Leaders of democracy fellowships [Archives:2007/1048/Local News]

SANA'A, May 5 ) The 2008 MEPI Leaders for Democracy Fellowships is open for applications currently until May 31 2007. This is a program sponsored by the U.S. State Department's Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) where young democratic reform leaders from the Middle East and North Africa complete academic coursework and a practical, skill-building experience in their fields of choice. The fellowship will take place for three months from March 15 through June 15, 2008.

The fellowship this year will begin with a six-week course on leadership and democracy at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University in New York. The Syracuse portion of the fellowship will include a capstone project by each participant, focusing on a topic of professional interest.

Abudlelah Taqi, MEPI coordinator in Yemen commented that The Middle East Partnership Initiative supports the aspirations of people in the Middle East seeking greater freedom and opportunity. In four years, MEPI has devoted more than $293 million to reformers working so democracy can spread, education can thrive, economies can grow, and women can be empowered.

After the academic program, each participant will gain practical experience and professional contacts in a four- to five-week fellowship with a political, non-governmental, or public policy organization in Syracuse, NY, or Washington, DC. Possible placement opportunities include working with a city council, local elections commission, non-governmental organization, issue advocacy group, political campaign, media outlet, grassroots organization, or think tank. Fellows will earn a certificate upon successful completion of the three-month program.

For more information see www.mepi.state.gov/82860.htm.
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