Amanda Rodriguez
Amanda Joy Rodriguez, 24, of Dalbo, departed for Uganda on Feb. 14 to begin pre-service training as a primary teacher trainer Peace Corps volunteer.
“I decided I wanted to volunteer with the Peace Corps because of their commitment to sustainable help around the world. Peace Corps volunteers equip communities to succeed long after they are gone,” says Rodriguez, the daughter of Phil and Colleen Rodriguez.
After earning her diploma from Cambridge-Isanti High School, she attended Gordon College in Wenham, Mass., where she earned a bachelor of science in English language, literature and elementary education in 2007.
During the first three months of her service, Rodriguez will live with a host family in Uganda to become fully immersed in the country’s language and culture. After acquiring these skills necessary to assist her community, she will serve for two years in Uganda, living in a manner similar to people in her host country.
Rodriguez joins the 243 Minnesota residents currently serving in the Peace Corps. More than 5,847 Minnesota residents have served in the Peace Corps since 1961.
Over 929 Peace Corps volunteers have served in Uganda since the program was established in 1964.
Volunteers in this East African nation work to bring HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention techniques through the community health and economic development sectors. Many volunteers working on HIV/AIDS prevention and care receive support from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief program.
Volunteers also work to strengthen English, math and science education. Currently, 149 volunteers are serving in Uganda.
As the Peace Corps approaches its 50th anniversary, its service legacy continues to promote peace and friendship around the world. Historically, over 195,000 volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries in which they have served.
Applications to serve in the Peace Corps have increased 16 percent this past year, the largest boost in the last five years. Currently, 7,876 Peace Corps Volunteers are serving in 76 countries.
To learn more about the Peace Corps, visit www.peacecorps.gov.
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