pan africa youth leadership program · the pan-africa youth leadership program presents an...
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Pan Africa Youth
Leadership Program
Pre-departure Orientation
Fall 2016 US Exchange
A program of the US Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural
Affairs Implemented by Meridian International Center
Welcome to the Program!
Your US program and follow-on support is being coordinated by
Meridian International Center, a Washington, DC based non-
governmental organization, with the mission of increasing
citizen’s capacity around the world to positively contribute to
their home communities.
For over 52 years Meridian has hosted rising leaders to empower
them with the skills they need to succeed including some
influential and famous leaders from your own continent:
2Julius Nyerere
Former President of
Tanzania
Sylvie Kinigi
Former Prime
Minister of Burundi
Morgan Tsvangarai
Former Deputy PM of Zimbabwe
The next young, rising
influential leader…
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…to succeed in empowering their
home communities…
…is you!
Équipe du Meridian PAYLP
Interpreters :
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Mlle Erin KOEPKE
Directrice du
programme de Meridian
Coordonnées :
Bureau : +1 202 939 5533
Mobile : +1 937 239 6655
E-Mail : [email protected]
M Tai FORD
Coordinateur du
programme de Meridian
Bureau : +1 202 939-5568
Mobile : +1 401 688 9868
E-Mail : [email protected]
1630 Crescent Place NW
Washington, DC 20009
M Addisu HODES
Coordinateur du
programme de Meridian
Bureau : +1 (202) 939-2282
Mobile : +1 (336) 404-8648
E-Mail: [email protected]
Mlle Amandine MARTIN M Zach HEYMAN
Why participate in the PAYLP?
The Pan-Africa Youth Leadership Program presents an unprecedented opportunity to engage with your peers from other African countries and Americans to build a community of young leaders
Through meetings and activities with local community organizations and student groups a safe space for thoughtful dialogue will be a key component of the program
This program will provide a forum to share issues affecting your community and how you can work with your peers to devise innovative and thoughtful solutions
Meetings, group activities, workshops and volunteer experiences will expose you to various ways people are affecting their communities and how you can do the same
Become empowered with the skills you need to enhance your leadership in your community
As a PAYLP participant, you have the opportunity to have an equal voice among student and adult leaders from 4 countries. Through team building activities and action plan workshops, you will work in a team to develop community based initiatives where YOU are the main spokesperson
COME TO THE US WITH YOUR QUESTIONS! Your experience will be richer if you are inquisitive and engaged. Take what you see and learn and try and apply it to your home community.
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Why were you selected?
Your commitment to community engagement
Your proven leadership skills and the ability to be a leader
among your peers
Your action based thinking; you not only think about the
pertinent issues facing your generation, but are also inspired to
do something about it
Your interest in experiencing the world around you and the
opportunity to interact with your international counterparts
THINK BIG AND PREPARE TO IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY
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PAYLP Cohort 3: Participating Countries
7
1
Mauritanie
4étudiants
Adultes1
Mali
4 étudiants
Adultes1
République démocratiquedu Congo
4 étudiants
Adultes1
étudiants
étudiants
1
Niger
4Adultes
3Benin
3Adultes1
étudiants
Burundi
Adultes1
Cohort 3:Dates to Remember
7 Octobre : Depart home - International travel from home
city to Washington, DC
8 au 12 Octobre : Program in Washington, DC
12 au 25 Octobre : Program in Muncie, IN
25 au 29/30 Octobre : Program closing in Chicago, IL
After the program – Implement community initiatives,
apply for small grants and stay engaged online.
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What to expect on the program
Constant learning: The program includes a full schedule of speakers, workshops, community
visits, volunteer activities, classroom seminars and cultural activities – all amazing learning
opportunities designed JUST FOR YOU.
Lots of group activities: Be prepared for group travel, group meals and lots of interaction with
your peers.
Early mornings and long days: Get lots of rest in the lead up to the trip, drink lots of water in the
US and be ready to fully participate in all your activities.
A diverse group of participants: Be ready to learn from and teach your peers during all activities.
Meals: Most lunches and some dinners will be eaten as a group and pre-ordered. We will try and
accommodate tastes, allergies and preferences to the best of our ability. You will also receive a
small daily stipend of approximately $6/day for water or snacks.
Shopping: There will be limited time for shopping in Washington, DC and Chicago. Please DO
NOT plan your visit around shopping!!
Chaperones present at all times: Meridian staff will stay on site with you while in DC and will
lead and accompany the group to all activities. While in Muncie, Ball State University staff will
chaperone all activities and Erin Koepke will visit halfway through the program. Meridian staff
will meet the group again in Chicago and lead all program closing activities. 9
What to prepare before
your visit Students and Adult Mentors
Prepare a 30 second introduction of yourself (name, hometown,
what are you passionate about?)
Think about activities or projects to develop during the
program. What issues do you care about? Come to DC with
ideas ready to share and discuss. This will help you begin
thinking about your community action plan
Adult Mentors
A 5 – 10 minute presentation about your work in country
(either full time or as a volunteer), to be presented to the
group in Washington, DC10
Washington, DC Overview
The capital of the United States, Washington DC is the center of all three
branches of the US Federal Government – including Congress, the Supreme
Court, and the President
Known for it’s dynamic and international climate the city hosts 176 foreign
embassies and the headquarters of many international organizations, trade
unions, non-profit organizations, lobbying groups, and professional
associations
During your time in DC you will tour the U.S. Capitol, meet with US
officials and diplomats, visit world class museums and participate in skill
development workshops
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Where will I be staying?
Washington, DC October 8-12
NATIONAL 4H CENTER at 7100 Connecticut Ave, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 http://www.4hcenter.org/
Students in triple or quad rooms separated by gender, mixed by country (NO ROOM CHANGES ALLOWED), in-suite bathroom, adults in single rooms
Meridian staff will stay on site as well
Breakfast at Center
24/7 security, 11:00pm curfew
Internet access available and computer center
Game room and extensive grounds including a
soccer field and basketball and volleyball courts
Phone: +(301)-961-2801 – Parents can call this number and ask for the student’s name
Parents can also call you on the Meridian cellphones given to you
**DO NOT USE 4H CENTER PHONES***12
Who is coordinating your program
in Muncie, Indiana ?
Meridian has partnered with Ball State University, a public research
university, to develop a 2-week program focused on social entrepreneurship and civic
engagement. You will take a short direct flight from Washington, DC to Indianapolis
as a group on August 10th . While in Muncie you will stay at the homes of American
families.
Hanna DelaGardelle - Project Coordinators for the Center for International
Development , will be coordinating your local program
Ball State is home to 21,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs
on a campus that is nearly 5 square km
The University offers about 180 undergraduate and pre-professional programs
and more than 100 master’s and doctoral degrees. Among these is a dynamic
Entrepreneurship program which regularly ranks among the top 15
undergraduate entrepreneurship programs in the US
Fun facts:
- Ball State’s mascot is a cardinal bird named Charlie, and its colors are red and white
- Ball State is in the process of switching to greener fuel sources by converting their campus
into the nation’s largest geothermal energy system
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Muncie, IN Overview
Muncie, Indiana is a community of more
than 70,000 people located in the Midwest
region of the United States
Local attractions include the Minnetrista
and Oakhurst Gardens, the National
Model Aviation Museum, the David
Owsley Museum of Art, and the Cardinal
Greenway – a forested trail for athletes of
all kinds.
The nearby Prairie Creek Reservoir is a
popular swimming and boating spot
Muncie is the birthplace of the popular
American comic strip Garfield
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2-Week Homestays in Muncie
October 12th – 25th , 2016The homestay experience is meant to build stronger bonds between you and your American peers
while providing an opportunity for you to learn about family and home life in the US.
For students, most hosts will have students of similar ages and the adults will stay with families or individuals interested in international affairs;
You will have your own bed in each house and will stay with 1 or 2 families during the 2 week city split program. You will eat breakfast and dinner with the family and also engage in evening & weekend activities with your hosts;
Pets are extremely common in the US and it is likely your host will have a cat or dog. Allergies to animals listed on your homestay form will be taken into account;
Should you have any problems in your homestays, your local program coordinator from Ball State should be notified in a manner you are comfortable with and the appropriate steps will be taken;
Your homestay family information will be provided upon arrival in the US.
We encourage you to bring a gift, small token of appreciation for your host family. Does NOT have to be expensive; something meaningful from your home country that you want to share with them
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Chicago, IL Overview On August 23rd you will travel by chartered
bus to Chicago, a roughly three and a half
hour drive
Nicknamed the “Windy City,” Chicago sits
on the shore of Lake Michigan and is the
third most populous city in the US
Chicago is known for its diverse multi-
cultural neighborhoods, and vibrant sports,
comedy, and jazz scenes.
While in Chicago you will visit the Willis
(formerly “Sears”) Tower - the tallest
building in the Western Hemisphere -
Millennium Park, the Navy Pier
amusement center, and other attractions in
addition to presenting your Action Plans
and taking part in other enriching program
activities.
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Where will I be staying?
Chicago, Illinois October 25 -29, 2016
While in Chicago you will stay at HOSTELLING INTERNATIONAL, located at 24 E
Congress Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60605
http://www.hiusa.org/illinois/chicago/chicago
Students in four-bedded dorms/suites separated by gender, mixed by country (NO ROOM
CHANGES ALLOWED), in-suite bathroom
Adults in double rooms with in-suite bathroom
Meridian Staff staying on site
Laundry facility available
Breakfast on-site
Free High speed internet connection available
24/7 security, quiet hours after 11:00pm
Phone: (312) 360-0300 - parents can call this number and ask for student’s name, note that it will
be easiest to call the chaperones directly to reach students in Chicago
Parents can also call you on the Meridian cellphones given to you17
International Converters
The United States operates on a 120 V/60 Hz using the
North American electrical socket shown below:
You will need to purchase a converter from a local
electronic store to use any electronics while in the US.
Meridian is not responsible for any of the participant’s personal items
during the US program and can not replace any lost or stolen items.18
Weather Expectations
Please bring a coat, long sleeve shirts, close-toed shoes and plenty of socks to keep you warm! The weather can be unpredictable in the places you are visiting.
Washington, DC tends to be a bit cold in October but expect the occasional afternoon rainstorm. Temperatures may range from 10- 20ºC
Muncie, IN Average ranges from 14 - 21ºC
Chicago, IL: Average ranges from 6 - 20ºC
Remember to pack a rain jacket or umbrella in case of rain showers!
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Behavior, dress code and packing
All regulations listed in the behavioral agreement form will be adhered to and monitored by program staff.
Failure to comply will result in an immediate return home at your parent’s expense
Clothing: please dress in an appropriate manner which reflects the way you wish to represent your country. Meetings with community based organizations will be informal, while meetings with elected officials or Embassy representatives require business casual attire for males and females. Please DO NOT BRING any shirts with offensive language, images or logos on the program.
What to pack?
Fit everything in ONE bag under 23kgs/50 lbs. You will not be allowed to take more than this on your domestic flight to Muncie, Indiana
Bring one semi-formal outfit for important, professional meetings (boys should wear a dress shirt, slacks and tie while girls should wear a dress covering your shoulders and reaching your fingertips or other appropriate business attire)
Bring enough casual clothes for at least two-weeks, you will have an opportunity to wash your clothes in your homestays or Chicago, but may not always have time to wash and dry your loads
Pack all your toiletries including sun screen and medications (for at least 30 days)
Towels and linens will be provided in each location
It is suggested that you NOT bring any valuable jewelry or electronics with you as you will be moving often and with a large group of students, making it easy to lose your belongings. We are NOT responsible for any lost items during the program
International travel adaptor for electronics
An umbrella (if you have one)20
Accident and Sickness Program
for Exchanges (ASPE) During your time in the US the Department of State provides accident and sickness insurance
should anything happen. Meridian and your program organizers will have a copy of your individual cards available at all times.
The ASPE is a limited health care benefit plan designed to pay covered medical expenses for eligible Exchange Participants. Covered medical expenses are subject to limitation, and pre-existing conditions are not covered. The plan is administered by Seven Corners, Inc.
Basic info:
Individual ID cards will be given to each adult participant
$15 co-pay for all hospital visits, doctor visits, emergency room
In the US, when you call a doctor's office for an appointment or present your ID card to a provider, it is important for you to say: "My healthcare coverage utilizes the ChoiceCare PPO Network. Are you a ChoiceCare provider?”
24/7 Customer Service Number: Call toll free: 1.800.461.0430
Up to $50,000 in accident coverage
Full guide is available at: http://usdos.sevencorners.com/docs/ASPEHealthBenefitGuide.pdf
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Communication PolicyIt is our policy that communication with home is kept to 1-2 times per week during the U.S. program. Frequent telephone or email
contact with family and friends takes away from the US program experience. We ask that you understand and comply with this policy.
Each student will receive a very simple, local cell phone. This will allow them to call, and text for free within the U.S., as well as stay in touch with family.
For participants who choose to bring a mobile phone, we ask that you also limit its use to 1-2 times per week. If you want, you can buy a mobile phone in the US or a US SIM available at many stores. Parents should send additional spending money for such purchases. Muncie, with the help of your homestay family, is a great place to do this.
Each student will receive (1) international calling card that must be used with a U.S. telephone number only NOT your international number.
Adult participants will be given a local smart phone, number to be provided prior to the U.S. program. Parents can call thesenumbers at any time to reach their children.
Calls made on international phones or international calls made from US phones will incur extremely high fees. Any fees incurred as a result of this are NOT the responsibility of the program organizers and will not be reimbursed. Participants will be given an international calling card that can be used to call home.
Mobile phone use during program activities is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Skype and WhatsApp are great ways to stay connected with your family while away! Make sure your family is set-up before you depart so you can stay connected.
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Languages of the
Program The official language of the program is French and
English!
Since this is the common language spoken by all
participants we ask that you are courteous to your fellow
participants by speaking in French all group activities.
You are encouraged to speak in English, but beware of
excluding those around you.
Interpreters will accompany the group to help interpret
program activities that are in English.
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Family Policy
Visiting Family Members in the U.S.
If you have family members the U.S., they are welcome to come visit you and
say hello! at the hostels in Washington D.C. or Chicago.
HOWEVER you must communicate with Meridian/Ball State Staff in advance
AND the visits must happen AFTER all planned events and programs for that
day. You are NOT allowed to leave the Hostel.
Money Transfer – If family members plan to send you money, please arrange for this
in advance. Western Union or MoneyGram are reliable options. Do not wait until the
last week of the program
Packages/Shipping/gifts - If you are sending or receiving gifts, packaged, or parcels
to take back home from Family members, please arrange to do this well in advance.
Do not wait until the last week of the program.
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Entering US Immigration
Prior to disembarking the plane, please prepare your DS2019 form, passport, and
information regarding your stay. You will also complete a customs declaration.
Upon arrival at Dulles airport in Washington, DC, you will arrive in a large
arrivals hall where the Department of Homeland Security will review your
passport and DS2019 document. DO NOT LOSE THESE DOCUMENTS: It is crucial
that you keep your DS2019 form until your departure from Chicago O’Hare
The Customs and Border Patrol Officer will ask the purpose of your visit. You can
answer that you are on a “Department of State sponsored exchange program for
Youth Leaders from Africa”. Remember the cities you will visit (Washington,
DC, Muncie, IN, Chicago, IL) and your date of departure (October 29– in the US
for 3 weeks).
You will collect your baggage past the immigration and customs check-point.
Please exit as a group and you will be met by Meridian Staff members (Tai &
Addisu) just outside of the exit. Look for the Youth Leadership Program logo. If
you don’t see anyone please wait by the Starbucks Coffee and we will direct you to
the transportation back to the hotel.
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Thoughts from Paul: Meridian’s Atlas Corps Fellow, Paul Lokaba from
South Sudan, has compiled some thoughts about the US compared to Sub-
Saharan Africa based on his experience. Here are some things you may also
experience during your US visit:
Differences in Freedom of Expression AND Equal Opportunities: People interact
freely, move freely, express themselves in the media, and equality for all is present
everywhere.
Time Management: Americans are punctual, they meet deadlines and mind schedules.
EVERYONE IS BUSY. Unlike in Africa, where time is more flexible and less pressing
at work.
Communication: When interacting with people, Americans are more formal at first and
greet each other with a handshake rather than a hug. Try to communicate concisely and
provide key information or direct messages. Practice introducing yourself including
your name, country, field or experiences. Americans also keep eye contact with their
speaker to show their interest and concentration.
Individualism: In the US, it’s common for adults to live as an individual with no
siblings/brothers and relatives. Unlike in Africa where we live with relatives and in
groups with either extended or nuclear family. 26
Thoughts from Paul Continued:
Food: You will find more processed food in the US, lots of snacks, with lots of
options for fruits, vegetables and other food available in the supermarkets.
*(Chicken without the bone!)*
Housing: Most families live in apartments or houses with full amenities. Wi-Fi
and telephone service is accessible as well as television. There is limited news
from home, however.
Weather: The US is currently very hot, but be aware of sharp temperature
fluctuations both in the office and at home. People often use lots of air
conditioning and heating within buildings to control the temperature.
Time Difference: You will find the time in your home country is 5-7 hours
ahead of the US. For instance 9:00am in Washington, DC is 1600hrs
Nairobi/1300hrs in Dakar. Chicago is also one hour behind DC so 9:00am in
Chicago will be 1700hrs in Nairobi/1400hrs in Dakar.27
PAYLP Social Media
@meridianintl
@@ECAatState
#YoungLeaders/meridiancommunity
Meridian - Pan Africa
Youth Leadership
Program (PAYLP)
Right now: Join the Facebook Group!
During the Program: Use social media and BLOG
After the Program: Send in success stories & local media coverage telling us
about your progress after the program!
THE MERIDIAN ASSIGMENTS
#TeamWorkMakesTheDreamWork
!PAYLP NEWS!
More exciting news to come!
Questions???
Please post questions in the group Facebook page or e-mail
us at [email protected]
We look forward to hosting you in the United States!
24 – Hour Emergency contacts for the U.S. program will be Ms. Koepke +1
(937) 239-6655; Mr. Ford+1 (401) 688-9868 and Mr. Hodes (336) 404-8648 the
following e-mail will be monitored throughout the program: