A Leadership and Democracy Workshop for Kuwait's Youth

UNCLAS KUWAIT 001611 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARP (BJACKSON),ECA/PE/C/CU (RKEITH),NEA/PPD (DBENZE),NEA (CBOURGEOIS) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SCUL KPAO OEXC KU SUBJECT: A Leadership and Democracy Workshop for Kuwait's Youth ¶1. Summary: On October 29, twelve Kuwaiti Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program alumni participated in an Embassy-organized leadership workshop. The one-day workshop was held at the U.S. Embassy and incorporated group-development activities, discussion of leadership theories, social activism, and organizational management skills. Public Affairs managed to solidify U.S. involvement with those Kuwaitis who have traveled to the United States on exchange programs and promote democracy initiatives. This workshop was especially designed to provide the participants of USG programs with the leadership skills necessary for organizing an effective alumni association of their own. End Summary Encouraging Leadership Development and Activism -------------- -- ¶2. Embassy public diplomacy officers organized a one-day workshop teaching leadership skills to Kuwaiti students on October 29, 2007. Twelve highly-motivated alums of the YES program participated in group activities designed to enhance their leadership potential and thereby expand the capabilities of their alumni organization. PAS also invited alumni of other, USG-sponsored exchange visitor programs, including MEPI's Study of the U.S. Institutes, YES and IVLP, to participate. Participants gave presentations about the leadership skills gained during their visits to the United States and the ways that expertise might be used in Kuwait. The workshop attendees indicated that the presentations on public speaking skills, writing a constitution, and how to run a meeting were extraordinarily informative. The highlight of the workshop for most students was the interactive group problem-solving exercises because of the trust developed and the use of critical analysis in finding solutions. The positive feedback from the students encouraged PAS to seek opportunities for turning this one-day training module on leadership into a format that will engage a wider audience of Kuwaiti youth. Bringing Together America's Alumni -------------- ¶3. This workshop incorporated the experiences of YES, MEPI and IVLP alumni and introduced those programs to other aspiring young leaders in Kuwait. The activities also proved useful in spreading the message of democracy, while teaching leadership skills. PAS received extensive positive feedback from the participating students, who were pleasantly surprised that the workshop was not only informative but also entertaining. They felt that the workshop was a good way for them to bond as an alumni association and learn how to function as an organization. The alumni requested that the Embassy provide similar workshops in the future for their counterparts who were unable to attend. ********************************************* Visit Embassy Kuwait's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website ********************************************* MISENHEIMER