Venezuela Success Stories
March 2007
In August 2002, USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) began implementation of a program in Venezuela to provide critical and timely assistance to maintain democratic stability and strengthen the country's fragile democratic institutions. Since inception, OTI/Venezuela has funded 350 grants worth $24 million through five implementing partners working throughout Venezuela. The OTI/Venezuela program operates out of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and is part of a larger U.S. Government effort to promote democratic stability.
Building Relationships: Restoring the Scouts Association of Venezuela Headquarters Building
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| Ambassador William Brownfield introduces himself to a young member of the Scouts Association of Venezuela and recounts his days as a Boy Scout. |
As President Bush began his five-country trip through Latin America, U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela William Brownfield visited a USAID/OTI-supported social impact project that is restoring the national headquarters of the Scouts Association of Venezuela. The Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) has provided $20,000 to rehabilitate the building that is located in one of the poorer neighborhoods of Caracas.
During the March 8 visit, Ambassador Brownfield - a former Boy Scout - spoke to the youth about the importance of fair play, preparation, community, and democracy. The Ambassador also participated in the flag-raising ceremony and joined in as the scouts sang the scouting song. After the ceremonies, the Ambassador responded to questions from newspaper and television reporters, stressing the importance of civil society and the advantages of a positive relationship between the United States and Venezuela.
The Scouts Association headquarters project is one of a group of hybrid projects OTI is implementing in Venezuela. One element of this project provides for infrastructure rehabilitation and the purchase of much needed equipment; a second element provides the scouts with training in OTI's civic education program - Democracy Among Us. The education program employs five interactive modules to highlight the importance of key democratic principles: separation of powers, rule of law, civil society, political tolerance, and the rights and responsibilities of a citizen. The Scouts Association has subsequently requested copies of the program manual to use as an aid in teaching democratic values to its 16,000 members.
The visit to the scouts' headquarters was the most recent of 58 visits Ambassador Brownfield has made to OTI social impact projects in 20 Venezuelan states and Caracas.
For further information, please contact:
In Washington: Russel Porter, OTI Team Leader, 202-712-0730, rporter@usaid.gov
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