The first group of Peace Corps volunteers ever to serve in Cambodia will arrive in Phnom Penh soon, the U.S. Embassy said on Thursday.

The volunteers which consist of 30 English teachers departed from San Francisco, the United States, on Wednesday and are scheduled to arrive here on Friday, according to a press release issued by the embassy.

"We are excited to begin this historic new program for the Peace Corps in Cambodia," Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter was quoted as saying.

"We are enthusiastic about this opportunity to build lasting friendships and a mutual understanding with the people of Cambodia, " he added.

The volunteers will teach English at the upper secondary level and support teachers in Cambodian provinces and districts to improve their English language and teaching skills, the press release said.

Except for classroom teaching, the volunteers will also collaborate with community groups and individuals to develop sustainable community activities to enhance the quality of life for Cambodians in the communities where they serve, it added.

"Cambodia is counting on Peace Corps for valuable assistance to reach its priority goal of poverty alleviation and rural development, and improving the living standard of Cambodian people, " it quoted a Cambodian diplomat as saying.

Cambodia is the 139th country to partner with the Peace Corps, which has about 7,500 volunteers serving in 73 countries.

Source: Xinhua