Success Stories

BLADI — short for Building Local Associations for Development and Innovation — is a training and institutional strengthening program that is enabling CSOs to provide services that offset the vulnerability of individuals in these communities. While an important goal is to reduce the risks that the CSOs’ beneficiaries will become sympathizers and supporters of violent extremism, the primary goal is to strengthen governance and operational structures of the CSOs to enable them to effectively design and implement impactful projects in their communities.

To date, 862 English language teachers across 11 countries have been trained and certified through PCELT — a U.S.-accredited program developed through Amideast’s partnership with World Learning/SIT Graduate Institute. In 2019, 116 teachers from six countries were trained through the generous support of the U.S. Embassies in Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, and Palestine, and through a private donor and teachers’ self-funding in Lebanon.

Amideast was newly awarded the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program for Iraq and the Fulbright Junior Faculty Development Program for Egypt and Lebanon. The programs brought faculty from different disciplines to study, research and exchange — spending 10 weeks at the following eight U.S. institutions:

As implementing partner, Amideast manages the multi-faceted USAID-funded program, which is designed to help high-achieving Egyptians to learn skills that meet the needs of the 21st century economy. The young women and men, admitted to the program through a competitive process, benefit from English language and leadership training, career guidance, internships, and community service.

EGYPT

Amideast’s Professional Certificate in English Language Teaching (PCELT) program is being deployed to improve the level of English language instruction in Morocco’s public school system. The National PCELT Initiative, which is funded by the U.S. Embassy in Rabat and implemented in coordination with Morocco’s Ministry of National Education, aims to prepare a cadre of 84 leading ministry trainers and inspectors to play a critical role in improving English language teaching practices throughout the country.

CODING AND ROBOTICS FOR KIDS

Experts advocate that children get an early start in STEM, and coding and robotics programs can be a great entry point for many related topics. In addition to learning concepts of robotics and programming, young learners also benefit from an interactive and collaborative learning environment that enhances their problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork skills. When taught in English, coding and robotics programs additionally prepare them for STEM training at higher levels.

Like the Access Program, the new programs provide English language training, cross-cultural awareness, and personal and professional development opportunities. They also expose the students to American cultural values and help them develop a sense of civic responsibility by engaging them in community service activities. In both countries, the programs are benefiting these young learners personally, culturally, and academically.

In our drive to foster educational and training opportunities for communities across the Middle East and North Africa, AMIDEAST has supported and implemented diverse programs to promote women’s empowerment in the region. Here are some of ways in which women have benefited from our work: