World Learning Legislative Fellowship(Completed)

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TitleDetails
Project TitleWorld Learning Legislative Fellowship
Duration2011-2015
ObjectivesThe World Learning Legislative Fellowship have following themes and topics related to legislation and governance that may be included in the program, as well as those proposed by participants – multiculturalism, ethnic/religious tolerance, social justice, emerging democracies, grassroots democracy, freedom of the press, environment, building civil society, transparency and government oversight, conflict resolution, economic development, worker rights, and the role of women. The program goals are as follows. Participants will:
1. Gain an understanding of public policy and the role of NGOs in shaping it
2. Explore governance principles and practices in both public and civil society institutions in the U.S.
3. Enhance their appreciation for the role of civil society in the political process
4. Gain a deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture, and people
5. Gain a deeper understanding of the societies, cultures, and people of other countries in the fellows’ region
6. Develop and implement projects or programs in their home country that promote good governance, civil society, and democratic institutions
7. Effect positive change in their workplaces and communities
8. Increase regional cooperation among governments and civil society
9. Create linkages between American and Asian governments, institutions, and citizens
Geographic FocusPakistan
Target Groups and beneficiariesNGOs, Civil Society Activists
DescriptionTo strengthen the understanding of the U.S. legislative branch and civil society’s role in the political process and foster relationships among Asian and American institutions, World Learning (WL) will select 40 NGO leaders and staff from Pakistan to join the 2012-13 South and Central Asia Region Legislative Fellows Program (LFP). The selected Pakistani participants will join their counterparts from across the region and actively take part in LFP, which is a two-way exchange project for professionals and young leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and the U.S. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State. WL is an American educational and development organization with decades of training, exchange, and youth leadership development experience. Through the program 80 young emerging leaders from the ten Asian countries and 26 from the U.S. will gain knowledge and leadership skills to become more engaged in their communities, learn about their regional colleagues and discover each group members’ ethnically, religiously, and nationally diverse background.
LFP will increase the institutional capacity of local and national NGOs in Pakistan as a result of the active participation of selected Pakistani NGO leaders and staff. Through professional fellowships, experiential activities, dialogues, site visits, and training modules, participants will have the opportunity to increase their understanding of U.S. civil society while engaging in civic life in the United States. Participants will explore facets unique to each country’s history and identity, and engage in discussion and educational activities that promote learning on an academic and a personal level.
The World Learning Organization in collaboration with its partner organization Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI) will implement Legislative Fellows Program in Pakistan. CPDI will facilitate WL in selection process of the candidates.