On March 1, 2011, the Peace Corps celebrated its 50th anniversary. The volunteer agency, created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, aims to promote peace and friendship throughout the world. More than 8,000 volunteers live and work in 77 countries. They work on issues ranging from clean drinking water to HIV/AIDS education to information technology. Despite proposed budget reductions, the Peace Corps says new people continue to volunteer. (Click on the link to see the 2011 Presidential Proclamation)
Peace Corps Timeline
In this series of reports, VOA takes a look at the Peace Corps and how participation impacts volunteers' lives and the people they serve.
