JOSH LEDERMAN, Associated Press
Peace Corps Launch Announced for Myanmar
NAYPYITAW, Myanmar (AP) — The United States will start sending Peace Corps volunteers for the first time next year to Myanmar.
President Barack Obama is announcing the new program ahead of a meeting in Myanmar’s capital with President Thein Sein.
Timeline and Training Details for Volunteers
The White House says the first volunteers will arrive in late 2015. They’ll train for three months in Myanmar’s language, culture and technical needs. Then they’ll volunteer at sites in Myanmar, also known as Burma, for two years.
Myanmar Government's Invitation and U.S. Response
Deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes says Myanmar’s government formally invited the Peace Corps to open a program last year. He says the Peace Corps is ideally suited to help Myanmar as it transitions to democracy and works to promote economic prosperity.
Demonstrating the U.S. Commitment to Myanmar
Rhodes says the program also shows the U.S. commitment to Myanmar and its people.
