The Peace Corps is a United States government agency of volunteers established by executive order by President John F. Kennedy on March 1, 1961 [1, 2]. The agency’s purpose is to assist other countries in their development efforts by providing skilled workers in various fields [1, 2].
Key Facts
- Help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
- Promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
- Promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
Important facts about the purpose of the Peace Corps include[3]:
- The Peace Corps was established by executive order by President John F. Kennedy on March 1, 1961, and authorized by the U.S. Congress through the Peace Corps Act of September 22, 1961.
- The agency provides skilled workers in various fields such as education, agriculture, health, trade, technology, environmental protection, women’s economic empowerment, and community development to assist other countries in their development efforts.
- Peace Corps volunteers are assigned to specific projects based on their skills, education, and experience.
- Volunteers are expected to serve for a minimum of two years in the host country, during which they are encouraged to respect local customs, learn the language, and live in comparable conditions.
- The Peace Corps has grown over the years, with a peak of 15,556 volunteers serving in 52 countries in 1966. As of 2018, more than 235,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in 141 countries.
- The organization aims to counter the stereotype of the “Ugly American” and promote cultural exchange and understanding.
Objectives
The Peace Corps has three main objectives [1]:
- Help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
- Promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
- Promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
Activities
Peace Corps volunteers are assigned to specific projects based on their skills, education, and experience [1, 2]. They work in various fields, including education, agriculture, health, trade, technology, environmental protection, women’s economic empowerment, and community development [1, 2].
Volunteers are expected to serve for a minimum of two years in the host country [2]. During this time, they are encouraged to respect local customs, learn the language, and live in comparable conditions [2].
Impact
The Peace Corps has grown over the years, with a peak of 15,556 volunteers serving in 52 countries in 1966 [1]. As of 2018, more than 235,000 Peace Corps volunteers have served in 141 countries [1].
The organization has made a significant impact on the lives of people around the world [3]. Peace Corps volunteers have helped to improve education, health, and economic development in many countries [3]. They have also helped to promote cultural exchange and understanding between the United States and other countries [3].
Conclusion
The Peace Corps is a valuable organization that provides skilled workers to assist other countries in their development efforts [1, 2]. The organization’s volunteers make a significant impact on the lives of people around the world [3].
References
[1] Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopedia. “Peace Corps.” Encyclopedia Britannica,
www.britannica.com/topic/Peace-Corps. Accessed 11 Jan. 2023.
[2] “Peace Corps.” University of Central Missouri, www.ucmo.edu/offices/peace-corps/index.php. Accessed 11 Jan. 2023.
[3] “Peace Corps – Wikipedia.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 Jan. 2023,
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Corps. Accessed 11 Jan. 2023.
FAQs
What is the Peace Corps?
The Peace Corps is a United States government agency of volunteers that provides skilled workers to assist other countries in their development efforts.
What are the goals of the Peace Corps?
The Peace Corps has three main goals:
- To help the people of interested countries in meeting their need for trained men and women.
- To promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the peoples served.
- To promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.
What types of work do Peace Corps volunteers do?
Peace Corps volunteers work in a variety of fields, including education, agriculture, health, trade, technology, environmental protection, women’s economic empowerment, and community development.
Where do Peace Corps volunteers serve?
Peace Corps volunteers serve in over 60 countries around the world.
How long do Peace Corps volunteers serve?
Peace Corps volunteers typically serve for two years.
What are the benefits of serving in the Peace Corps?
Peace Corps volunteers gain valuable experience in their field of work, learn about other cultures, and make