Back in March, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya’s Advisor on Youth Policy and Students, Marharyta Vorykhava, spent several weeks in the United States, combining work and education. In particular, she met with various organizations and government bodies, as well as established connections with local civic initiatives.
Here are the highlights of the trip.
⚪️ An agreement was reached with the Obama Foundation to consider scholarships for Belarusian youth leaders.
🔴 The Global Youth Leaders Network was launched. It connects leaders from 21 countries and will focus on promoting continuous cooperation, knowledge exchange, and support among partners.
⚪️ An agreement was secured with Educational Justice to launch a joint pilot project of an international mentoring program to address inequalities in education.
🔴 A plan was developed to hold an international conference on youth issues and civic engagement.
⚪️ Arrangements were made to facilitate cooperation in preparing a series of publications on the best practices and major events of the visit. They will be relevant for politicians, educators, and civic leaders worldwide.
🔴 The advisor met with the Michigan State Senator, Stephanie Chang, as well as representatives of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Myesha Adams, and Charlie Kellett.
Marharyta Vorykhava comments on the goals and results of her visit to the USA:
“Adopting best practices from different countries and adapting them to our situation will help create an environment for youth development based on the experience of developed countries instead of Soviet practices – while taking into account our context and history. Through such trips, we find ways for partnerships and exchange of experience and knowledge.
Belarusian students will have more opportunities for exchanges and internships, as well as for education not only in the USA but also in other countries. We want to see Belarus without borders, open to new experiences and ready to grow”.
