These 70 volunteers come from all parts of the United States and reflect America’s rich ethnic diversity.  They bring with them professional experience in education, health and community service.
The new volunteers were selected through a rigorous, year-long nationwide selection programme.  Since arriving in Namibia in November 2007, they have participated in an intensive ten week training programme in Okahandja to improve their knowledge of the country, including extended study of local languages, culture and society, and the proud history of Namibia and its people.  They have also studied the professional and technical aspects of the positions to which they will be assigned while in Namibia.
Each of the 69 volunteers has committed themselves to two years of service.  They will be assigned to all regions and live in modest accommodation among the local communities.  Approximately two thirds of the volunteers will be placed in teaching positions through the Ministry of Education.  They will teach English, mathematics, science, and information technology at local schools or do work in information technology at the regional Teacher Resource Centres.
The remaining volunteers will be assigned to health-related positions where they will be involved in various aspects of the fight against HIV/AIDS.  They will support the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture, as well as non-governmental, faith-based and community-based organisations – such as the Namibian Red Cross and the Church Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) – in their outreach programmes.
The Peace Corps operation is a vibrant and dynamic programme. Currently, there are almost 130 Peace Corps volunteers assigned to Namibia and, after many years, volunteers have returned to the Caprivi Region.  The Peace Corps now serves all 13 regions. 
In 2008, the United States Peace Corps will celebrate its 17th anniversary of service in Namibia.  The Peace Corps first arrived here in September 1990 and was the first US government agency to work in an independent Namibia.  Their initial focus was educational reform and they worked closely with the government to develop a truly national and inclusive educational programme for all Namibians.