A new group of Peace Corps volunteers were sworn in on Friday by the Peace Corps Country Director, Eddie Stice at 'Ita House, Manumataongo Bay, Nuku'alofa.

The 12 women and 3 men are the 79^th group of Peace Corps volunteers to serve in Tonga.

They will join 12 other Peace Corps volunteers who are already in the country to implement a Peace Corps/Tonga English Literacy Project, a joint project with the Ministry of Education and Training.

Eddie Stice said that the new volunteers would be working with students in Classes 3 to 8 in rural primary schools in Tongatapu, 'Eua and Vava'u.

They would also support the literacy development of youth and adults in the community, "Strengthen parental and community support for education, improve use of books and technology in schools, and do special projects related to healthy lifestyles and environmental sustainability." 

The volunteers have been in Tonga during the past eight weeks, learning the Tongan language and familiarizing themselves with the Tongan culture.

Yesterday's ceremony was concluded with cultural performances performed by the volunteers who were learning Tongan dances

A Tongan love song was presented by a Peace Corps quartet, Renee Fern, Harold Seitz, Samantha Bailo and Carrie Lee Pugh.