Effective Partnership for Community Development - Peace Corps celebrates 45 Years of Global Service & 15 Years of Service in Bulgaria

PRESS RELEASE
September 25, 2006

On September 27th, 2006, in the Rodina Hotel’s Maritza Hall, Peace Corps Bulgaria’s staff, volunteers and partners will celebrate 45 years of global service and 15 years of service in Bulgaria. The event will be open for public walk-through from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. there will be a brief official opening by US Ambassador H.E John Beyrle and Peace Corps Bulgaria’s country Director, Carl Hammerdorfer.

This event will feature examples of effective development initiatives, in the form of booths and other displays presented by Peace Corps Volunteers and their Bulgarian partners. By combining the knowledge and talent of people in Bulgarian community organizations with the skills and energy of Peace Corps Volunteers, Peace Corps offers a unique and effective grass-roots alternative to conventional top-down development efforts. 

Volunteer and counterpart displays will focus on the benefits provided by Peace Corps’ education, ecology, business, youth development, minority integration and other programs.  Officials from ministries with which Peace Corps partners, as well as representatives of different host organizations from across Bulgaria will be present to celebrate the anniversary and enjoy the presentations.

The 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. The Peace Corps began its work in Bulgaria in 1991 through an agreement between the Republic of Bulgaria and the government of the United States. Currently there are about 150 Volunteers in Bulgaria, working in four programs: Community and Organizational Development, Youth Development, Primary Education and Secondary Education.

Contact:
Nadia Staneva
United States Peace Corps
+3592 818 2100
nstaneva@bg.peacecorps.gov