President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has welcomed a new cohort of seven Peace Corps Volunteers to Liberia, reaffirming the country’s long-standing partnership with the United States through the program. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the EJS Ministerial Complex in Monrovia and brought together U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Joseph Zadrozny, Peace Corps Liberia Country Director Vernice Guthrie, and Liberia’s Minister of Education Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah.
Over the next two years, the new Volunteers will work in schools and rural health centers, co-teaching math, science, and literacy, training teachers, supporting maternal and child health, and leading community-based development initiatives.
In his remarks, President Boakai described the Peace Corps as “a very, very helpful program for Liberia,” recalling how Volunteers supported the country even during its civil conflict. He noted that many former Volunteers, including past U.S. Ambassadors, had become lifelong advocates for Liberia.
“We are very happy to have you here to come and work with us,” President Boakai said. “Fortunately, your environment today is going to be very different from those who came back in the earlier days, when it was so difficult to travel on our roads. We are delighted to welcome you, and we look forward to a fruitful working relationship.”
Chargé d’Affaires Joseph Zadrozny, himself a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Mongolia, underscored the transformative impact of service.
“Today marks the start of an extraordinary journey, one that will shape the communities you serve and leave a lasting influence on your own lives,” he told the new cohort. “Your presence here reflects the best of American values: service, compassion, and dedication to building understanding.”
Zadrozny highlighted Liberia’s special place in Peace Corps history, noting that more than 4,200 Volunteers have served in the country since 1962. Among them was former U.S. Ambassador Mark Toner, who worked as a health volunteer in Grand Bassa County during the 1980s.
Education Minister Dr. Jarso Maley Jallah praised the Volunteers’ commitment, emphasizing their role in advancing Liberia’s educational and health priorities.
“Your decision to dedicate your time, skills, and energy to serve in our communities speaks volumes about your commitment to humanity and partnership,” she said.
Dr. Jallah highlighted the government’s push for 21st-century education, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), digital literacy, and vocational training. “These areas significantly contribute to research, empower local educators, and ensure that every Liberian child has access to a future-oriented education,” she added.
Liberia was one of the first countries to host Peace Corps Volunteers in 1962. Since then, more than 4,300 Americans have served in the country, supporting education, health, agriculture, and community development.
Operations were suspended in 1990 due to civil conflict but resumed in 2008 with Peace Corps Response Volunteers. The program has since expanded to cover teacher training, digital education, youth leadership, and public health.
Despite interruptions caused by the Ebola crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Peace Corps has consistently returned, strengthening its partnership with Liberia.
Peace Corps Liberia now operates across multiple counties, focusing on two primary sectors; Education: Volunteers teach math, science, and English, while also supporting literacy, library development, teacher training, and youth mentoring; and Health: Volunteers collaborate with community health workers on child and maternal health, nutrition, malaria prevention, and health education.
Additionally, Peace Corps Response Volunteers and Virtual Service Participants continue to provide specialized support in higher education, health training institutions, and community development.
As the new group of Volunteers begins their service, Liberian leaders and U.S. officials expressed optimism that their work will further deepen the bonds between the two nations.
“Together,” Dr. Jallah concluded, “we can build a healthier, more educated, and more prosperous Liberia.”
The swearing-in ceremony marks traditional Volunteers who commit to 24-month assignments and Peace Corps Response Volunteers, who serve in specialized roles for 12 months.
Country Director Mrs. Vernice Irene Guthrie presented the new Volunteers, including Maywell Woodrufl-Madeira, Cara Mark, Justice Taylor, Ruby Hlathei, Jasmin Vaughan, Kyle Hernandez, Nora McMickle, David Henry Krevor, and Kwame Fitzjohn.
She praised the resilience and dedication of both Volunteers and staff, acknowledging their tireless work despite challenges faced during the year. “Our work thrives because of the commitment of our Volunteers, the dedication of our staff, and the support of Liberian communities,” Guthrie said.
Peace Corps Liberia, which was first launched in 1962, continues to play a vital role in strengthening communities, fostering cross-cultural partnerships, and advancing development goals across the country.
