Peace Corps/Mongolia Celebrates 15 Years of Service in Mongolia

On Friday November 17^th, Peace Corps Mongolia held a reception marking the 15^th Anniversary of the agency’s operations in country.

Peace Corps is an independent U.S. government agency which provides American Volunteers to work for two year assignments around the world.  The agency was created in 1961 by U.S. president John F. Kennedy and currently operates in 68 countries around the world.   Today, 7,800 Americans serve as Peace Corps Volunteers.

The purpose of the Peace Corps is to support Mongolian initiated development projects by sharing technical skills and knowledge, as well as to increase cross cultural understanding by learning about Mongolian culture and sharing American culture.

In 1990, the Mongolian government requested the presence of Peace Corps Volunteers to serve in country.  Peace Corps began operations in Mongolia in 1991, making it one of the first US Government agencies to establish presence here.  Initially Volunteers worked only in Ulaanbaatar.  Over the past 15 years, Peace Corps has extended its coverage and its grassroots development services to the Mongolian people. 
Over the past 15 years:

• 576 Volunteers have served in Mongolia
  
• Each of Mongolia’s aimags has received the support of a Peace Corps Volunteer
  
• 1/3 of Mongolia’s soums have received the support of a Peace Corps Volunteer
  
• Volunteers have served in English Education, Health Education, Computer Skills Training, Economic Development and Environmental Conservation.
  
• Hundreds of former Peace Corps Mongolia Volunteers have become involved with Friends of Mongolia, a non-governmental organization started by former Volunteers which supports community development projects in Mongolia and promotes a greater understanding of Mongolia and Mongolian culture in the United States.

Today Peace Corps Mongolia is at an all time high for Volunteers with 103 Volunteers working in one of four projects in 17 of Mongolia’s 21 aimags.  Volunteers serve in English Education, Community Health, Youth Development and Economic Development. 

Friday November 17^th was an opportunity for the Peace Corps to reflect on its successful record in Mongolia, and to thank Government of Mongolia and non-governmental partners for their contributions to the Peace Corps’ efforts.  We were honored by President Enkhbayar’s participation in the celebration.