Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

CITIZEN EXCHANGES –
YOUTH PROGRAMS DIVISION
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Afghanistan Global Connections and Exchange Program

The Global Connections and Exchange (GCE) program in Afghanistan promotes collaborative partnerships between secondary schools in Jalalabad, Afghanistan and secondary schools in San Diego, California, from August 2008 through September 2009. Providing Internet access and training, the program encourages teachers and students in learning, research, and free expression through thematic online projects to prepare for college and vocations, thus founding Afghanistan’s first Precollege Institute. Interest in college and vocational school, and subsequent enrollment for Afghan participants – particularly girls - is of special interest, as are the aspirations of teachers and families. The grantee, the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Foundation, has six years of successful projects in Afghanistan. It forms GCE with strong partner schools and community resources in both countries. These partners include San Diego-Jalalabad Sister Cities Foundation, Moini International Consulting, San Diego State University, Nangarhar University, Nangarhar Department of Education, University of San Diego, San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego Science Alliance, and La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary.

Afghan faculty are trained in-country, and at an institute in San Diego. The GCE program trains teachers to teach their students project planning, evaluation, and research. GCE addresses the goal of civil society by focusing on achievement through education, with issues of ethnic and religious tolerance, gender equity, community service, rights, activism, responsibilities, and law. Support to teach English, mathematics, science, and general education in Afghanistan is key, as is developing familiarity with the Afghan people and culture for those in the U.S.

San Diego and Jalalabad schools interested in participating in this project may contact Steve Brown at StephenRBrown@att.net for more information.

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