| |
The role of communication in development is increasingly gaining attention. Some 850 million people are disenfranchised because of language and technology barriers. EL believes that helping our young women to develop their voice means being able to communicate and work with community members. But it also means communicating to the rest of the world about their community, its strengths, its problems and their chosen solution to those problems. To enhance development, we promote communication through language, technology and presentation skills. |
Presentations - The young women use photos, mementoes, and journal writing to document their experiences in professional-looking scrapbooks. Personal projects of this nature are not well known in Niger, and at least one previous participant is teaching this skill to her friends back home as a forum to talk about other issues like AIDS. The girls also make Power Points as final projects to demonstrate their presentation skills on a relevant development topic. |
 |
|
 |
English language - English is not the focus of our program. However, participants need English to pass their school exams, to communicate freely on the Internet, to possibly attend school in neighboring Ghana or Nigeria. Speaking English enhances one's employment options in and out of Niger. EL customized a series of listening activities in English for study in Niger. They spend the first week in a language and cultural immersion program and will attend one English language course per week. Cultural Liaisons ease the grantees into conversing in English with outings and social engagements.
|
|
Computer skills - Computers are accessible in larger towns and cities in Niger, but computer training is expensive and hard to come by. The girls take classes in typing and basic computer skills, learning to use the Internet, e-mail, and research online. |
 |
|
|
|
|
