A tribute to Peace Corps

By Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio 01 August 2017, 12:00AM

Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio 

Minister of Education, Sports and Culture 

Remarks to commemorate the 50th Anniversary since the US Peace Corps arrived in Samoa

 

It gives me great pleasure to be with you all today at this very important occasion, the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Peace Corps service to Samoa.  

I wish to thank Mr Country Director of the Samoa Peace Corps Office for the invitation to speak on behalf of the Government of Samoa at this Ceremony.

Today marks  50 years of service to Samoa by men and women dedicated to making a difference in our world through their commitment to the Peace Corps volunteers program.  On behalf of the Samoan government, I thank you most sincerely for your service and commitment to our people. 

The Peace Corps Volunteers have served Samoa since 1967 and through. Their kind assistance to schools, many Samoans have been successful in their education, many families and communities have had their lives enriched through various ways as a result of their work.

I am one of the many Samoans who have benefitted from the tremendous work Peace Corp volunteers have given to Samoa since 1967 and it is my honor to acknowledge with gratitude the work of past and present Peace Corp Volunteers.

As Minister of Education, I am most thankful for the invaluable support provided to our primary schools to improve literacy and numeracy. 

Samoa and Peace Corps have had a very long association, and in Education, we continue to value our partnership and look forward to many more years of working together for the common goal of improving education in Samoa. 

To the Volunteers, Many of our people speak fondly of their Peace Corps teachers of the past and of today. No doubt you have also enjoyed your Samoan families and friends and I am sure you will have lasting memories of your experiences here.

I have no doubt that leaving your homes and families for two years to dedicate your services to another country is not easy, but your passion to serve others through Peace Corps makes your journey all worthwhile. 

I wish you all the best in your assignments here, and hope that you continue to enjoy our unique culture and when you return, you will tell the world where they can find paradise on earth.

I wish to conclude with the phrase from the famous President John F. Kennedy speech, “Go out and do good in the world. Be there to serve”

I wish you well for the remaining part of tonight’s celebration.  HAPPY 50TH PEACE CORPS. Soifua.

By Loau Solamalemalo Keneti Sio 01 August 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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