9 new Peace Corps volunteers begin two-year service across Fiji

A new chapter of partnership and service has begun as the Peace Corps Fiji Group 100 was officially sworn in today, marking a historic milestone in the 57-year relationship between the United States Peace Corps and the people of Fiji.

Nine new volunteers will now embark on two years of community-based service across five provinces in Viti Levu, following the completion of an intensive ten-week Pre-Service Training (PST) programme under the Community Economic Empowerment Project.

Country Director Charles Enciso congratulated the trainees, acknowledging the pride and significance of welcoming the 100th group to serve in Fiji.

Enciso says the volunteers had spent the past ten weeks building the intercultural, language, and technical skills required to work alongside partner communities.

He says through the hospitality of their host villages, Sadro, Sauniveiuto and Vunibau in Deuba, they have learnt a new language, adapted to a new culture, and aligned their skills with the work they will be doing in Fiji.

Peace Corps Volunteer Training Manager Filipe Lomata explained that the trainees, known as Peace Corps Trainees or PCTs, completed a week-long orientation before beginning nine weeks of training in the province of Serua.

Lomata says the trainees live with local families, immersing themselves fully in Fijian culture and village life.

He says over the training period, PCTs undertake a range of learning experiences designed to help them demonstrate competencies in community integration, resilience and service, personal health and safety, and participatory development.

He adds that as the new volunteers take up their placements across nine villages, they stand ready to support inclusive, community-led development efforts throughout Fiji, strengthening resilience, improving livelihoods, and deepening the bonds of partnership between Fiji and the Peace Corps.