The U.S. Peace Corps is officially returning to El Salvador after years of absence, thanks to the improved security conditions in the country. This development comes in the wake of efforts led by President Nayib Bukele’s government, which have significantly reduced violence, positioning El Salvador as the safest country in the Western Hemisphere, according to Gallup’s latest Global Law and Order report.
A swearing-in ceremony was held this Friday, marking the official return of the Peace Corps, a U.S. government program focused on promoting social initiatives and benefiting local populations. The program, which had suspended operations in 2016 due to widespread violence and safety concerns, is now set to resume with a fresh group of volunteers committed to fostering sustainable development and strengthening U.S.-El Salvador relations.
“These volunteers will work alongside the communities where they are assigned to promote sustainable development and enhance cooperation between the United States and El Salvador,” stated the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador.
The new group of Peace Corps volunteers will stay for a year, focusing on youth development and community economic initiatives. Their efforts will emphasize employability skills, particularly in the tourism sector, IT training, and English language education. The first group will be deployed across the departments of Santa Ana, Sonsonate, and La Paz.
“These volunteers are known globally for their grassroots work with local communities, supporting projects that reflect their needs and aspirations,” said U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador, William Duncan, during the official ceremony. Peace Corps Director Carol Spahn and Salvadoran government officials also attended the event, which symbolized a milestone in bilateral relations.
From 1962 to 2016, over 2,300 Peace Corps volunteers served in El Salvador, contributing to public health, agriculture, economy, and youth development. This latest return aims to further solidify the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Volunteer Erick Alvarado affirmed his commitment to peace and service, stating, “I promise to share my culture with an open heart and mind, and to foster understanding with the people of El Salvador, through creativity, sensitivity, and respect.”
The renewed partnership is expected to complement the initiatives of President Bukele’s administration, driving further progress for the Salvadoran people.