Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Peace Corps is planning to expand both the number of volunteers in Indonesia as well as the provinces in which they serve.

By June 2012 the number of English Education Volunteers will increase to 70, with plans to place Volunteers in East Java and beyond starting in 2013, the US embassy in Jakarta said in a press statement, Sunday.

Potential provinces include South Sulawesi, West Java, and Banten.

The Peace Corps and the Indonesian government are also working together to develop a second program sector in an area such as in community health, environment, or youth and community development, the statement said.

The Peace Corps supports the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership by expanding people-to-people exchanges, cultural activities, and educational partnerships.

Since returning to Indonesia in January 2010, Peace Corps Indonesia has rapidly grown into a program of 43 Volunteers teaching English at schools and madrasahs throughout East Java.

Volunteers co-teach 10th and 11th grade classes with Indonesian counterparts, facilitate student activities and clubs, and contribute to teacher clubs and workshops.

Throughout their two years of service, Volunteers live with Indonesian host families, furthering their integration into the community and supporting the goal of greater inter-cultural dialogue.

Peace Corps initiated its first program in Indonesia in 1963 and initially sent a total of 46 Volunteers to work in sports coaching and physical education. (*)

Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
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