US Consul General to Casablanca Marissa Scott led a swearing-in ceremony on November 21 for 53 Peace Corps volunteers in Beni Mellal, according to a press release by the American Embassy. The ceremony marked the end of a rigorous 10-week pre-service training program for the volunteers, who will begin a two-year service assignment in communities across Morocco to «promote peace and friendship», the same statement revealed. The 53 Peace Corps volunteers will work in collaboration with Moroccan communities on projects focused on youth development. «Today marks a significant milestone for these 53 dedicated Peace Corps volunteers as they embark on a two-year journey of service in communities across Morocco», Consul General Marissa Scott said during her remarks. «Through their hard work, cultural immersion, and commitment to promoting peace and friendship, they will play an essential role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and contributing to the development of Morocco's youth». The volunteers were trained in Moroccan Darija, Moroccan culture, and youth development technical skills to be able to work with the Moroccan communities. With diverse backgrounds from across the US, including California, New York, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Georgia, and North Carolina, they will be serving in various regions throughout Morocco, including Marrakech-Safi, Fez-Meknes, the Oriental Region, Souss-Massa, Drâa-Tafilalet, and Beni Mellal-Khenifra. Volunteers will be working on impactful youth development initiatives, collaborating with local youth centers to implement after-school programs aimed at enhancing English language skills, life skills training, and community engagement. Through dynamic activities such as classes, clubs, and summer camps, these volunteers will empower Moroccan youth, helping them build personal and social skills essential for future success. For the record, Morocco is one of the first countries to host Peace Corps volunteers in 1963. Since then, over 5,000 U.S. citizens have served in Morocco.
