Peace Corps Fiji welcomes the second cohort of Peace Corps Trainees to arrive after the 3-year suspension of the program due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

This group of 31 trainees is the 98th group of Americans to volunteer to serve the government and the people of Fiji. 

After the successful completion of an intensive 10-week training (where they will learn the local language, and culture, and enhance technical expertise) they will begin their 2-year service in their host communities throughout the island of Viti Levu.

This cohort will serve against the Community Economic Empowerment Program (CEEP). Designed in partnership with the Government of Fiji, CEEP will train partner communities to design and manage projects and generate income, while also helping individuals manage household funds.

Volunteers will support their communities in creating viable and sustainable projects that address prioritized community needs. Together, volunteers and community partners will work to ensure the success and sustainability of their projects.

Peace Corps Fiji Country Director, Kury Cobham, stated “For 55 years, communities within Fiji have identified their priorities, and Peace Corps has provided trained volunteers to work with local partners towards those goals.  CEEP is the next chapter in this success story; one where communities will develop the means of economic security,” said Cobham.

In addition, Ms. Cobham shared that “Volunteer collaboration and partnership with host villages will embrace inclusivity; encouraging participation from a wide range of community members to achieve community goals.”

Peace Corps Fiji celebrates 55 years of partnership and support with Fiji. This longstanding relationship provides invaluable opportunities for the Peace Corps to impart technical knowledge, partnership, and guidance towards achieving Fiji’s priorities and development goals.