to Botswana, and I aim to support your initiatives as much as I can. 

Use me as a resource and an advocate,” he said. 

Noting that they had joined the service for different reasons, Mr Miller said it was important that they find their own wisdom for their own experience.  

Mr Miller, who was grateful for the partnership offered to the Peace Corps by locals, said Batswana were guides and mentors and that they had a crucial role in giving the volunteers the tools and support they need to succeed.

For his part, Botswana Peace Corps country director, Mr Tim Hartman said altruism was the main factor evident in the work of volunteerism that the American Peace Corps were demonstrating aimed at benefiting communities in Botswana.

Mr Hartman also noted that Wikipedia defined volunteering as an altruistic activity intended to promote goodness or improve human quality of life and that there was no financial gain involved for the individual. 

He said the definition was good in that it highlights things like altruism or helping with no financial gain.  

Kgosi Kgari III of Bakwena commended the American volunteers for their continued sacrifice in choosing Botswana as one of the countries they could provide voluntary service that would eventually benefit communities around Botswana. Ends