Global Connections and Exchange Morocco Places Youth at the Heart of Development
From March 31 - April 4, 2008, the Global Connections and Exchange (GCE) program in Morocco brought together 70 students from 11 schools throughout Morocco who implemented community service projects in their regions. Last year, Ruth Petzold, the Regional English Language Officer (RELO) awarded iEARN $8,700 to conduct a youth empowerment project titled “Students Unlimited” to engage students in geographically diverse areas of the country in collaborative projects. Beginning in September 2007, students and teachers were trained to use iEARN’s online discussion board to talk about project development issues, such as assessment, management and implementation. In addition, iEARN Morocco (MEARN) dedicated funds to a small grants competition that assisted students in carrying out their projects. The final phases include a presentation at the Youth Summit and an English-language publication in which students will write about the rewards of developing and implementing service projects in their communities.