President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961 with the goal of promoting global peace and understanding through volunteer work in developing countries. The program aimed to harness the energy and idealism of young Americans to address critical needs around the world, such as education, healthcare, and community development.
The Peace Corps was a key component of President Kennedy's foreign policy strategy, known as the "New Frontier," which sought to engage with the world in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. By sending American volunteers to live and work in communities abroad, the program aimed to foster cross-cultural exchange and build positive relationships between the United States and other nations.
Over the years, the Peace Corps has sent thousands of volunteers to serve in countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. These volunteers have worked on a wide range of projects, from teaching English and building schools to promoting public health and environmental conservation.