On May 10th, 2023, the United States Embassy in Eswatini held a swearing-in ceremony for eight additional Peace Corps volunteers, bringing the current total number of volunteers in Eswatini to 19. The ceremony was officiated by Chief of Mission Earl Miller and took place at the Royal Villas.
In his address to the volunteers, Chief of Mission Earl Miller emphasized the impact that Peace Corps volunteers have had in Eswatini, stating that he has met many people throughout the country who have had positive experiences with the organization. “Everywhere I travel in Eswatini I meet people who tell me how Peace Corps Volunteers touched their lives. Senior government policy and decision makers, civil society leaders, teachers, healthcare workers, students of all ages, talk of their wonderful experiences with Peace Corps Volunteers”, he said.
Chief of Mission Miller also emphasized the importance of the volunteers’ role as representatives of the United States, stating that they may be the first Americans some Emaswati ever meet. He encouraged them to speak from the heart about their country and to tell the story of America as they know it – its struggles, its imperfections, and its ongoing efforts to live up to its founding ideals. “Tell the story of our country’s promise but also its limitations. Tell the story of America’s possibilities represented by each of you”, he said.
He concluded his remarks by highlighting the importance of young people in shaping the future of the world. “The world relies on the young and young at heart. It always has been”, he said.
The Peace Corps has a long history of working in Eswatini, with the first group of volunteers arriving in the country in 1969. Since then, volunteers have worked in a variety of sectors, including education, health, and community development. The organization currently has volunteers working in several regions throughout the country, with a focus on supporting local communities and promoting cross-cultural understanding.
