US Peace Corps to Continue Service in Samoa

APIA, SAMOA – 07 DECEMBER 2022: The United States Peace Corps and the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture of Samoa have signed a five year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to continue their partnership.

The MOU was signed by the Country Director of the US Peace Corps, Gini Wilderson, and the Minister of Education, Sports and Culture (MESC), Seuula Ioane on 01 December. The signing was witnessed by Michael McCabe, Peace Corps Regional Director, and Tuaopepe Perenise Tinei, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MESC.

The U.S. Peace Corps have brought nearly 56 years of service to Samoa, with the first Volunteers arriving in 1967. Nearly 2,000 Volunteers have served in Samoa since that time in sectors ranging from agriculture to engineering to public health.

Currently, and at the invitation of MESC, Volunteers work together with teachers and schools to improve the English literacy of primary school students; including raising reading scores, establishing school libraries and inspiring a love of reading.

The Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Seuula Ioane, and the U.S. Peace Corps Samoa Country Director, Gini Wilderson signing the MOU to renew the partnership.

The US Peace Corps plans to return Volunteers to Samoa beginning in February, 2023. Due to COVID, Volunteers departed Samoa when there was a world-wide evacuation of US Peace Corps Volunteers in March 2020.

“The renewal of this MOU extends a valued partnership and program that has shown measurable results,” said Peace Corps Country Director Gini Wilderson.

“We are pleased that our Regional Director, Mr. Michael McCabe, could be here from U.S. Peace Corps Headquarters in Washington DC, to witness the signing of the MOU. We look forward to delivering on this important agreement, in collaboration with MESC, over the next five years.”