Peace Corps Zambia Country Director Thomas Kennedy says the United States government is spending about US$ 9 million on Peace Corp activities in Zambia.
Mr. Kennedy said the activities involve improving sustainable development in agriculture and natural resources, health, education and aquaculture.
Speaking when he bid farewell to Journalists and Peace Corp Zambia staff at his residence following the expiry of his stay in Zambia, Mr. Kennedy disclosed that his country spends US$9 million for administrative activities of the Peace Corps, training of volunteers and for implementation of programmes in the country.
The outgoing Country Director stated that Peace Corps volunteers are spread in all the country’s 10 provinces operating mainly in underserved rural areas.
He further disclosed that Zambia has the largest Peace Corps program in Africa and enjoys the highest extension rate in the world which he attributed to the strong bonds built between Zambia and American volunteers.
Mr. Kennedy added that from 1994 when the Peace Corps Zambia started, over 1,500 American volunteers have served in Zambia while 215,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps in 139 countries since 1961.
He described his 5-year stay in Zambia as the best years of his life describing the country as amazing with a rich and diverse culture and people.
Mr. Kennedy cited the expanded work in Malaria and HIV/AIDS prevention under PEPFAR initiative plus the doubling of the number of volunteers
reaching more communities in Zambia as some of the major achievements
the Peace Corp have score during his leadership.
He commended the Zambia government and its people for the warm welcome
to the Peace Corps and support.
The new director who he did not disclose is expected to take over his position before August this year.