Visitor
from Namibia learns
from Heartland Center´s Resources
"I
like how flexible and adaptive the material is. I can build a
program around my community´s needs."
Haaveshe
Nekongo-Nielsen
Beverly Redfield
Currie and Haaveshe Nekongo-Nielsen
Haaveshe Nekongo-Nielsen
with the University of Namibia Northern Campus arrived in Lincoln,
Nebraska in June to visit the Heartland Center for Leadership Development
staff. Dr. Nekongo-Nielson was eager to learn more about the Center´s
well-known interactive leadership development approach. As the coordinator
of a new venture, the New Leaders Initiative Program, her
mission was to learn about leadership training which might be used
in the curriculum of her new initiative. After reviewing materials
from the Center´s two annual training events, Helping Small
Towns Succeed and Skill-Building for Stronger Communities,she
commented, "I like how flexible and adaptable the material is.
I can build a program around my community´s needs."
The New Leaders
Initiative Program, based in the University of Namibia´s newest
department, Community Education & Development, is aimed at recognizing
and promoting leadership at the community level. The program goals
focus on the need to build the capacity of the region and reduce
out-migration. Open to Namibian citizens ages 18-35 who have been
nominated for their outstanding contributions to their communities,
the program resembles many U.S. leadership programs.
New Leaders
will receive training in leadership skills, planning and management
of income generating activities/projects, and the community development
process and will further develop and implement program initiatives
in their area of interest. Candidates nominated for the program
are involved in efforts such as addressing job creation, crime prevention,
income generation, HIV/AIDS prevention, and responsible parenthood.
Advisory assistance and guidance will be provided to graduates of
the program for two years.
Heartland Center
staff will provide technical assistance with the design of the program
and the development of materials to be used in the training session.
Many Heartland Center publications and training activities will
be incorporated. A "Train the Trainers" workshop is scheduled
for August in Oshakati, Namibia led by Jim Sanks and Leon Sharpe.
Faculty from the University will deliver the New Leaders Curriculum
beginning in the Fall of 2000.
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