A ceremony celebrating the commencement of their volunteer service held at Tbilisi State University. The ceremony was attended by  U.S. Ambassador Richard B. Norland and representatives of the U. S. Embassy, Minister of Education and Science of Georgia Tamar Sanikidze, regional and local government officials, collaborating organizations and institutions, Georgian host families, Peace Corps staff, and Peace Corps Georgia Volunteers.

The Peace Corps operates at the request of the Georgian government and provides qualified men and women who contribute to social and economic development while also promoting a better understanding between Americans and Georgians. The Peace Corps program was established in 2001 in Georgia. Since then more than 600 Volunteers have worked side by side with Georgian people in communities across the country.

Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961, more than 220,000 Americans have served in 140 host countries. Today, more than 6,800 volunteers are working with local communities in 64 host countries in agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health and youth in development. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment and the agency’s mission is to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries.