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As global challenges mount, Peace Corps volunteers continue to demonstrate American dedication, cooperation and service. Thousands of Northern Virginians have seen the program’s impact firsthand, both overseas and in their communities after returning home.

During my Peace Corps service in Togo from 1995 to 1998, I worked on a community health education project focused on safe motherhood and child survival. I supported Togolese health volunteers Adjoua and Henou as they encouraged pregnant people to receive prenatal care and give birth at the village health hut.

Their work also helped parents understand the importance of vaccinating children. Villagers learned to filter water to prevent Guinea worm, sleep beneath bed nets to reduce malaria-carrying mosquito bites, use modern contraceptives for family planning, and use condoms to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Critics argue that taxpayer dollars should address problems at home instead of supporting work in other countries. But Peace Corps volunteers bring valuable experience and skills back to the United States, where their commitment to service often continues for life.

Returned volunteers strengthen their communities as teachers, health care workers, entrepreneurs, public servants, community leaders and volunteers. A 2023 survey found that 86% of responding returned Peace Corps volunteers continued to volunteer locally, a rate well above the national average.

The Peace Corps also represents a small federal expense. It accounts for less than 1% of the International Affairs Budget, which itself makes up about 1% of the entire federal budget.

Supporting the Peace Corps, essential foreign-assistance programs and national-service initiatives is an investment in communities abroad and at home. Abandoning that commitment would weaken the country’s future.