To the 50th anniversary of Peace Corps!

1. Peace Corps 50th Anniversary 1961–2011

2. The Peace Corps is an American volunteer program run by the United States Government. The mission of the Peace Corps includes three goals: providing technical assistance, helping people outside the United States to understand U.S. culture, and helping Americans understand the cultures of other countries. Generally, the work is related to social and economic development. Each program participant is an American citizen, typically with a college degree, who works abroad for a period of 24 months after three months of training. Volunteers work with governments, schools, non-profit organizations, non-government organizations, and entrepreneurs in education, hunger, business, information technology, agriculture, and the environment. After 24 months of service, volunteers can request an extension of service.

3. Since 1961, over 200,000 Americans have joined the Peace Corps and have served in 139 countries.

5. Peace Corps in Moldova In 1993, the government of Moldova invited Peace Corps Volunteers to come to Moldova. The Peace Corps’ first assignment was to help expand the English-teaching capacity of Moldovan educators. Government representatives believed that well-developed English language skills would help Moldovans participate in the international community and global economy by helping them gain access to a wealth of information, resources, and markets. Current English education Volunteers also incorporate environmental issues into the curriculum. Recently, Peace Corps/Moldova has added projects in organizational development, agriculture and agrobusiness, and health education to assist the Moldovan government in addressing the country’s economic and social development needs. Currently, Peace Corps Volunteers are working in about 100 towns and villages throughout the country. Since the program’s inception, more than 650 Volunteers have served in Moldova.

6. Balti Peace Corps Volunteers

7. Christopher Cote

8. Laela Kashan

9. David Geliske

10. Ross Talbot