Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn officially opened the agency’s new office in The Gambia today, heralding a renewed commitment to the organization’s 57-year collaboration with the Gambian people. The modern facility will serve as a hub to support Peace Corps staff, volunteers, host families, and community partners as they work together to advance locally driven development initiatives.

“I am honored to be here to experience the Smiling Coast of Africa, where the people of The Gambia have warmly welcomed volunteers into their hearts and homes for decades,” said Director Spahn during the opening ceremony. “This moment is an investment in the future of this great partnership between the Peace Corps and the Gambian people. We call on Americans everywhere to walk through these doors and help build on this incredible legacy of service.”

Celebrating Decades of Service

Since its inception in The Gambia in 1967, the Peace Corps has engaged more than 2,100 volunteers in various sectors, including education, agriculture, environment, and health. The new office signals a continuing commitment to meeting The Gambia’s need for skilled volunteers.

In an effort to adapt to changing demands, Peace Corps/The Gambia is piloting a one-year service option. This program will offer volunteers a shorter-term opportunity to contribute to local priorities while complementing the agency’s traditional two-year service and Peace Corps Response programs.

Director Spahn emphasized the transformative nature of the Peace Corps experience, both for the volunteers and the communities they serve. “As our Volunteers strive to give to the communities who welcome them with such warmth and with arms wide open, the fact is that they get just as much – if not more – in return,” she remarked.

Cultural Connection and Lasting Impact

Highlighting the cultural immersion that volunteers experience, Spahn expressed excitement about hearing from six current volunteers and their local counterparts during the ceremony. Some were slated to share their stories in local languages, including Wolof, Mandinka, Serahule, and Pulaar.

“The wisdom, kindness, and enduring spirit of The Gambia stay with our volunteers long after their service ends,” Spahn said. “It shapes who they are, building lasting bridges of understanding across cultures, borders, and differences.”

The new office stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between the Peace Corps and The Gambia, fostering collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared vision for sustainable development.