Request for DVC Speakers for Four Education-themed DVCs

UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000121 SIPDIS FOR IIP/S CBARONE, FROSA INFO WHA/PDA CPETERSON, CWEST WHA/CAR JROSHOLT ECA/PE/C/PY KBAKER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KPAO NS SUBJECT: Request for DVC Speakers for Four Education-themed DVCs ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: Post seeks DVC speakers for four DVCS on education. In fiscal year 2009, Post has made a concerted effort to increase its education and youth-related programming in order to expand its contact base with educators and Surinamese youth. End Summary. ¶2. (U) PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Post request four DVCs in order to expand our education and youth-related programming. For the first DVC, we request a speaker on "Inspiring Leadership and Civic Participation." This year, for the first time, five Surinamese students will participate in the ECA-funded YES program. The DVC will be an excellent opportunity to educate these students and other Surinamese youth about leadership and civic participation in the United States. ¶3. (U) For the second DVC, we request a speaker on the topic "Studying in a U.S. High School." The audience for this DVC would be the YES students, students who have contacted the EducationUSA advisor for information on studying in U.S. high schools, and interested students from the four high schools that teach English-based curricula. ¶4. (U) For the third DVC, we request a speaker on "Distance Learning Opportunities for International Students." There is a growing interest among Surinamers to learn more about distance learning opportunities in the United States. The DVC will educate potential students on appropriate programs and qualifications. The audience will be composed of those who have contacted the EducationUSA advisor, appropriate faculty and students from the local university, and representatives from the Ministry of Education. ¶5. (U) For the fourth DVC, we request a speaker on "Teaching English as a Second Language." Dutch is Suriname's national language, and students begin to study English in middle school. The purpose of the program would be to share techniques, ideas and experience with Surinamese English teachers on how to best teach English as a Second Language. The audience would include teachers, who are also students at the Advanced Teacher Training Institute, who have requested assistance in the form of expertise facilitated by the U.S. Embassy. ¶6. (U) TIME FRAME: "Inspiring Leadership and Civic Participation" and "Studying in a U.S. High School" would be held in June or early July, prior to the school summer break. "Distance Learning Opportunities for International Students" and "Teaching English as a Second Language" would be scheduled for August or September. ¶7. (U) PROGRAM PURPOSE: The purpose of the DVCs on "Inspiring Leadership and Civic Participation" and "Studying in a U.S. High School" would be to education Surinamese students about student life in the USA. The purpose of the DVC on "Distance Learning Opportunities for International Students" would be to provide information to students, educators, and government officials on distance learning, as it is one mechanism for Surinamers to take courses not yet available in Suriname. The purpose of the DVC on "Teaching English as a Second Language" would be to share with English teachers methods, ideas, and tools to use when teaching English as a Second Language. Many of the teachers in Suriname create their own lesson plans and this DVC would assist them in structuring their courses. ¶8. (U) MSP STRATEGIC GOAL: Goal #1 Mutual U.S./Suriname appreciation and respect contributing to a more effective partnership. Goal #4 Evident U.S. contribution to Suriname's improved economic and social development. ¶9. (U) AUDIENCE: The audience for the DVCs on "Inspiring Leadership and Civic Participation" and "Studying in a U.S. High School" would be YES exchange students, students interested in studying in the USA, and other students from the four local high schools with English-based curricula. The audience for the DVC on distance learning would include interested students, teachers, representatives of the Ministry of Education, and other embassy contacts. The audience for the DVC on English as a Second Language would be teachers who are currently studying at the Advanced Teacher Training Institute as well as other teachers from the middle and high schools. The DVC facility can accommodate approximately 60 attendees. ¶10. (U) NAME OF DESIRED SPECIALISTS: Post has not yet identified speakers for the DVCS, but prefers speakers from South Dakota in order to promote the South Dakota National Guard's State Partnership Program with Suriname. Post will coordinate with Washington and the South Dakota National Guard to identify appropriate speakers. ¶11. (U) LANGUAGE: English ¶12. (U) POST CONTACT INFORMATION: Geneve Menscher, P/E Chief, tel: (597) 472 900 extension 2205, fax: (597) 420 800, email: MenscherGE@state.gov; Judith Dijks, Commercial Assistant, tel: (597) 472-900 ext. 2267, fax: (597) 425 690, email: DijksJB@state.gov. ¶13. (U) FUNDING SPECIFICS: Post would be willing to use I-Bucks in support of this program. SCHREIBERHUGHES