The 29th group of Peace Corps volunteers took their oath of service last week before US Ambassador Dennise Mathieu at the National Institute for Educational Development (NIED) in Okahandja.

These 21 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, yearlong nationwide process. Since arriving in Namibia in February 2009, they have participated in an intensive eight-week training programme in Okahandja to improve their knowledge of Namibia, including extended study of local languages, culture and society, and the proud history of Namibia and the Namibian people.