Ambassador Knapper: Vietnam-US relations have changed a lot after one generation.

Ambassador Knapper said that the Vietnam-US relationship and goodwill have changed significantly over the years, demonstrated through the Peace Program being implemented in Vietnam.

"When talking about the Vietnam-US relationship, especially in the context of the two countries celebrating the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership, I think the most important areas areeducational cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Nothing demonstrates this better than the Peace Corps Program being implemented in Vietnam," said US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper when introducing Mr. Mikel Herrington, the newly appointed Country Director of the Peace Corps Program, at a ceremony in Hanoi today.

Referring to his father who fought in Quang Tri province in 1966-1967, Ambassador Knapper said that Vietnam and the US have a painful history of war. "But after only one generation, from my father to me, the relationship and goodwill between the two countries have changed a lot," he said.

Ambassador Knapper speaks at the ceremony in Hanoi on May 19. Photo: Vu Anh

According to him, the presence of the Peace Program represents the spirit of friendship, friendship and trust of the US towards Vietnam, helping to strengthen bilateral relations in the fields of education and people-to-people exchange.

"It's wonderful to see nine volunteers and many more to come from the US teaching English, interacting with local authorities, teachers and communities to build bridges and enhance mutual understanding between the US and Vietnam," said Mr. Knapper.

The Peace Corps, founded by the United States in 1961, currently has more than 240,000 volunteers in 142 countries around the world. Vietnam is the 143rd country to which the organization has sent volunteers.

The first nine Peace Corps volunteers took the oath of office in Hanoi in late December 2022 to begin their assignment in Vietnam. All are university graduates, two of whom have certificates in teaching English as a second language.

9 Peace Corps volunteers take oath in Hanoi in late December 2022. Photo: Peace Corps

The volunteers’ mission is to teach English alongside teachers at nine high schools in Hanoi, under a program by the Ministry of Education and Training. The cost of participating in the program in Vietnam is supported by the US government.

Assessing the Peace Corps' activities in Vietnam, Mr. Herrington said that volunteers are thoroughly trained in Vietnamese language and culture, as well as English teaching methods before carrying out their duties at local schools.

“What’s unique about Peace Corps volunteers is that they live with the community 24/7, which allows them to build relationships that are much different than teachers who just come in for three classes a week and then go home,” he said.

Some volunteers have been invited to attend local weddings and full-month celebrations, as well as organizing extra classes outside of the English curriculum such as yoga and sports.

Director Herrington said the first goal that the Peace Program aims to achieve when operating in Vietnam is to support the Ministry of Education and Training's Project on teaching and learning foreign languages in the national education system for the period 2017-2025.

Through this activity, the Peace Program aims to achieve a second goal of building people-to-people exchanges, creating opportunities for Vietnamese teachers, students, and people to better understand Americans and see that "they are not like what is depicted in the movies."

Country Director Herrington shares about the Peace Program's activities at the ceremony on May 19. Photo: Vu Anh

He emphasized that after completing their mission, volunteers will bring back their experiences working in Vietnam so that Americans can better understand the country and people of Vietnam today.

"The combination of these goals will form our mission, which is to build peace and friendship around the world," said Director Herrington. "My brother and his family will be coming to Vietnam in two weeks, after hearing about the wonderful things here, as well as my love for Vietnam."

Vu Anh

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