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 : ekoepke@meridian.org

M Tai FORD

Coordinateur du

programme de Meridian

Bureau : +1 202 939-5568

Mobile : +1 401 688 9868

E-Mail : tford@meridian.org

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: ahodes@meridian.org

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 tford@meridian.org

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:

ekoepke@meridian.org; tford@meridian.org , ahodes@meridian.org29