PROGRAM EVALUATION: FY-2005 MRP: "YOUTH LEADERSHIP II"

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 LIMA 004818 SIPDIS DEPT FOR ECA/PE/V/M (MBENSON, AZAKI),INFO ECA/PE/V/R/W (EWILKES- SCOTT, DKEFFER),INFO WHA/PDA (SLEBENS),WHA/AND (JMONSERRATE) NEW YORK FOR ECA/PE/V/C/N (DSHIRREFFS) E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: OEXC SCUL KPAO PE SUBJECT: PROGRAM EVALUATION: FY-2005 MRP: "YOUTH LEADERSHIP II" {E/VM-2005-0037}(August 11-September 1, 2005) PERUVIAN IV Marithza ALDAZABAL ¶1. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVITY: IV Marithza ALDAZABAL participated in subject program to examine how young U.S. citizens acquire leadership skills to improve their communities and influence public policy at their local, national, and international levels; explore youth education and training to learn how young people are inspired to become responsible participants in civil society; and learn about the roles of schools, civic organizations, and community groups in promoting youth development and leadership. ¶2. DATE, FISCAL YEAR AND QUARTER: August 11-September 1, 2005, FY- 2005; Fourth Quarter. ¶3. MISSION PERFORMANCE PLAN THEME: Public Diplomacy. ¶4. RESULT/IMPACT: Very Positive. The program was very interesting for the participants, because it permitted them to be aware of different social programs in the U.S. Ms. Aldazabal admired the importance and involvement of the community within the urban and rural development, especially among people with basic education in contrast to those with higher education. That said, it is vital to encourage leadership among all the different members of the community. ¶5. AUDIENCE REACHED: Twenty colleagues from different countries of the world, such as Thailand, Tanzania, Sweden, Singapore, Sierra Leone, Saudi Arabia, etc. This program was focused on reaching young people who are involved in different community programs, and professionals that handle and manage youth programs (psychologists, professors, sociologists, doctors, etc.) The scope for professionals was to analyze the strategies applied for programs to the extent they could be applied to the diversity of realities of each participant's country. ¶6. OFFICER ESCORTS AND COORDINATORS: IV Aldazabal praised the Escorts who accompanied the group, Rebeca Brezenoff, Loonie Hilliard and Barry Lewis, for their professionalism and knowledge of the theme, their positive attitude and social sensibility. IV also mentioned "they were very responsible in their work." During the whole program, the group felt safe and protected. At the end of the program, the participants organized an informal gathering to thank E/I for all their support. ¶7. QUALITY OF SUPPORT FROM ECA: Program was funded with FY-05 IV allocation. At Lima Post, IV Aldazabal received a good orientation on her program, and she wants to thank the FSNs who courteously briefed her. She also commented on the constant help received from Margery Benson, project coordinator, and Sanda Chao of the Academy for Educational Development. ¶8. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAM: -- The variety of cultures and diversity among participants, and the desire to willingly share their expertise. -- All participants formed an easy-going integrated group. -- The different strategies used to support communities. -- The conscious group participation to resolve conflicts in social problems, and help young citizens towards improvement of their quality of life. -- The host-families' hospitality was wonderful; participants were all integrated into their activities as if they were part of the family. -- Themes related to children and young people at-risk were also enlightening. ¶9. LONG-TERM RESULTS: IV Aldazabal recommends and praises the appointments with: -- Paula Allen, from United Way of Central Indiana, Indianapolis, who caught Ms. Aldazabal's attention for the diverse initiatives that this organization has done to increase youth leadership. The fact that they include young people in their board of directors is an uncommon strategy in Peru. IV Aldazabal was impressed by a 16-year-old teenager's maturity, intelligence and verbal communication skill while talking with the group about his active collaboration. These experiences would be of great help for Peruvian organizations that guide youngsters. -- Angela Moody, from Arrowhead Ranch, Illinois, which is a rehabilitation center for young men, where ways of developing and helping their own families are taught, especially when young people violate the Law. Ms. Aldazabal was pleased to see how the rehabilitation program changes their lives. She believes that this type of experience would be of great help and could be shared with institutions and Peruvian government representatives. -- Meter Twitchell, Youth Build Boston, an excellent program that helps young people take responsibility in their community through cooperative learning. The participants had the chance to listen to live testimonies of young people and were surprised by their initiatives and advocacy. Any Peruvian organization working with young and/or at-risk people would be interested to learn about these experiences, and Ms. Aldazabal is planning to share her views. -- Rebecca Hare, Washington, Youth with Disabilities and Employment. Peruvian centers assisting disadvantaged people would like to focus on the education labor empowerment. They can share all the challenges that this U.S. organization and U.S. people have faced, and the good results of their strategies. -- IV Aldazabal is convinced that on future workshops with Discovery Channel Global Education Program she will mention related social-educational programs. Ms. Aldazabal is interested in following programs that could help the development of the community and how to incentive Peruvian young leaders around the world. This program has been very useful for her and has also given her ideas to improve her program in Peru. ¶10. COMMENTS/SUGGESTIONS: -- Hotels were comfortable and well located. -- For most participants, U.S. traditions are different, but the fact of getting acquainted with these ways of living allowed them to understand other points of view. Participants were also surprised to see air-conditioning in all buildings, beverages with ice, fast food, canned food very accessible and common to all U.S. citizens. These thoughts encouraged IV participants to share their traditions and their own ways of living. -- IV Aldazabal shared her opinions with the other participants, and they agreed that in future similar programs should have more focused themes on youth leadership rather than broader social work issues. -- IV Aldazabal appreciated being able to participate in this excellent program. Suggestions: -- Supplementary personal interaction with young people, to discuss and learn more about their experiences. IV Aldazabal would suggest that this program take place when youngsters are in school, because most of the students were on vacation. -- More hands-on workshops instead of meetings because it is much easier to interact with other members than just sit as mere listeners. -- More contact with Native American families and young people. Participants met the Santa Fe, New Mexico, Native Americans and they found them "mystic". Unfortunately, they missed the experience of direct contact with native communities in their own settings to see how natives face youth leadership. -- The intercultural factor among participants, being a group of different nationalities, is another learning experience, besides learning more about the U.S. IV Aldazabal thinks that this program could be more profitable if the participants receive information on each other before the program starts. Also, if possible, participants should receive ahead of time information on each organization the group will visit, so that IV participants could Google their web pages and prepare information related to their country's experiences. STRUBLE