Twenty-three (23) volunteers from Peace Corps Group 82 took their oath of service to serve Tonga for two years in a swearing-in ceremony at Epworth Hall.
The Prime Minister Hon. Samuela ‘Akilisi Pohiva accepted the volunteers on behalf of the Tongan Government.
He congratulated the volunteers on their decision to serve Tonga.
“You are received with open hearts and I believe that Tongan families, your families away from home will prove to you that you have landed in a country with long tradition of hospitality,” he said.
“Today, as ambassadors of goodwill, partnership, and friendship, as our new group of volunteers- you will continue the success of this programme.”
Hon. Pohiva also extended his sincere gratitude to the Government of the United States for the valuable contribution and efforts of the Peace Corps Programme for the development of Tonga.
Peace Corps Tonga Country director Ms. Nancy Gehron congratulated the volunteers and praised them for their sacrifice and contribution to the country.
“I believe you will all be great teachers and super volunteers. We have the highest hopes and expectations for you! Be brave, be prepared to make mistakes, forgive others, embrace the uncomfortable, say yes to every opportunity, and fall in love with Tonga,” she said.
“Your Peace Corps service and the people you meet will change you forever. Thank you for your time, your hard work and your commitment to service in Tonga,” she added.
Photo supplied by Ministry of Information and Communication Tonga (Caption: The new volunteers taking their oath of service, Epworth Hall, Nuku’alofa)