US to continue supporting Uganda through Peace Corps

Sep 21, 2019

Peace Corps Director Dr. Joseline Oslen said through the initiative, many lives have been changed over time.

KAMPALA - The United States (US) Government has lauded the work done by their Peace Corps volunteers towards changing the lives of Ugandans.

Peace Corps Director Dr. Joseline Oslen said through the initiative, many lives have been changed over time.

Addressing journalists at the Embassy Plaza in Kabalagala a Kampala suburb on Thursday, Oslen said many people's lives in rural areas have been improved through the various programs implemented by Peace Corps.

She was flanked by the US Ambassador to Uganda, Deborah Malac and the Peace Corps Uganda Country Director James Ham.

Oslen said there are 158 Peace Corps who have been working in Uganda for two years implementing various programs in the three main sectors of education, health and agriculture.

"Many people have benefited through our health and agriculture programs; especially the women and youth," she noted.

She said they are committed to continue partnering with the Uganda government towards the improvement of services in the country.  

According to the 2018 Report to the Uganda People, the US provided $402.4m in the FY 2018 for HIV care treatment, prevention and support services.

Ham (Peace Corps Country Director) said they also focus on improving maternal and child health; enhance food security and nutrition and strengthening the health systems.

The report also shows that over 273,009 Ugandans participated in the US food security program; while the USAID Feed the Future Initiative empowered 95,516 farmers on how to apply improved technologies and management practices to increase their productivity.

Ham noted that through the education program, the Peace Corps volunteers inspire young learners to stay in school.

"The Peace Corps support a whole child development with the inclusion of sports and literacy efforts. We also provide other learning materials and tools depending on the needs of the community," he said.

According to the report, the US provided 1,697,155 textbooks and other teaching materials to various schools.

Ham explained that during their service, the volunteers first learn the local languages used in host communities to ease communication.

He said they work closely with the government of Uganda who helps in the placement of volunteers.

They also work closely with NGOs, police and local authorities to know the presence of the Peace Corps in various areas.

There are 7000 serving Peace Corps globally aged below 28 years, with 60% of them being women. 

"All these are graduates with bachelors and Master's degrees in different fields," Ham explained.

Malac said empowering people depends on a strong health and education system.

 

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