EMBASSY INTERNS REACH OUT TO AFRO-ECUADORIAN YOUTH

UNCLAS QUITO 000693 SIPDIS TREASURY FOR MEWENS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO SCUL SUBJECT: EMBASSY INTERNS REACH OUT TO AFRO-ECUADORIAN YOUTH ¶1. As part of the US Mission's public diplomacy outreach to youth and non-traditional audiences, on July 17th a group of six Embassy interns presented the USG-produced paper show illustrating the "Legacy of Martin Luther King" and led related activities at Colegio Roberto Luis Cervantes in the city of Esmeraldas. A primary goal of this project was to present Afro-Ecuadorian students with examples of African-American and Afro-Ecuadorian leadership in an effort to nurture common knowledge, interests and values while offering a positive vision of professional and personal achievement. The Embassy interns worked directly with about 70 students in their final year of high school and the Martin Luther King exhibition was placed in a central location for all students to observe. The exhibition consisted of visuals and short bios of prominent African-Americans who have made a significant impact in the fields of visual arts, politics, business and education. To compliment the exhibition, the Embassy interns and Peace Corps volunteers led non-formal educational activities geared toward building self-esteem, leadership development and encouraging a cross-cultural dialogue. Activities supporting the paper show dealt with goal-setting and personal vision. Embassy interns encouraged students to creatively express their personal vision for where they hope to be in ten years as well as to identify and set goals in order to achieve their vision. ¶2. The project generated strong participation and interest among the students and received a positive reception from school officials. The exhibition and related activities supported the joint State/USAID strategic goals of promoting international understanding, developing young leaders through public diplomacy outreach, and supporting democracy and the rule of law by encouraging citizen participation in government.