Former U.S. Ambassador Heather M. Hodges Speeches

Ambassador Hodges' remarks at the
Peace Corps Volunteers' Swearing In

August 19, 2005
(as prepared)

Ambassador Hodges at the Peace Corps Volunteers' Swearing In

Honored guests, Peace Corps Volunteers, host families, ladies and gentlemen: Thank you for inviting me to take part in this ceremony. The Peace Corps has a unique and valuable role among U.S. government programs in Moldova, and it is wonderful to welcome a new group of Volunteers to this effort.

The United States is working around the world to promote peace, freedom and prosperity, in partnership with other governments that share these goals. The Peace Corps cannot work successfully without the cooperation of government ministries, of school and health administrators, of local officials and community partners.

The most unique feature of Peace Corps is that the Volunteers work person-to-person, in villages and towns. In doing so they gain as much from their Moldovan hosts as they leave behind. For that reason, the original mission of Peace Corps remains as relevant today as when the program began over forty years ago. There will always be tremendous value in people of different countries meeting, cooperating, and building a greater understanding of each other.

I would like to say a few words to the host families who are here with us today. For ten weeks you have opened your home to an American volunteer. This has been an incredibly important part of preparing them for their work. Their success depends on their ability to meet and work with Moldovans, and you have gotten them off to a great start. Multumesc foarte mult.

And to the partners who will work with these Peace Corps Volunteers for the next two years, I say: Thank you for your efforts and your cooperation. The relationship between you and the Volunteer is critical to their working effectively with the students.

And finally, a few words for the new Volunteers who are about to be sworn in: Today your formal training ends and two years of service begin. These two years will be a very precious time: precious for you, and precious for Moldova. Each of you will be teaching in a local school; some will also work with community health workers. You will provide your young students with a window into the world outside Moldova. Every time you coach a youth team, or lead a summer camp session, every health seminar you arrange, is a valuable moment -- not to be wasted. And each encounter with your work partner is a chance for you to learn from one another.

None of us knows what impact we have on the people around us. But each of you sitting before us is in a wonderful position to have a positive impact on the world. Working directly with local citizens, sharing their hardships but also their joys and triumphs, enables you to be effective in your host community. Serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer is a challenging job, but ultimately one with great rewards -- both for you, and for those around you.

So, thank you for being here today; thank you for volunteering. You have two years of precious opportunities ahead of you. I encourage you to use them wisely and to treasure each and every one.