Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ASHGABAT174
2008-02-05 08:58:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Ashgabat
Cable title:  

TURKMENISTAN: "ALUMNI OPPORTUNITIES" NETWORKING EVENT

Tags:  PHUM PREL EAID KPAO KDEM SOCI TX 
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RUEHPW RUEHROV RUEHVK RUEHYG
DE RUEHAH #0174 0360858
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 050858Z FEB 08
FM AMEMBASSY ASHGABAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0206
INFO RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE
RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
RUCNCLS/ALL SOUTH AND CENTRAL ASIA COLLECTIVE
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 1153
RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO 1021
RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA 3337
RUEHIT/AMCONSUL ISTANBUL 1590
RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE 2182
RHMFIUU/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
UNCLAS ASHGABAT 000174 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR SCA/CEN, SCA/PPD, EUR/ACE, DRL
AID/W FOR EE/EA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL EAID KPAO KDEM SOCI TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: "ALUMNI OPPORTUNITIES" NETWORKING EVENT
PROMOTES CIVIL SOCIETY

UNCLAS ASHGABAT 000174

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR SCA/CEN, SCA/PPD, EUR/ACE, DRL
AID/W FOR EE/EA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PREL EAID KPAO KDEM SOCI TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: "ALUMNI OPPORTUNITIES" NETWORKING EVENT
PROMOTES CIVIL SOCIETY


1. (U) Sensitive but unclassified. Not for public Internet.


2. (U) Nearly 60 alumni from throughout Turkmenistan and
representing nearly all U.S.-sponsored educational and professional
exchange programs, including Future Leaders Exchange program (FLEX),
UGRAD, Muskie, AUCA, and others, gathered at the Ak Altyn Hotel in
Ashgabat for a five-hour alumni networking event on January 27.
More than half the participants came from FLEX and were 18-20 years
old. During the first half of the event, the vibrant and energetic
alumni discussed their experiences working on different community
projects, including organizing English-language summer camps,
community clean-up projects, or computer classes for the blind.


3. (U) During the second half of the evening, the alumni
brainstormed new ideas for 2008 projects, especially for a future
alumni reunion. They divided into four small working groups, each
with a designated table leader. They discussed the time, place, and
theme of a future reunion. Each table presented its ideas to the
group as a whole, who then offered comments. At the end of the
evening, a vote was taken on the best themes and ideas.


4. (SBU) COMMENT: Alumni Opportunities 2008 was more than a
successful networking and planning event. It was also a good
exercise in civil society. Alumni took part in an important "town
hall" meeting, which helped them form a connection with other
participants, participate in a collaborative decision-making
process, and highlight community service. Given the unique social
and political pressures of Turkmenistan where there are few
opportunities for academic, professional, or civic development, Post
regularly reaches out to alumni to reinforce this network and to
ensure that the skills, knowledge, and confidence they gained while
in the United States are put to use to serve their communities.
Post plans to fund future alumni events. END COMMENT.

HOAGLAND