Remarks

Ambassador Dennise Mathieu’s Remarks
Peace Corps Swearing In Ceremony
April 17, 2009
National Institute for Educational Development (NIED) - Okahandja

Good morning and welcome to the 2009 swearing-in ceremony for the 29th group of Peace Corps volunteers to serve in Namibia!  This is my 3rd swearing-in ceremony over the last 1 and 1/2 years, and each time I do so I continue to feel a tremendous sense of pride, both as the American Ambassador and as an American citizen.

I’m especially pleased to participate in this ceremony for the 6th group of Community Health and HIV/AIDS volunteers for Namibia.  As Peace Corps Director Hannah Baldwin noted, you represent the very best that the American people have to offer.  To have the opportunity to play even a small part in the lives of average Namibians, and in some cases, to even save lives, is a unique honor that you’ll have during your service.

Since the first days of Namibian independence, the United States and the Government of Namibia have been working together, sharing the same commitment to democracy, good governance and respect for human rights.  We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together during the last 19 years, and I’m particularly proud of the contribution of the United States Peace Corps.  More than 900 volunteers have served in Namibia since 1990, working closely with their Namibian counterparts in education, health, community development and small business development.

Since 2004, the Peace Corps has also been part of the United States’ combined effort to support Namibia in its struggle against HIV/AIDS.  The United States works in partnership with the Namibian government, and non-governmental, faith-based and community organizations to fight this scourge, and Peace Corps volunteers play an important role in this effort.   The contributions of volunteers are often tangible and innovative, such as organizing the production of music CDs to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS among youth and adults and to offset the burdens of HIV/AIDS at the community level. 

Volunteers also have an intangible impact.  Whether you organize instant messaging with HIV/AIDS information to help boys and girls make constructive choices and protect themselves;  or initiate activities to address the victimization of young girls and the spread of HIV in flood relocation camps;   or helping members of a cooperative to market their handicrafts so that those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS may lead more productive lives.  You will have an impact and Namibians will fondly recall their memories of a Peace Corps volunteer.

The interaction between Volunteers and Namibians isn’t a one way street, however.  Just as you’ll share American values and culture with Namibians, you’ll also leave with a deeper understanding of this society and the challenges it faces.  And you’ll make wonderful ambassadors for Namibia as you share your experiences with family, friends and colleagues when you return to the United States.

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Peace Corps operation in Namibia continues to be a vibrant and dynamic program.  Currently, we have almost 130 volunteers who are serving in all 13 regions of the country.  I’ve no doubt that all of you will add a new chapter to the continuing story of the Peace Corps’ strong commitment to Namibia and the Namibian people.

Group 29 – congratulations!  I know that getting here hasn’t been easy.  After successfully completing a rigorous selection process and a demanding 8-week training course, you should be proud of what you’ve accomplished.  An exciting future lies ahead.  Namibia is a wonderful yet challenging country – the Namibians a gracious people.  The demands are high, but so are the rewards.  As you work through the difficult yet interesting days to come, remember the positive impact you’re having on people’s lives. 

Focus on the contribution you’re making, and, above all, remain open to the very special rewards that you’ll gain from working in this unique and very special place!  I look forward to hearing about your projects in the future and meeting some of you at your sites.

Good luck to you all.