Skopje, 6 December 2024 (MIA) - Thirty-six new Peace Corps volunteers were sworn in at an event Friday, they are the 27th group of volunteers living and working in North Macedonia since the opening of the first Peace Corps office in Skopje in 1996.

The volunteers will work for two years in communities throughout the country. They will work as English language teachers alongside local teachers, and some of them will serve as community development specialists, working with various organizations and municipalities.

Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska in her address at the event said the volunteers would assist English language lessons in 17 schools. 

“Today we greet and welcome 36 new friends, some of whom will volunteer in 17 schools distributed in various local communities in our beautiful country,” the Minister said.

The Minister added that cooperation with the English language teachers in schools will not only strengthen the language skills of pupils, but also encourage their curiosity through games, stories, practical activities and other creative methods for foreign language teaching.

Minister of Local Self-Government Zoran Perinski noted that 91 volunteers have been involved in the work of 49 municipalities so far.

“On the local level, there are significant opportunities for coming up with and implementing joint activities. Our people are always there to help the guests who come with good intentions and an open heart,” Perinski added.

The US Ambassador, Angela Aggeler, said the volunteers will continue to work hard and impress with their determination as ambassadors of the United States in the country. 

“In my role as Ambassador, as well as during my previous engagement in North Macedonia, I had the chance to witness the enthusiasm and energy of the Peace Corps volunteers in action,” Aggeler said, adding that the volunteers build long-lasting bridges between the two countries, which continue to exist even after the end of their service. 

Photo: MIA