| …commit to build on legacy of predecessorsFollowing an eight-week pre-service period,Wholesale Jerseys USA, 34 men and women of various ages yesterday took the oath of office as the latest Peace Corps volunteers to work in Guyana for a two-year stint.The training and swearing-in ceremony took place at the Urbayan Oasis Hotel,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, Queenstown, Essequibo Coast.The newest addition brings the total number of volunteers in Guyana to 66.They will be volunteering their service in the fields of education, health and information technology,Cheap NFL Jerseys, and will be distributed in various regions around the country.Among those present at the induction ceremony were United States Charge d’Affaires in Guyana, Karen Williams; Peace Corps Country Director,Cheap Jerseys Outlet, James Geenen and Assistant Chief Education Officer, Melcita Bovell.One of the volunteers,NFL Jerseys From China, Shaneice Criss, following her oath which was instituted by Ms Williams, committed herself and urged her colleagues to build on the legacy that has been laid by their predecessors.According to Ms Criss,Cheap Jerseys China, being a volunteer was a special privilege. “We want to be a catalyst for lasting change in Guyana.”She noted that the group should approach the task ahead following the three SSS—Simplicity, Sincerity and Sacrifice.Simplicity must be achieved with the humble resources available; “as Peace Corps volunteers, with Sincerity we will make a lasting change and our sincerity will make our service meaningful.”She added that Sacrifice must also be embraced and quitting must never be on the agenda.“The reward is lasting sustainable change for a Guyanese community.”Charge d’Affaires Williams, just prior to swearing-in the 34 volunteers, addressed the sacrifice and commitment by the men and women who chose humbling experiences.Bovell, speaking on behalf of the Education Minister, Shaik Baksh, who was unavoidably detained in the city, expressed appreciation for the volunteers’ choice to leave their homes, friends, families and luxuries of the US to come to Guyana and offer their services.Volunteers are one of the biggest assets of the Education Ministry, she added.Ms Bovell told the graduates that they will be playing a large part in the policy of leaving no child behind as these children seek to access education.She added that their contributions were noble in that they would be assisting persons to have a better opportunity in life.“Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see,” a quotation from author Mark Twain and recalled by Dr Shanti Singh, Director of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat, to describe the invaluable nature of the 34 men and women who are now Peace Corps volunteers.Singh was speaking in place of Minister of Health,China Jerseys, Dr Leslie Ramsammy who was initially scheduled to speak at the ceremony.She urged the volunteers to let the experience be a priceless one that would remain with them forever, adding that one should never question volunteerism given that “Noah’s ark was built by volunteers and the Titanic was built by professionals.”Country Director, James Geenen, told the volunteers that their presence in Guyana was testimony to the confidence that the Peace Corps placed in them.He impressed on them that “to help” was the core of the Peace Corps and that sentiment was expressed by the volunteers at one stage or another.“Help is a simple word but is difficult to manifest,” adding that the administration of the Corps will assist as much as possible.Special appreciation was offered not only to the volunteers but also to the families that hosted them during their eight-week pre-service training.The host families were credited with being critical to the transition of the volunteers in Guyana. |
