Sixty-two American Peace Corps Volunteers are ready to begin work in Bulgarian communities, the US Embassy in Sofia reported.

On July 24, 2009, the volunteers, who represent the twenty-fifth Peace Corps group to serve in Bulgaria will be sworn-in by US Ambassador Nancy McEldowney in the presence of representatives of Bulgarian ministries.

The event will take place in Vratsa, at the Municipal Big Hall at 10:30 am.

The new Peace Corps Volunteers will work at the grassroots level and assist various communities and organizations throughout Bulgaria mostly in underserved and rural communities. Some of them will help teach English in primary and secondary schools; others will partner with municipalities, social institutions, youth organizations, and cultural houses to develop and implement strategic plans, encourage collaborative spirit and share skills.

Prior to swearing in, the Volunteers received ten weeks of intensive training at 15 training sites surrounding the city of Vratsa. They were trained in Bulgarian language and culture, lived with Bulgarian families during the training period, and worked on small-scale community projects.

As of July 24th, when the new Volunteers are sworn in, 156 American Peace Corps Volunteers will be working in Bulgaria in the areas of Education, Youth and Community Development.

The Volunteers receive allowances, medical care, and other support from the Peace Corps, but do not receive an actual salary. They live at the local level, receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of another culture, give back to their local communities, and create life-long friendships and understanding.

Peace Corps began its work in Bulgaria in 1991 through an agreement between the Republic of Bulgaria and the government of the United States. Since then more than 1000 volunteers have served in Bulgaria in more than 300 communities.

Peace Corps was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy to provide technical assistance to other countries. Its other goals are to acquaint other peoples with Americans and their culture, and to give Americans the opportunity to learn about other countries and cultures. Approximately 8,000 Peace Corps Volunteers are currently working in over 70 countries, in such fields as agriculture, business development, education, environment, health care and youth development.

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