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Organization of American States Inter-Departmental Meeting on Youth

Convened and chaired by the Assistant Secretary General of the OAS,

Ambassador Albert Ramdin, the Inter-Departmental Meeting on Youth was held on June 26, 2007 at the General Secretariat of the OAS in Washington DC, and it had as objective the exchange of information about the work developed at the OAS on youth related topics. Participating Secretariats, Departments, Commissions, and Trusts expressed their mutual commitment to youth related activities in the Americas and shared their current efforts in this area, which included not only educational outreach on topics such as literacy and health, but also the implementation of online forums, programs targeting youth with disabilities, training programs with focuses on tourism, agribusiness and conservation, workshops on democratic values, and participation of youth as observers in political processes, youth participation in policy making processes, etc.

All of these initiatives are very important for the 34 OAS Member States; however, also key to the success of these projects is regular communication among those groups involved in youth projects; so as to exchange best practices, find synergies to collaborate with or support similar efforts, as well as to avoid overlaps in involvement. This publication presents a profile of each participant at the Inter-Departmental Meeting of the General Secretariat on Youth and details its commitments to young people, as well as its needs from other OAS initiatives and ways in which it might be able to aid other projects underway.

Each OAS group has followed a uniform matrix format to better organize its information and to facilitate comparisons between its various efforts and those of other groups. The matrix is divided into the following components:

1. Name of the organization/department. 2. Geographic areas served by the organizations’ youth related projects. 3. Definition of youth used in the organizations’ various projects. 4. Types of support or the different types of aid offered through the organizations’

programs, such as training, seminars, or scholarships for young people. 5. Current programs for youth operated by the organization, detailing their specific

goals and activities. 6. Key lessons learned through involvement in youth related processes which might

bear relevance for other organizations with similar interests. 7. Identification and explanation of successful programs, as well as their potential

for model development. 8. Key needs of the organization and ways in which it can benefit from other areas

of the OAS. 9. Major strengths of the organization and ways in which it can successfully

collaborate with other OAS endeavors.

Organización de los Estados Americanos Organização dos Estados Americanos Organisation des États Américains Organization of American States

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Department of Education and Culture:

1. ORGANIZATION / DEPARTMENT.

Department of Education and Culture (DEC), Organization of American States (OAS)

2. GEOGRAPHIC. AREAS

34 OAS Member States

3. DEFINITION OF YOUTH

We don’t have one definition of youth. We try to respect the definitions of the member states, which vary.

4. TYPES OF SUPPORT

The Inter-American Program on Education for Democratic Values and Practices is an alliance officially adopted by the ministers of education of OAS member states through CIDI/RME/RES. 12 (IV-O/05) at the IV Meeting of the Ministers of Education held in Scarborough, Trinidad and Tobago on August 11th and 12th, 2005, to strengthen education for democracy, and related areas, within and outside the school system, in the Hemisphere.

The Program works with different types of organizations (Ministries of Education, NGO’s, Universities, Schools, etc.) which implement policies and programs that affect youth. The Program has three components: • Research on education for democracy and related areas, which promotes research and analysis in the field. • Professional development and educational resources, development of materials and curricula to support teaching of education for democracy and related areas, within and outside the school system. • Information exchange, which promotes dialogue and cooperation among international, national and local organizations, and encourages linkages between formal and non-formal sectors where appropriate. More information on the Program and its achievements is available at: www.educadem.oas.org

5. PROGRAM INITIATIVES The current main initiatives of the Program, per component, are as follows: Research:

• Launching of the Inter-American Journal on Education for Democracy, in alliance with the University of Indiana, Catholic University of Chile and the University of Toronto. The first edition will be published in September, 2007. See the call for manuscripts for the second edition at http://www.educadem.oas.org/

• Study on the present state of policies in democratic citizenship education in the Hemisphere. It

will be published in September, 2007. See current state at: http://www.educadem.oas.org/english/cpo_politicas.asp

• Portfolio of Promising Initiatives in Education for Democratic Citizenship. It will be published in

October, 2007. See more information in http://www.educadem.oas.or Professional Development and Educational Resources:

• Virtual Pilot Course for Teachers on the Inter-American Democratic Charter and the Creation of Democratic Classrooms in Peru, in 2006. See the progress report in http://www.educadem.oas.org/

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• Virtual course for teachers in citizenship education for the Caribbean. It will begin in 2007, as a 3-year project. http://www.educadem.oas.org/english/cpo_cursos.asp

Information Exchange:

• Creation and maintenance of an Internet web portal for the Inter-American Program: http://www.educadem.oas.org

• Publication of an online bilingual bulletin (3 editions so far). The second edition focused on How

to Involve Youth in Democratic Participation. http://www.educadem.oas.org/english/cpo_boletin.asp

• Launching of a Policy Brief series on key issues in the field. First edition: Education for

Democratic Citizenship and related areas for Early Childhood, September, 2007.

The Inter-American Program has also recently launched a “Young Scholar Program” to provide an opportunity for college students from the Americas to work actively in the Inter-American Program’s activities, as part of their college coursework or as an independent initiative. Our first Young Scholars are from Costa Rica and Brazil.

6. LESSONS LEARNED • Each member state has a unique context and approach to education for democracy.

Understanding these approaches and their specific needs helps the Inter-American Program offer relevant resources and design pertinent initiatives.

• Education for democracy is often closely related to other areas at a political and educational

level, such as human rights education, peace education, diversity education, and life skills, which broadens the scope of the Inter-American Program’s activities and poses a challenge in terms of field focus.

• There is a wide range of organizations committed to education for democracy and related areas

in the region. Collaboration, even at a local and national level is itself a challenge due to this richness.

7. SUCCESS. MODELS & PROG.

Peru Pilot Project: Trained 750 teachers on education for democracy and the Inter-American Democratic Charter in 2006. • Since May, 2007, the Program’s Webpage has been visited 2728 times.

8. NEEDS & OPPORTUNITIES

The DEC is currently addressing the issue of finding more systematic ways of measuring the success/impact of the Inter-American Program’s activities in the region. • The Inter-American Program has been studying ways to create spaces for youth to become

directly involved in Program activities. 9. STRENGTHS

• A network of organizations from the Americas and the Caribbean working on education for democracy and related areas, which includes close relationships with national coordinators of this topic in Ministries of Education in the region.

• Resources to disseminate research, policies and key programs and initiatives in this field to policy-makers, researchers and educators in the Americas and the Caribbean.

• Experience in development of education for democracy and knowledge of the diverse approaches to this in the region.

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Leo S. Rowe Pan American Fund / Department of Human

Development: 1. ORGANIZATION / DEPARTMENT.

Leo S. Rowe Pan American Fund / Department of Human Development


Latin America and the Caribbean


Young professionals from Latin America and Caribbean countries seeking to further their studies in the United States in order to contribute to the socioeconomic development of the hemisphere in the future.

4. TYPES OF SUPPORT

The Rowe Fund is a student loan program, unique among international organizations, operating under the Department of Human Development of the Organization of American States. It was established by the Pan American Union (precursor of the OAS) in 1948 in compliance with the will of Dr. Leo S. Rowe. The Rowe Fund grants highly subsidized supplementary loans to individuals from Latin America and the Caribbean in order to:

Promote equal access to higher education by granting highly subsidized, currently interest-free loans to qualified individuals from Latin America and Caribbean countries to help them finance their higher education at accredited institutions in the United States.

Promote the development of the loan recipient’s home country through their applied skills and knowledge.

Foster cultural exchange between the peoples of the Americas.

5. PROGRAM INITIATIVES

Expanded access to financial resources for studies in the US by providing additional types of guaranties.

Launched an awareness campaign to individuals seeking to further their academic and research studies as well as to scholars, scientists, engineers, and technicians who are currently pursuing, or wish to pursue advanced training, research, or technical certificates in the United States.

Strengthened relations with institutions such as IIE International centers, UNESCO, APICE, NAFSA, IFC, the World Bank, Education USA of the State Department, Universia, Fulbright, other student loan programs in the hemisphere, financial aid officers, student advisors, and external relations universities in the US and the region, among others to explore possibilities for cooperation, exchange ideas and seek better ways to foster the ideals upon which the Fund was founded.

Created a database designed to recognize those ex-beneficiaries that have become leaders in the Americas.

6. LESSONS LEARNED To create a consciousness among students that emphasizes their responsibility as members of

society to duly repay the student loans granted to them, so that others may have the same opportunity in the future.

The impact of the education of young people on their ability to contribute to the social and economic development of their countries.

The challenges that the youth of the Americas face when obtaining funds to study abroad. The importance of helping young people of the Americas obtain an enriching international

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learning experience so that the flow of knowledge and human resources is easier among countries in the region.

The importance of dispersing the concentration of knowledge to less privileged countries of the globe, especially during an era of rapid scientific discovery and innovation.


Established an agreement with Fundacyt from Ecuador in order to guarantee loans to individuals to pursue studies in areas related to science and technology.

Set up a mechanism to monitor and enforce compliance for individuals to return to their countries.

Provided an interactive web page which includes features such as accessing their statement of account on line to review transaction history and current balance as well as options to make on-line payments through credit card.

Improved the collection process of delinquent accounts in order to mitigate losses due to default on loans and ensure this revolving fund will continue providing aid to people from Latin America and the Caribbean.


Find additional sources of funding, since the Rowe Fund is not sustainable in the long run. Program is not sufficiently known, especially in some member countries. Finding a suitable guarantor can be a major difficulty. Unforeseen external factors, such as unemployment, local currency devaluation, and inflation,

may affect students’ repayment capacity. Loan ceiling amount is low compared to cost of education in the U.S. Restricted to studies in the US.

9. STRENGTHS Highly subsidized loans, currently interest-free. Deferred repayment while in school. Excellent source of financing for studies in the US for foreign students, scholars, researcher. User friendly website, easy access to loan application forms. Secure on-line credit card payment and access to status of account on-line. No discrimination based on field of study, gender, or country of origin. No application fee Funding is sent directly to the student after approval. Use of a non-profit guarantor. Applications accepted year-round.

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Department of Human Resources


Department of Human Resources (DHR) of the Organization of American States


The 34 OAS States Members and all the countries belonging to the United Nations System


Young People enrolled in a bachelor(from second year), master and/or Ph. D. Program

4. TYPES OF SUPPORT

The Department of Human Resources is commanded to bring the best potential personnel to the OAS through different tools. It is extremely important to prepare young people in the areas related to the Organization’s mandate. Therefore, the DHR focuses in:

• Create programs to recruit internationals students and young professional to serve in the OAS Headquarters.

• Provide to all the OAS Departments the best possible candidates for available positions.

• Provide International young professionals:

1. International experiences while their work in the OAS.

2. Increase the technical skills

3. Expand the possibilities to get work opportunities


The OAS Student Internship Program:

• Created in April 13, 1977, as a coordinated system that replaced Internship arrangements previously made by each Department individually and independent from one another. The mission of the program is:

1. Promote the Program along the hemisphere to target high potential students.

2. Ensure a successful pool for recruitment

3. Guarantee that our interns obtain a meaning learning experience, so that they are able to: acquire knowledge related to work and enhance working possibilities.

• Program features:

1. Unpaid Program

2. Designed for undergraduate and graduate students (2nd Year)

3. Interns are encouraged to make arrangements to receive academiccredits

The Young Professional Program in Political Affairs:

• The program was created by the Secretariat of Political Affairs (SPA) in coordination with the Department of Human Resources. The mission of the program is to recruit the best international student, enrolled in a master or Ph. D. Program, to serve as a Consultant for a period of one year. This program is paid and aimed to promote the research activity in the SPA, toward to create manuals, publications and specialized trainings on Political Issues in the Americas.

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6. LESSONS LEARNED

• Is very important to ensure our interns have all the working tools to develop an efficiency performance while the season.

• Supervisors at the OAS must request interns only for professional purpose. • An electronic application system facilitates the coordination of the program and provides

transparency in the selection. 7. SUCCESS. MODELS & PROG.

• The OAS Student Internship Program: For 30 years, this Program has provided a great number of Staff Members hired by the Organization. Many accomplishments have been carrying out, chief among them, a commitment to provide the best potential students to the OAS future work force. The summer 2007, the Program have guest the biggest number in the Organization’s history. 96 Students from all over around the world has picked up the OAS as the choice to perform an internship.

• The Young Professional Program in Political Affairs: The new agreement with the Fulbright Program for the Western Hemisphere, provide to the OAS a magnificent tool to recruit only the best students in the Americas. The research level in the SPA will increase as long as Ph. D. students apply and enrolled in the Program.


• As Washington, D.C. living cost is extremely high, is very important to create a fund and institution network that provide internationals student economic help to have the opportunity to develop an internship in the OAS.

• Is very important to foster OAS Mission to bring students from their countries, interested in the diplomat activity, and ensure an economic support.

• To create a website specifically for interns that will provide important information to possible interns before to come to the US and while their stay in town.

• Extend the network with institutions that provide housing service for international students

9. STRENGTHS

• Both programs are toward to provide the best possible professional to the OAS.

• An important network of international institutions that advertise the OAS Mission through the Programs.

• Important exchange activities as long as we encourage students to relations with other internationals institutions of the commonwealth.

• A real work experience in the international field.

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Department of Social Development and Employment

Note from DSDE: Before completing this form, the DSDE would like to make an important clarification. During the first OAS inter-departmental meeting on youth (June 26) we could appreciate there are 2 kinds of youth interventions in the OAS: 1) Direct interventions where target population is youth, which are the projects undertaken by YABT or Trust for the Americas and 2) Indirect interventions targeting government authorities that work on youth issues, this is the case of the activities undertaken by the Department of Education and Culture and the Department of Social Development and Employment of SEDI, among other. 1. ORGANIZATION / DEPARTMENT.

Department of Social Development and Employment, SEDI


Hemispheric


The Ministries of Labor of the region use multiple definitions of youth. In general, they accept the international definition of youth (16 – 24) and they use an additional category of “expanded youth”, which are those between 25 and 29 years old, in some cases it goes up to 35. In order to be more effective in their programs, particularly regarding education, professional training and employment services, Ministries divide the first group in two, targeting the younger (16-19 for example) separate from the rest.

4. TYPES OF SUPPORT

Research on youth employment strategies and presentations to the Ministries of Labor.

The DSDE is informing the political dialogue on youth employment strategies among the Ministries of Labor of the hemisphere. The DSDE is the Technical Secretariat of the Inter-American Conference of Ministers of Labor (IACML) and as such it assists the Conference in advancing the mandates and priorities that have been identified. The XV IACML, which will take place in September, 2007 in Trinidad and Tobago has identified youth employment as an area of emphasis, thus, we will continue to work on this topic.


DSDE has undertaken a preliminary research on the current situation of youth in the labor market and the main components of youth employment strategies in the Hemisphere. The result of this research are 2 powerpoint documents that were presented in an International Conference in November, 2006 and in an IACML event in May, 2007. In the future DSDE will continue to research on policies and programs of the Ministries of Labor to improve access of youth to the labor market. These programs will be incorporated in the Portfolio of Programs of the Inter-American Network for Labor Administration (RIAL) produced by DSDE.

6. LESSONS LEARNED There are multiple programs and projects in the Hemisphere that seek to improve youth employment, however there is a lack in the region of comprehensive youth employment strategies that could organize the wide range of projects and result in higher impact of the various interventions. We have also identified that strategies for youth employment generation should respond to the great diversity of youth, and should define the instruments according to the target group, always under the umbrella of a comprehensive strategy. The articulation of economic, social, labor and youth policies becomes essential for achieving impacts on youth employment, and this articulation can be achieved

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with more effectiveness at the local level. 7. SUCCESS. MODELS & PROG. At the regional level many programs have been undertaken on youth employment, but all of them can be classified in the following 6 categories: 1) efforts to improve education, 2) vocational training programs, that meet the needs of particular groups and are characterized by their decentralization and the variety of suppliers, 3) employment services (to link labor supply and demand) that are being strengthened with electronic tools, 4) awareness-raising programs in the entrepreneurial and workers sectors on their co-responsibility for youth employment generation, 5) hiring schemes that encourage youth training in enterprises (tax incentives and others), and 6) promotion of entrepreneurship. 8. NEEDS & OPPORTUNITIES

Ministries of Labor can benefit from the exchange of information and best practices on youth employment. In fact, they have indicated they want to continue working in this regard in the coming future.

9. STRENGTHS

Network - DSDE, as Technical Secretariat of the IACML, has a permanent relationship with all the Ministries of Labor of the Hemisphere, as well as with ILO and PAHO.

Knowledge – DSDE has current information on the situation of youth in the labor market and some of the strategies to address it.

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Department of Sustainable Development

1. ORGANIZATION / DEPARTMENT. Department of Social Development and Employment, SEDI 2. GEOGRAPHIC. AREAS 34 Member States 3. DEFINITION OF YOUTH n/a. 4. TYPES OF SUPPORT The Department of Sustainable Development supports OAS member States in the design and implementation of policies, programs and projects oriented to integrate environmental priorities with poverty alleviation, and socio-economic development goals. The Department also supports transparency and Public Participation, as practical ingredients of good governance.

Translating sustainable development and environmental protection goals into concrete actions, DSD supports the execution of multiple-country projects in such diverse areas as integrated water management, renewable energy, land-titling, natural Hazards-climate change adaptation, biological diversity and environmental law and policy. Program areas: Water Management, Renewable Energy, Natural Hazards, Climate Change Adaptation and Land Use Planning, Sound Chemicals Management and Environmental Health, Biodiversity and Payment for Ecosystem Services, and Environmental Law, Policy and Trade. 5. PROGRAM INITIATIVES The Department does not specifically target “youth”, however, its projects and programs by extension impact youth, in particular through the below projects/activities: White Helmets Initiative: provides training to 1st responders to Natural Disasters School Retrofit Programs: reinforcing schools resilience to Natural Disaster Guatemala Solar Energy Telecenters in Rural Guatemalan Schools Project: setting up 2 telecenters

Education/Public awareness/Information Dissemination Activities are and integral part of DSD Program areas.

6. LESSONS LEARNED 7. SUCCESS. MODELS & PROG. 8. NEEDS & OPPORTUNITIES 9. STRENGTHS • Provide support, in areas of its technical expertise, to the political organs of the OAS, and represent the General Secretariat in technical dialogues in the hemisphere and in intergovernmental environmental fora especially those of the United Nations. • Formulate and execute technical cooperation projects within its field of expertise, including follow-up of the mandates of the Summit of the Americas on Sustainable Development. • Facilitate exchanges of information on sustainable development in the region and lay the foundation for participation by civil society in decision-making on environmental management. • Assist countries and regions in preparing investment projects for consideration by regional and international financing mechanisms.

• Support efforts to promote coordination and cooperation among bilateral and international agencies and non-governmental organizations in pursuit of the goals established by the member states of the OAS.

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Summits of the Americas Secretariat

1. ORGANIZATION / DEPARTMENT

Summits of the Americas Secretariat


34 OAS Member States

None established.

4. TYPES OF SUPPORT The Summits of the Americas Secretariat forms part of the institutional mechanisms of the Summits of the Americas process and provides support in the areas of planning, implementation, outreach, and follow up of Summit mandates. In this regard, the Summits Secretariat provides follow-up, institutional memory and support to the Summit Implementation Review Group (SIRG), the Joint Summit Working Group (JSWG), and the Committee on Inter-American Summits Management and Civil Society Participation in OAS activities (CISC). The Summits Secretariat brings together the main actors involved in the formulation of policies in follow-up to the mandates emanating from the Summits of the Americas Declarations and Plans of Action and supports OAS Member States in preparing and carrying out Summits commitments. This assignment has been complemented with the creation of spaces for dialogue among all social actors regarding Summits of the Americas mandates and themes, presentation of reports, research, and organization of other events related to past Summits commitments and proposed topics for future Summits. SIRG – Comprised of the 34 democratically elected governments of the hemisphere, the SIRG meets on average 3 times a year, with at least one of their meetings held at the Ministerial level. It is responsible for reporting to the Foreign Ministers on the progress achieved in the fulfillment of Summits commitments. The Summits Secretariat is responsible for providing follow-up, institutional memory and support to the SIRG through convening meetings, coordinating activities, and compiling and publishing information and documents. Additionally, the Secretariat develops and implements activities directed toward institutional strengthening through the provision of technical expertise to OAS Member States in order to enhance their participation in the Summits process and their possibilities to implement and report on implementation of Summits mandates. JSWG – Comprised of 12 international organizations that are partner institutions of the Summits process, the JSWG meets periodically to provide technical expertise in the priority areas of the Summits of the Americas, increase coordination in the implementation and follow-up of mandates, plan joint activities and exchange information on programs, projects and activities related to the fulfillment of Summit mandates. As the Chair of the JSWG, the Summits Secretariat works closely with the member institutions of the JSWG to coordinate its activities, create spaces for the development of strategic alliances to promote greater collaboration, and promotes its contributions in the implementation of Summits mandates to the Member States. CISC – A parallel multilateral Summits follow-up mechanism that operates within the political structure of the OAS, the CISC is entrusted with the coordination of the activities assigned to the OAS by the Summits of the Americas, as well as with coordinating the participation of civil society organizations in OAS activities. 5. PROGRAM INITIATIVES Inter-American Civil Society Partnership Initiative

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The Summits of the Americas Secretariat, with the support of the Open Society Institute (OSI), designed and implemented the Inter-American Civil Society Partnership Initiative, to promote and facilitate civil society participation in the Summits of the Americas process through the implementation and monitoring of Summits mandates and the enlisting of civil society input into the Inter-American agenda. To this end, the Selection Board of the Initiative has awarded funds to a number of projects implemented by civil society organizations that encourage the inclusion of youth perspectives and youth issues in the inter-American agenda. Roundtable with Civil Society Each year the Summits Secretariat implements a process of civil society participation in preparation for the forthcoming General Assembly, providing opportunities for civil society to dialogue among themselves and draft and present specific recommendations to the OAS Member States as they negotiate the text of resolutions and declarations to be approved at the Assembly. These recommendations furthermore serve as the basis for the annual Dialogue between representatives of civil society organizations and the OAS Member States held during the General Assembly. Dialogues between representatives of civil society organizations and the OAS Member States The annual Dialogue between Heads of Delegation of the OAS Member States and representatives of civil society is held in the framework of the OAS General Assembly and provides an opportunity for the exchange of points of view among Heads of Delegations, the OAS Secretary General, and civil society organizations on the issues of the inter-American agenda. Most recently, at the XXXVII OAS General Assembly held in Panama City, close collaboration between the YABT and the Summits Secretariat assured the participation of a youth representative in the Dialogue. Registry of Civil Society Organizations In accordance with relevant Permanent Council resolutions, the Summits Secretariat is charged with promoting the OAS Registry of Civil Society Organizations. Currently 18 civil society organizations that carry out activities regarding the theme of youth are part of the Registry. Summits of the Americas Publications The Summits Secretariat, in its assigned role as the institutional memory of the Summits process, has launched a number of publications that compile the contributions of the 12 institutional members of the JSWG towards fulfilling Summits commitments. To provide technical assistance toward the Fifth Summit thematic agenda, the Secretariat published the institutional perspective of the JWSG members on the hemispheric challenges facing the region. Lastly, the Secretariat compiles and disseminates the National Reports submitted by the OAS Member States regarding the implementation of Summits commitments. Summits of the Americas Information Network The Summits of the Americas Secretariat develops and disseminates quarterly informative bulletins and also updates and maintains the websites www.summit-americas.org and www.civil-society.oas.org, in order to disseminate the themes of inter-American agenda, the agreements of the Heads of State and Government of the Summits of the Americas, and the events and activities held in the framework of the OAS and the Summits process. 6. LESSONS LEARNED - The interests of marginalized groups, such as youth, may be identified through the implementation of effective consultation processes and included in the dialogues held in the framework of the Summits process, including the drafting of documents, resolutions, declarations, and mandates emanating from the Summits of the Americas and OAS General Assemblies. Thematic consultation should be coupled with the establishment of a consistent physical presence of representatives of the respective group in the meetings and conferences of the Summits process, the identification of barriers to participation in the Summits process, and the subsequent promotion of mechanisms to circumvent obstacles to participation.

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- Short term projects and civil society dialogues provide specific civil society groups with opportunities for learning about existing opportunities for participation in OAS activities as well as mechanisms for participation in the Summits process and in OAS activities. - Close collaboration and coordination with the partner institutions of the JSWG and other OAS technical areas allows the Summits Secretariat to fully benefit from their expertise, and identify opportunities for the creation of targeted projects and initiatives. 7. SUCCESS. MODELS & PROG. Online Consultations: Virtual consultations that included the participation of nearly 300 young people of the Americas in order to identify and compile recommendations on issues of relevance to youth. Close collaboration between the Summits Secretariat and YABT in implementing this initiative assured the participation of a youth representative to present the results of the consultation in the Dialogue of Heads of Delegation with Civil Society Representatives held in the framework of the XXXVII OAS General Assembly. Civil Society Roundtables and Meetings: Events organized in the framework of the OAS provide opportunities for civil society organizations to dialogue among themselves in order to formulate recommendations in their areas of interest and expertise. These meetings can adopt strategies that promote or facilitate the participation of representatives of marginalized groups as well as the inclusion of thematic sessions on issues such as those related to youth. Likewise, these meetings often involve opportunities for direct dialogue with OAS officials. Dialogues between Civil Society and OAS Member States: Opportunities for direct dialogue between States and civil society such as the Dialogue of Heads of Delegation with Civil Society Representatives and the Special Session of the CISC, as well as spaces for civil society interventions and presentations in High Level meetings, allow for the inclusion of the voices of marginalized groups as well as the topics of importance to them. 8. NEEDS & OPPORTUNITIES Needs - Evaluation of participation mechanisms to identify potential barriers to the active involvement of young people in the events and activities held in the framework of the Summits of the Americas process. This may include evaluation of possible legal barriers. - Development of outreach programs and participation opportunities to construct links with young people, taking into consideration the specific needs of the target audience (background information and knowledge, accessible language, access to technology, among others). - Evaluation of youth interests in order to enable broad and effective engagement of youth in discussions as well as assessment of the capacity of youth organizations to develop effective recommendations in the framework of civil society dialogues. Opportunities - Development of strategies to monitor implementation and follow-up on Summits of the Americas mandates related to youth (specifically, paragraphs 3 “creating decent work”, 46 “social development”, and 53 “hemispheric cooperation” of the Plan of Action of Mar del Plata; paragraphs 11 “labor and employment”, 12 “growth with equity”, 13 “education”, and 18 “children and youth” of the Plan of Action of Quebec). - Promote and disseminate actions currently being carried out by OAS Member States to implement

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Summits mandates regarding youth. - Continue to provide support to OAS Member States interested in including youth issues in the negotiations and discussions related to the forthcoming Summit of the Americas. - Promote equitable access to information on the Summits process, Summits mandates, and opportunities for participation with the goal of enhancing knowledge, developing understanding and interest, and building the capacity of youth and youth organizations to contribute effectively to participation in the Summits process. - Develop effective online consultations with young people on the Summits process and Summits mandates and promote and disseminate youth-related activities through the Summits of the Americas Information Network. - Continue to award funds to civil society organizations that implement projects encouraging youth participation in the areas of the Summits of the Americas mandates through the Inter-American Civil Society Partnership Initiative. 9. STRENGTHS Outreach capacity: The Summits of the Americas Secretariat database contains more than 4,000 civil society organizations that carry out activities in the Americas. In addition, the Secretariat disseminates quarterly information bulletins to a database that includes the Member States, Summit National Coordinators, other international organizations, the academic and private sectors, think tanks, and the press. Promotion/Communication: The Summits Secretariat has access to Summit National Coordinators through the SIRG, Chairs the JSWG, and coordinates and facilitates the participation of civil society organizations in the Summits process, creating opportunities to facilitate the inclusion of youth-related issues in the Summits process. Likewise, strong communication with OAS Member States, JSWG members, and civil society organizations allows the Summits Secretariat to promote and communicate current national, institutional, and civil society activities related to youth issues. Strategic alliances to promote cooperation: Close collaboration with other OAS technical areas and role of coordinator of the members of the JSWG enables the Summits Secretariat to facilitate the exchange of best practices and the development of joint initiatives to implement and follow-up on Summits mandates related to youth. Capacity building: The role of the Summits Secretariat as technical secretariat to the SIRG ensures a strong link between the Secretariat and the Member States of the OAS, strengthening their ability to fully and effectively implement and monitor the implementation of Summits mandates related to youth, as well as strengthening the capacity of future Summit hosts to incorporate youth issues into Summit agendas.

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Trust for the Americas


Trust for the Americas – Poeta Project


Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Dominica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Venezuela

3. DEFINITION OF YOUTH 16-35 4. TYPES OF SUPPORT Technology Training • Basic use of technology • Microsoft Office technologies • Internet and email use • Computer repair • Network Job Readiness • Introduction to the employment world • Interview skills • Resume preparation • Specific skills training according to local market demand. · Call Center · Telemarketing · Back office hospitality skills · Website development Self Employment/Small Enterprise development • Development of a business plan • Accounting & finances • Applying for micro-credit • Forming Cooperatives • Basic concepts of marketing • Consumer education. Civic Education • Practical approaches to conflict resolution • Respect for the law • Drug abuse prevention • HIV/AIDS awareness 5. PROGRAM INITIATIVES

Partnership in Opportunities for Employment through Technology in the Americas (POETA)

6. LESSONS LEARNED 1. Inter-organization cooperation: The multidisciplinary nature of this project brought together

diverse interests from the private and public sectors, and academic institutions. a. The government’s endorsement of this project provided an opportunity for the

government to become fully engaged on the issues of job training for Youth at Risk. An area of sorely needed attention in Latin America.

b. The private sector’s tangible commitment to the project increased its public visibility substantially, thus creating an ongoing dialogue on issues related to youth, as well as a

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demand in other communities for similar activities. c. The cooperation between the private sector, the government, and academic and non-

governmental institutions in the context of this program helped to provide a greater assurance of its sustainability; while at the same time, created a demand for replication of the program in other locations – both were unexpected positive developments.

2. Commitment to project: All partners must be fully committed to the goals and aspirations of this or any such project to ensure its viability.

3. ICT as the core of the program: realistic and practical ICT training is at the core of the program and a clear commitment must be made from the beginning to ensure that it remains the core goal of the program. Other successes will follow.

4. Unforeseen project issues: The proposal and project plan must be both comprehensive and flexible enough to address any unforeseen project complications as they arise. Regular surveys of project participant observations are necessary to ensure that the project is truly addressing the specific needs of its intended beneficiaries.

5. Sustainability: The medium and long term sustainability of the project is largely ensured by the commitment of our local partners and strategic allies.


Key to the successful progress of the initiative is the application of the POETA formula: maximizing the available resources, close supervision, technical assistance from OAS Washington, and a team work structure that encourages different stakeholders to actively participate in the program. Implementing the program with various local partners in each country, has provided us with the unique opportunity to develop various best practices across the country. It is this agile structure that makes POETA unique, and allows the program to evolve to meet the needs of each particular beneficiary.

POETA’s local partners have developed alliances with public and private sector organizations that enhance the centers’ capacity to serve their beneficiaries.

The infrastructure and capacity of local institutions is developed during the program. Through the training of trainers, each institution develops its own internal capacity to implement ICT and job-readiness training by allowing them to continue training their own members, and new participants after the program has ended. This strengthens the POETA network in the hemisphere and could ensure the center’s sustainability in the long run.

Project visibility has been vital to the program’s success thus far, and it is absolutely necessary for its continued sustainability. The POETA Centers have gained considerable recognition in the media, and among the private and public sectors for their work with the disabled and the community in general. For example, we have made presentations about POETA and its success in Latin America at the World Bank and the OAS Permanent Council. Also, participated in events such as the First Lady Summit that was recently held in Asuncion, Paraguay, and the Global Leaders Forum organized by Microsoft in Washington D.C. Increased visibility enables POETA to entice other social responsible companies, such as CISCO, Chevron Texaco, ConocoPhillips, Daimler Chrysler, Hewlett Packard, and Siemens, to contribute to POETA’s development and expansion in Latin America.


OPPORTUNITIES

Promote the active involvement of local NGO’s

Pro-actively working within the communities

Internal and external training

Call to action plan: to establish networking relationships among all the groups

Visibility

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Not only one pilot program: Replication

9. STRENGTHS

Social Inclusiveness – Educational level

Internationalization

Networking

Governmental, Private and Academic endorsement

Social Investment – Social responsibility


The Trust for the Americas – Mi Zona Project


Original Proposed areas: Guatemala City: Búcaro-Mesquital, Ciudad del Sol-Villanueva, Palin-Escuintla.

New areas starting first quarter 2007: El Limon (Zona 18), Lomas de Santa Faz and Brisas de San Pedro in Guatemala City.


6 to 14

4. TYPES OF SUPPORT

Weekly workshops with parents, teachers and children. Capacity building workshops for grassroots ngo’s and journalists.


Mi Zona (full data report attached) until August 2007

6. LESSONS LEARNED Every country is completely different in their approach to civic education. Local partners are key. They know the population. Attitudes towards prevention programs can be changed. In these kinds of programs it’s easier to start working with children under the age of 14. A community outreach leader (i.e. someone of their trust, who lives with the target population and who “speaks their language” is key to the success of the program. 7. SUCCESS. MODELS & PROG.

Plan V de Valores. Civic Edcucation program executed by the Trust in Colombia with the support of the former Mayor of Bogotá, Mr. Antanas Mockus and the Secretaria de Educacion de Bogotá. (2002-2005)


Central America is living a key moment for prevention programs for children, teens and adults. The organization needs to coordinate internally and focus on these needs and start working towards fulfilling them.

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Young Americas Business Trust 1. ORGANIZATION.

Young Americas Business Trust (YABT), Organization of American States (OAS)


34 OAS Member States, Mongolia, Taiwan, among others


Young people aged 15-35

4. TYPES OF SUPPORT

The YABT acts as a catalyst for young entrepreneurs in the Americas offering young people tools, skills, and networks to become successful business-persons and socially responsible leaders, including specialized version in Agribusiness, Tourism, among others.

YABT focuses on four priority areas:

Leadership and Networking: Link young entrepreneurs and national associations in a regional communication and collaboration network. Courses and events prepare the next generation of business leaders to be socially conscious citizens of the community.

Training – with an emphasis on practical experience: Business Labs provide young people who have entrepreneurial potential the motivation and skills they need to understand business and make a start, learning through hands-on workshops.

Technology: Internet resources and communication networks facilitate training, business matchmaking, e-communities to create business opportunities for young people.

Strategic Alliances and National YABTs: YABT works through its national chapters and international partnerships to increase technical and financial resources for programs and young entrepreneurs.


The following is a list of YABT’s current main programs:

Business Labs: This initiative is an OAS Program executed by the YABT that provides business skills training and experience to young entrepreneurs in the OAS Member States.

TIC Americas: The Talent and Innovation Competition of the Americas (TIC Americas) is an international competition and award program for young entrepreneurs focused on the preparation and implementation of business plans. TIC Americas differentiates itself from other existing Business Plan Competitions by incorporating a prototype phase, training , investment, internships, among other opportunities at a global scale

Money Links: The YABT financial education initiative, Money Links, was designed with the goal of introducing or upgrading financial skills training programs, enabling young people in the Americas to create employment and overcome poverty.

Promoting Corporate Social Responsibility in SMEs in the Caribbean: This project is to foster the adoption of CSR best practices in the CARICOM region among SME’s, addressing key CSR issues. This project builds on an existing pilot project –OAS/CIDA/IDB Forum EMPRESA.

6. LESSONS LEARNED

Importance of involving the target beneficiary in the design and implementation of the project. Young people participating in the design and implementation of youth employment and entrepreneurship projects and programs helps ensure their needs are met by and they will

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respond to the training. It also builds their leadership capacity.

Youth entrepreneurial training involves a long process of integrated personal development, skills training, and work experience

The involvement of all sectors is important when developing business start-up and on-the-job follow-up services for youth in order to erase barriers to market entry, provide youth with mentors and financial assistance, and ensure they have the technical support needed to operate a sustainable enterprise.

A stable network of youth development organizations can help form youth leaders who have the skills, self-esteem, and drive to secure employment and/or start their own business or social entrepreneurial venture.

\ 7. SUCCESS. MODELS & PROG.

Business Labs model: This training program has provided more than 17,000 young people with the business skills necessary to become successful entrepreneurs in 4 years. YABT has effectively collaborated with local organizations of the private sector to provide them with the opportunity to network and interact with the emerging leaders in the Americas, advertising opportunities, and be seen as a good international corporate citizen. Currently, YABT is actively training young people in 29 of the 34 OAS Member States and cross-collaborates with both the public and private sector.

TIC Americas: More than 790 teams from 29 countries registered for the competition. These teams competed online developing not only a business plan but also a prototype, a promotional video and a website.


There is a need to find local sponsors or local partners to finance YABT National Chapters in the Americas

There is a need to utilize the considerable expertise in established technical cooperation programs by collaborating with partner organizations operating in the same field

9. STRENGTHS

International network with offices in each OAS member country

Young people managing and designing the programs to benefit youth in the Americas

Extensive experience in youth employment and development project design

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Additional Information In April of 2003, Francisco Pilotti and María Claudia Camacho from the Department of Social Development and Employment published a report entitled Politicas y programas de juventud en América Latina y el Caribe: contexto y principales caracteristicas, as part of the Social Protection Discussion Series. This report details information regarding the definition of youth and its main demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, as well as the contexts motivating diverse international focus on youth employment and the national and international organizations dedicated to this issue. This report can be found at the following web address: http://www.myybiz.net/file-storage/view/yabt-programs-and-plans/oas-youth-programs/juventudWB.pdf In May of 2007, The Meeting of the Working Group of the Conferencia Inter-Americana de Ministros de Trabajo (CIMT) was held in San José, Costa Rica. This meeting, in addition to developing the Agenda for the upcoming XV CIMT, also focused on the topic of youth employment in the Americas. A powerpoint presentation developed by María Claudia Camacho focused on strategies for achieving the creation of new jobs in order to confront poverty and strengthen democratic government, as detailed in the IV Summit of the Americas. Particularly emphasized was the need to reduce youth unemployment and inactivity, to develop policies increasing the number of entry-level job opportunities, to improve access to and the quality of labor information services, and to combat drug consumption as well as the spread of HIV/AIDS. Camacho suggested the articulation of new economic, labor and social policies, anti-discrimination actions, new incentives to contract youth, and increased training capacity as necessary to combating these employment challenges. This presentation can be found at the following web address: http://www.myybiz.net/file-storage/view/yabt-programs-and-plans/oas-youth-programs/JovenesOEA_ESP.ppt

organization of american states inter-departmental meeting ...scm.oas.org/pdfs/2007/cp18944t.pdf ·...

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