Project Design and Management Workshop Reflection
On May 18-23 in Zanzibar, Tanzania, IRIS hosted a three-day Project Design and Management (PDM) workshop for YES alumni from Tanzania, Nigeria, Mozambique, Kenya, and South Africa. The workshop was a collaborative effort between IRIS and American Councils for International Education and was the first YES alumni event ever hosted by IRIS.
The workshop aimed at providing participants with the necessary tools to develop and implement great alumni projects in their home communities. During the workshop, participants were able to develop a shared understanding of concepts, strategies, and skills for project design and management, as well as utilize those skills to develop successful projects in their communities.
YES alumni met with one another and worked in an active workshop setting to develop a community project. At the end of the workshop, teams of two presented their plans for their community projects, with the goal being to implement the project within six months after the workshop.
The YES alumni first learned how to develop a project from the planning stages. Other stages included budgeting, monitoring, and completion of the project.
Christine Odera, one of the participants from Kenya, was able to understand how she could use her skills, talents, and resources in her own community project, “Many are times, we (YES alumni) have good ideas but we don’t understand how to implement them. It is difficult because we really don’t know that we have assets as individuals that we can use. The workshop helped me identify just how valuable I can be. I have a laptop, I am literate and fluent in English, and that’s even before combining the other assets from other local and national partners.”
Not only did the workshop allow the YES alumni to understand the tools and resources they already have, but it also taught them how to assess their community needs and determine how best to address them in their project. Alumni were able to combine their personal ideas for community change with the actual needs of the community. At the end of the workshop Christine states, “Now I am confident in distinguishing between my own desires and what is really needed in my community.”
Workshop attendees also learned ways to implement their projects from the planning stages by developing clearly laid out plans with both quantitative and qualitative goals. Furthermore, YES alumni learned about resources and budgeting. Christine states, “Resources and budgeting are the reason why so many people have problems implementing their brilliant ideas into the community. From the workshop, I was taught how to effectively write a budget and how to ensure that cost sharing is put in place.” Alumni were also able to understand how to write proposals through workshop activities.
Ultimately, the PDM workshop was able to give YES alumni the skills and knowledge they need to confidently pursue their community projects. Christine says that because of the workshop, “I will challenge myself to open myself to new challenges and more community projects. I am currently working on a reproductive health project that I am hoping to implement in a years’ time.”
It’s almost time for IRIS YES students to leave Iowa and return to their home countries with all they have experienced and learned over the last 10 months. Although IRIS YES students will be focused on creating a legacy in their home countries, they have also left an impact with their Iowa communities and host families.
Mark and Julia of West Liberty hosted an IRIS student during the 2012-2013 year and offer a reflection on the impact that their IRIS student, Mohammed, left on their lives.
“We recognize that the world is made up of people with many different opinions and views about life and about the things that effect each and all of us, but our IRIS ‘son’, Mohammed, affirmed our belief that we can respect each other even if some of our views are not the same, keep a
sincere smile and benefit from our shared knowledge and experiences.We had expected not to host an exchange student this past year, though we had planned to host another student the following year. As the school year progressed, we missed all of the interactions with Mohammed and felt compelled to host another student. We are now looking forward with enthusiastic anticipation toward welcoming another IRIS student fo
r the coming school year
Our family seems to be more “normal” with an added member in the household. Hosting an IRIS student gives us a connection with a part of the world that we would not have had otherwise. Our presumption is that the IRIS students have earned the opportunity to be exchange students because of particular qualifications that indicate that they can interact well with others and be good ‘ambassadors’. We are happy to assist them as they do so. We also enjoy finding ways to share as much of our country and culture as we can.”
IRIS students are able to leave a lasting impression on their Iowa communities and families. If you would like to be a part of this experience call the IRIS office at 515-292-7103 or email yessupport@iris-center.org .
Layers of Diversity
Art from the Layers of Diversity exhibit
Layers of Diversity
On May 2-May 4, IRIS held a special exhibit at the Des Moines Art Center that featured Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study student’s artwork. The exhibit allowed the students to artistically express their experiences with diversity in the United States.
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange program is sponsored by the United States Department of State and allows international students to share their culture and experiences with their host families and communities. Each student was selected for the YES program to represent the student’s country and promote international understanding, development, and peace during a yearlong stay with a host family. In August of 2013, 25 YES students from 17 countries arrived in Iowa through IRIS.
The IRIS staff presented each student with a blank canvas and asked them to create collages with the theme of diversity. Each piece features the word “diversity” in the student’s native language and reflects how his or her perspective of diversity has changed through the YES program and living in Iowa.
The Layers of diversity art exhibit was a successful event celebrating the creativity of the YES students and engaging visitors in important
conversations on diversity.
Throughout the weekend, visitors to the Art Center sought out the exhibit and learned about the Department of State YES program and IRIS. On Sunday, May 4th, over 40 students, host families, and community members attended the closing reception which included a tour and discussion on diversity within the permanent collection of art at the Des Moines Art Center, a viewing of the students’ artwork, and a video, highlighting each student, his/her artwork, comments about diversity, and thank you notes to the host families. The local KCCI news anchor Mollie Cooney reported on the story and interviewed Mariam (Egypt).
Celebrate Host Moms!
Hosting a Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) student through IRIS offers many fulfilling opportunities. Host families are able to experience different cultures and learn from their host student, but there is also a bond that is formed between the students and their host moms.
In honor of Mother’s Day, here are a few stories describing the bond between IRIS YES students and their host moms.
“My host mom is very smart and knows how to solve problems.
I can remember coming back from school one day very sad. She tried to find out what was wrong with me. She is very caring. When I told her about a problem I had in a class, she suggested ways of helping to solve my problem. She knows how to light up my day. I’ll miss going shopping with her, her funny stories and her cheerful self. She knows how to be herself: obeying rules, cheerful, caring and nice. “
– Ella (Nigeria), Iowa City High School
“My mom is a very cool Korean Mom! She knows my feelings. She is a really great woman. She encourages me to try so many things. Without her I would have missed out on a lot of things during my exchange year, such as running and joining track.
My host mom is caring. She really cares about me. About my health, my feelings, my happiness, she cares about me, she cares about my school and everything. Mom is really caring.
I will miss my host mom’s voice that always tells me the right way to do things, her laugh, and when she just talks to me. I will miss her hugs too.
My hostmom is really amazing! I am really glad to live with her and know her. She takes care of me like we are family.”
– Jaya (Indonesia), Davenport West High School
“My host mom, Sandy, is an amazing person. She has a heart of gold; she is so kind and caring. From the moment we met, she always made sure I was having the best time and many unique experiences. She has made such a big impact in my life, taught me a lot of important life lessons. My life would not be the same if she was not there for me, and I am so thankful for that. I will miss sitting down and talking to her.. also baking with her! I love to spend time in the kitchen with her. She not only makes the best American food I’ve ever had and will ever have, but also is open to try new things such as Turkish Food.”
– Aleyna (Turkey), Marshalltown High School
“Everything is special about my host mom. She is really determined and confident in her life. She makes decisions that are favorable to everyone around her. She is really helpful to all the people and very much openhearted. She plays with us like a small kid sometimes but at the same time she is strict about certain things. I am proud to be her daughter this year. We go and hang out at places and enjoy spending time during weekends and during other holidays. I will really miss her when I go back to India.”
– Anupama (India), Des Moines Hoover High School
“She loves her kids and she is very caring. A woman who is very pure in heart, loves to get involve with what her 
kids do like their school sport. She is patient and loves to help when one has a problem. Kind, nice, tolerant, loving and honest. Her sincerity and niceness. I really love my host mom and my host family and I will definitely miss them. I am so glad I meet my host family, they are awesome.”
– Gideon (Nigeria), Grundy Center
As a host family, you will not only be able to experience the depth of diversity each student has to offer, but you will be able to form a bond that can last a lifetime. If you are interested in being a host family or have questions, please contact Tim at 515.292.7103 or tim@iris-center.org.
IRIS and Social Sustainability
Last week, Program Assistant Rachel Cramer attended an Earth Day event at Iowa State University. The event acted as a showcase of
sustainability-related community and student organizations and was hosted by Iowa State University Live Green and the student group, The Green Umbrella. The event allowed students, faculty, and staff to learn more about the sustainable efforts happening their community.
Why Did IRIS Attend?
It’s easy to wonder why IRIS attended an Earth Day event, because isn’t sustainability all about the environment? Sustainability is actually made up of three different areas including social sustainability, financial sustainable, and environmental sustainability. The IRIS program does a lot to support each kind of sustainability.
Sustainability Venn Diagram
The main missions of IRIS are all related to social sustainability. Social sustainability focuses on building communities so they are diverse and in which every community member is able to live and grow. Communities that are socially sustainable allow all members, including those with financial disadvantages, to have equal opportunities and a good quality of life.
IRIS seeks to build communities both in the United States and in the home communities of every student. Students learn how they can be agents for community change while being hosted, and are able to make a positive impact while volunteering. In turn, these students are also able to grow their communities in their home countries by utilizing the skills they have learned to organize projects.
IRIS also encourages diversity and understanding in Iowa. The population in Iowa is about 93% Caucasian. Many smaller communities in Iowa are unable to experience the cultural richness that diversity provides. Through the exchange programs, communities are able to learn more about other cultures and experience diversity.
IRIS programs also assist in environmental sustainability in the home countries of the students. IRIS alumni in Tanzania are currently working on a project that utilizes old tires and glass bottles for a beautification project in Zanzibar. The recycled tires and glass bottles will gain a new life as landscaping implements at a community garden.
You can help your community be socially sustainable by hosting an IRIS student. For more information about how you can make a positive difference in your community and to answer any questions about IRIS please contact Kim at 515.292.7103 or kim@iris-center.org.
Global Youth Service Day
IRIS Nigerian YES alumni celebrated Global Youth Service Day in Tanzania April 11-April 13. Global Youth Service Day is a celebration that encourages millions of young people to make a positive impact in their communities by volunteering. This year, IRIS alumni helped with nine different events.
YES alumni spent time and energy meeting together several weeks before Global Youth Service Day to determine what project they wanted to create in order to both strengthen their communities as well as encourage community involvement. After the IRIS alumni determined what projects they were going to undertake, they registered their projects on the YSA website and promoted their events throughout their communities.
In Zaria Nigeria, alumni helped build their community by visiting the Beth Torrey Home, a center for children with disabilities. The Alumni assisted the center by providing them with donations of various supplies to help maintain operations of the center. Alumni were able to see their impact in the joy and appreciation those at the center offered.
On April 12 in Benue State, alumni were able to assist their community by offering support to refugees. The alumni were able to provide support for these internally displaced people by donating necessary items including soap, anti-malaria drugs, food, and clothing. The alumni were also able to support the refugees by offering therapy to encourage them.
In Gombe state, alumni visited an orphanage. Alumni were able to provide the orphans with milk, toiletries, and other items needed to help operate the orphanage. The alumni were also able to offer support and care to the orphans by taking time to play with them and talking to them.
In Kaduna, alumni participated in two volunteer events including a visit to an orphanage and a peace discussion. Alumni were able to provide support to the orphanage by donating items including soap, food, and clothing. The alumni were also able to inspire the children by sharing their experiences and encouraging them to be active citizens in their community. Alumni also organized a peace discussion that educated community members about peace and tolerance.
Alumni in Plateau were able to contribute in encouraging the health of the community by volunteering to build a health center and by visiting a hospital. Several YES alumni from Plateau are in medical school and were able to use their knowledge by working to help build a health clinic by molding 64 blocks and building the foundation. At the Evangel Hospital VVF Center, alumni gave a presentation discussing the importance of washing hands. The alumni also offered soap to patients at the hospital.
In Sokoto Nigeria, alumni mobilized to hold an art program and to play soccer with orphans. In honor of Global Youth Services Day, alumni held a drawing event by offering children art supplies and encouraging them to draw. Alumni also visited the Sokoto State orphanage offering donations and spending time teaching the children how to play soccer.
If you would like to encourage this message of global service, you can volunteer at IRIS! If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, please contact Kim at 515.292.7103 or kim@iris-center.org.
IRIS YES Students Attend Youth Tech Camp
On April 6-12, two IRIS YES students, Israa and Ellyssahanna attended a Youth Tech Camp (YTC) in Burlington, Vermont. Israa and Ellyssahanna were two of 26 students selected for the program, which focused on leadership, public speaking, and technology/social media training skills.
Israa and Ellyssahanna stayed busy from the time they woke up until they went to bed each day of the camp, gaining skills in time management, understanding the different kinds of intelligence, and enjoying fun activities like going to galaxy bowling and attending a Youth Tech Camp prom. Ellyssahanna appreciated the action packed schedule at the Youth Tech Camp stating, “YTC is not all about sitting in a round table and listening to the speaker the whole day, but it includes tons of fun which made the program very engaging and alive”.
Israa and Ella attend the Youth Tech Camp
The workshop taught Israa and Ellysshanna how to utilize social media for social change. They both identified an issue in their home countries of Tunisia and the Philippines (respectively) and learned how to use tools including Blogger, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Twitter to create a social media campaign to drive social change. The camp also gave Israa and Ellysshanna the skills to teach members of their communities to create their own social change campaigns.
Both students gained many valuable skills and motivating experiences throughout their time at the camp. Israa proclaimed that, “This was one of the most exciting workshops I’ve ever attended”. Ultimately Israa and Ellysshanna will be able to take these skills back home with them to make a positive impact in their communities. Mentors helped guide Issra and Ellysshanna in giving them the skills. According to Issra, “The mentors and staff members…are full of awesomeness and they are a tremendous help, they gave us new ideas and strategies that gave us knowledge to have an effective training when we go back home”.
Ellyssahanna at the Youth Tech Camp
Not only were the students able to learn from the information and the workshops, but they were able to learn from other camp attendees as well. At a workshop that discussed multiple intelligences, Ellysshanna observed, “It was interesting to see what people are capable of doing, especially when they are out of their comfort zone”. Issra also appreciated the diverse views and skills of her fellow campers stating, “I’ve learned a lot not only from the speakers and mentors, but also from my co-participants and their respective countries. It’s just so amazing how many ideas and opinions came from every student”.
Are you interested in encouraging opportunities like these? Help international students cultivate skills by volunteering as a host family with IRIS. If you are interested in being a host family or have questions, please contact Tim at 515.292.7103 or tim@iris-center.org.
Celebrate IRIS Student and Volunteer Achievements at the Story County Youth Volunteer Awards
The Story County Youth Volunteer Awards, taking place Tuesday, April 29 at 7PM in the Iowa State Memorial Union Sun Room, is an event that recognizes outstanding young volunteers in the Story County community.
This year, one IRIS student and one IRIS volunteer will be recognized at the reception ceremony. They will both receive a framed certificate signed by Governor Terry Branstad.
Faris
Youth Exchange and Study (YES) student, Faris, is being honored with this award for the variety of community service he has been involved with in the Ames community. During his time here, Faris has completed 53 hours of volunteer service. He has volunteered for many events and organizations including Food at First meals, the Volunteer Center of Story County Winter Weatherization Event, and at the Ames Public Library. Through these experiences, Faris has gained the knowledge and volunteer skills that will help him make a positive impact on his community when he is in his home country of Jordan.
IRIS volunteer, Erin, a sophomore at Iowa State University, is also being recognized. Erin has volunteered more than 25 hours to the IRIS program in the last five months. Erin is not simply a volunteer. Through her contributions, Erin has offered great ideas to make the IRIS program stronger and more beneficial to the international participants who are in Iowa. Erin was actively involved in the IRIS 20th anniversary celebration. Erin’s family contributed to her interest in IRIS and spirit of volunteerism by hosting YES student, Nathan, this year. With Erin’s involvement in IRIS, she has not only been able to make an impact in the Story County community, but she’s been able to make an impact across the globe as well.
IRIS students and volunteers are truly able to make an impact in their local communities and in the greater global community. IRIS congratulates both Faris and Erin on their outstanding accomplishments.
IRIS could not do the great work we do without the tireless efforts of our volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, please contact Kim at 515.292.7103 or kim@iris-center.org.
On Monday, April 14th, ten IRIS YES students participated in the World Food Prize Iowa Youth Institute to engage in discussions on international food issues and interact with leading scientists, policy makers and humanitarians. Tripling in size within three years, over 230 scholars and 120 educators from across the state attended the event held on the Iowa State University campus in Ames. With their diverse cultural backgrounds, the IRIS YES students brought a unique element of international perspective and understanding to the event.
Each scholar was required to write a research paper focusing on a specific country and factor affecting food security. They shared their research and solutions to a small group of fellow scholars and two or three expert facilitators in roundtable discussions, receiving feedback and answering questions. This component of the Institute encourages students to dig deeper into complicated issues and envision creative solutions. Participants also attended immersion sessions on the Iowa State campus to learn about cutting-edge research and career paths connected to science, technology, policy and other fields relevant to agriculture and development. One of the highlights from the event was the keynote speech by the 2010 World Food Prize Laureate and former CEO of Heifer International, Jo Luck.
Between the morning and afternoon sessions, students were able to speak one-on-one with experts and policy makers during a luncheon. Nathan Swartz, one of our YES students from South Africa had the opportunity to sit with Governor Branstad and Iowa State University President Leath, discussing his life in the US and the KL-YES program. Nathan commented after the event, “I was so glad I got to network with people in those positions because who knows, the door to new opportunities might be standing right in front of me.” Nathan currently lives with a host family in Delmar, Iowa, and would like to attend Iowa State University to study agronomy.
Like Nathan, other IRIS students have expressed interest in pursuing new career paths due to their positive experiences in Iowa. Aleyna Bakirli, one of our students from Turkey, remarked that she would not have considered a career connected to food security and agriculture if it had not been for her experience living in Marshalltown, Iowa, and participating in the Iowa Youth Institute and the Global Youth Institute.
Since the 20th Century, Iowa has played a significant role in international relations and development, and this state will continue to be a leader in the fight against hunger now and into the future. By hosting and supporting one of these YES students, you can empower international youth to continue the legacy of Iowa-native Dr. Norman Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize and founder of the World Food Prize Foundation, in the pursuit of alleviating hunger and poverty in the United States and their home countries.
Do you enjoy learning about different cultures and religions? Would you like to share your American lifestyle and traditions with a high school student from Africa, Asia, or the Middle East? Iowa Resource for International Service (IRIS) is asking you to consider hosting one of our Youth Exchange and Study (YES) students for the 2014-2015 school year.
The YES program is funded by the Department of State as a peace building initiative and selects its students for their commitment to serve as young ambassadors. These students represent diverse religious and cultural backgrounds from over 40 countries. They return to their home countries with a spirit for youth volunteerism and better prepared to improve their communities.
There is no such thing as a perfect host family. You do not need to be married or have children in high school to be a great host. We simply ask that you are willing to open your home and heart to one of these exceptional students. For more information, please visit http://www.iris-center.org/YES_Program.html and contact us through e-mail yessupport@iris-center.org or call our office at 515-292-7103. Never underestimate the difference you can make in our global community!
Iowa Resource for International Service 