Paul Coverdell: “the Peace Corps of the United States has, over the past several years, responded with great energy and commitment to the…”

“the Peace Corps of the United States has, over the past several years, responded with great energy and commitment to the historical transformations that are occurring in the societies of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Republics. The Berlin Wall had scarcely fallen when Peace Corps responded to the request of Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia for critical technical assistance from Peace Corps volunteers. The call for Peace Corps services did not end in these initial Eastern European countries. Soon, virtually every other European country which formerly fell under the domination of the former Soviet Union requested Peace Corps volunteers to help them make the transformation to democracy and market economies. Peace Corps was the first United States agency to provide significant numbers of development workers to the Eastern European countries following their freedom from the Soviet Union. Peace Corps volunteers arrived to instruct these countries in private business development, organizational systems, and the training of teachers of the English language. Since its expansion into Eastern Europe, the Peace Corps has continued to answer the call for assistance from the former Soviet Republics. Peace Corps continues to be called upon to provide assistance to help carry out the far-sweeping reforms and transformations taking place in these countries.”