Yerevan /Mediamax/. U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern conducted the solemn ceremony of vowing of 36 volunteers of U.S. Peace Corps today.

The group of volunteers will join those who already work in Armenia. Thus, the number of people volunteering at schools, universities and NGOs in Armenia will amount to 70.

“During the 11-week course, the volunteers learnt Armenian and got acquainted with the Armenian culture. Now the preparatory works are over and we wish them good luck in their mission of exerting a positive impact on the Armenian communities”, said U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern.

“Armenia is an excellent place for carrying out Peace Corps volunteer service. We cooperate with the Armenian government. After the course, the volunteers will leave for various Armenian marzes where they will live within 2 years and work on 2 Peace Corps programs - the English language teaching and youth and community development”, noted Director of  U.S. Peace Corps/ Armenia Charles Enciso.

U.S. Peace Corps was set up by U.S. President John Kennedy in 1961. More than 200 thousand volunteers have served in 139 countries so far. Over 850 Peace Corps volunteers have worked in Armenia since 1992.