NORFOLK, Neb. – Norfolk resident Leslie Rojas is among the first Peace Corps volunteers to return to overseas service since the agency’s unprecedented global evacuation in March 2020. The Peace Corps suspended global operations and evacuated nearly 7,000 volunteers from more than 60 countries at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Peace Corps focuses on building momentum. I hope to strengthen my leadership skills, expand my cultural diversity, and learn to navigate uncertainty. I know that my fellow PCVs and I will help each other through this process. I am ready to immerse myself into this new journey,” said Rojas.

Rojas is a graduate of University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in political science and global studies. She will serve as a volunteer in Rwanda in the education sector.

“The world is at a critical juncture. The largest global vaccination effort in history is underway while other widespread health, social, political, and environmental issues continue to erode the foundation of our global society. Actions taken in the next few years have the potential to fundamentally impact development trajectories for decades to come,” said Peace Corps CEO Carol Spahn. “Peace Corps volunteers returning to Rwanda will work alongside community members to support urgent development efforts and build critical connections.”  

The volunteer cohorts are made up of both first-time volunteers and volunteers who were evacuated in early 2020. Upon finishing a three-month training, volunteers will collaborate with their host communities on locally prioritized projects in one of Peace Corps’ six sectors – agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health or youth in development – and all will engage in COVID-19 response and recovery work.

On March 15, the Peace Corps welcomed the first volunteers to service in Zambia. After more than two years of careful monitoring, evaluating, adapting, and planning, the agency is returning volunteers to service on an ongoing basis until all posts have reopened. The Peace Corps will continue to monitor COVID-19 trends in all of its host countries and send volunteers to serve as conditions permit.

Rojas will work in cooperation with local community and partner organizations on sustainable development projects.