With a half century to celebrate, the Peace Corps Fiji program is asking Fijians to tell them about their experience with the American volunteers and how it has shaped their respective communities.

Peace Corps Fiji Country Director Dennis McMahon says the American volunteers that have served in Fiji since 1968 have learned and benefitted so much from the Fijian culture which in many instances have led to strong bonds and lifelong friendships with close to 3000 Americans.

With the program turning 50 this year, celebrations have been planned to mark the milestone event.

Ensuring that Fijians are at the centre of the celebrations, McMahon says they’re hoping to compile a number of testimonials by those that have at any time in the last 50 years being involved with the Peace Corps volunteers.

“I’d really like to encourage people who have a story, who have had an experience, who have some appreciation for what a volunteer has contributed to their life, to their community to come forward and share that and to come forward and to contact us so that we can maybe capture their story, maybe a small video.”

The 50th Anniversary of the Peace Corps Fiji program will be celebrated at the end of June.

In addition to a national exhibition, some volunteers that have previously served in Fiji since 1968 will return to celebrate Peace Corps Fiji’s half a century.