New U.S. Peace Corps volunteers support literacy project [1]
Thursday, November 3, 2016 - 22:10. Updated on Thursday, November 3, 2016 - 22:15.
A group of 22 United States Peace Corps volunteers were sworn-in today Thursday, November 3, at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel before they take up assignments teaching English in rural village schools in Tongatapu and the outer islands.
The Peace Corps Group 81 joins 16 other volunteers who are currently serving in Tonga.
U.S. Ambassador to Tonga Judith Cefkin, administered the Oath of Service and said that next year, they will mark the 50th Anniversary of Peace Corps in Tonga.
Group 81 will focus on the Peace Corps Tonga English Literacy Project, which began in 2012.
In the past four-years, 64 volunteers have worked with Tongan counterparts to develop new teaching methods and materials such as Sight Word Books and other reading materials that are relevant to Tongan students and their English skill levels. They also use songs, games and artwork and other activities to make learning active and engaging, while promoting leadership activities for youths.
“This project is a wonderful example of what the American people can do when they work together in real partnerships with the people of other countries.”
Ambassador Cefkin said that volunteers had also implemented practical projects, including upgrading school water tanks, creating environmentally friendly gardens and promoting a sports program.
Tonga’s Acting Prime Minister Hon Siaosi Sovaleni thanked the volunteers for their interest in taking up the challenge.
“I know it’s not easy to volunteer to leave your home, your comfort zone and venture to the unknown, to a new country and new community. And for that, I admire your courage and dedication using two-years of your life to help others in need, to help Tonga,” he said.
Peace Corps Tonga Director Nancy Gehron commended the volunteers on what they had achieved in their nine-weeks pre-service training when they stayed with local host families in Kolonga.
The volunteers celebrated today's event by performing Tongan dances, songs and reading Tongan hymns.
“You will do great things here in Tonga because we know there is a real need that each of you can fill in your communities and schools. You have a chance to really change the future of literacy in Tonga and also improve the future for thousands of lucky children and dozens of teachers,” Nancy told the volunteers
Healing
Nancy, who was injured in an assault while jogging in Nuku’alofa this year, thanked the volunteers because they had been part of her healing.
"Since meeting you, my bandages are gone and each day I feel lighter with hope. One of the most beautiful, unforgettable things about living in Tonga is learning to give and receive a real Tongan hug. I had heard about the Tongan hug before arriving and back then it sounded just a little too intimate to me," she said.
"It wasn’t until after my assault that I truly felt its power. Tongans I knew well and Tongans I hardly knew would come to me and embrace me, they would hold that embrace long and meaningfully and it had tremendous curative powers. I love that feeling, I hope you all learn to hug like a Tongan, that will help you through your service as it has helped me through my journey.”
The Peace Corps has served in Tonga since 1967, with around 1600 volunteers.