Peace Corps

Peace Corps

The Peace Corps is a volunteer service program overseen by the United States government. Following the success of some smaller programs, like Operation Crossroads Africa, President John F. Kennedy signed an Executive order in 1961 creating the Peace Corps. Its mission is to send willing Americans to provide social and economic development abroad where it is needed, as well as acting as a soft foreign policy arm of the government to promote mutual understanding between the United States and the rest of the world. Volunteers work abroad in two-year terms with governments, schools, non-profits, and even individual entrepreneurs. Since its establishment, the Peace Corps has sent over 235,000 Americans to over 141 countries to serve. The organization has set many lofty initiatives, such as the eradication of malaria in Africa and the protection of the environment through education. The volunteers of the Peace Corps are not paid any salary, and are truly motivated by an urge to serve.

Peace Corps

2016

Wikimedia Commons

Wikimedia Commons

Photograph

English

Organization

Volunteerism, Peace, Government, Environment, Medicine

International