VZCZCXYZ0004
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHQT #0693 2122024
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 302024Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY QUITO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9204
INFO RUEHBO/AMEMBASSY BOGOTA 7666
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 3120
RUEHLP/AMEMBASSY LA PAZ JUL LIMA 2726
RUEHGL/AMCONSUL GUAYAQUIL 3710
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
UNCLAS QUITO 000693
SIPDIS
TREASURY FOR MEWENS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO SCUL
SUBJECT: EMBASSY INTERNS REACH OUT TO AFRO-ECUADORIAN YOUTH
1. As part of the US Mission's public diplomacy outreach to youth
and non-traditional audiences, on July 17th a group of six Embassy
interns presented the USG-produced paper show illustrating the
"Legacy of Martin Luther King" and led related activities at Colegio
Roberto Luis Cervantes in the city of Esmeraldas. A primary goal of
this project was to present Afro-Ecuadorian students with examples
of African-American and Afro-Ecuadorian leadership in an effort to
nurture common knowledge, interests and values while offering a
positive vision of professional and personal achievement. The
Embassy interns worked directly with about 70 students in their
final year of high school and the Martin Luther King exhibition was
placed in a central location for all students to observe. The
exhibition consisted of visuals and short bios of prominent
African-Americans who have made a significant impact in the fields
of visual arts, politics, business and education. To compliment the
exhibition, the Embassy interns and Peace Corps volunteers led
non-formal educational activities geared toward building
self-esteem, leadership development and encouraging a cross-cultural
dialogue. Activities supporting the paper show dealt with
goal-setting and personal vision. Embassy interns encouraged
students to creatively express their personal vision for where they
hope to be in ten years as well as to identify and set goals in
order to achieve their vision.
2. The project generated strong participation and interest among
the students and received a positive reception from school
officials. The exhibition and related activities supported the
joint State/USAID strategic goals of promoting international
understanding, developing young leaders through public diplomacy
outreach, and supporting democracy and the rule of law by
encouraging citizen participation in government.