The Tribune

RAYETTE McDonald, an elementary school teacher and youth mentor, has been selected to participate in the International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) entitled, "Advancing and Sustaining Civic Engagement" which will take place September 11-29 in the United States.

On August 18, Ms McDonald visited the US Embassy and met with Acting Deputy Chief of Mission and Public Affairs Officer Penny Rechkemmer to discuss her participation in the programme.

The IVLP is a prestigious worldwide programme, fully funded by the US Department of State and provides rising professionals in all fields the opportunity to travel to the United States to network with their professional counterparts, as well as learn more about the United States and its policies. This three-week project will examine US and international initiatives to promote civic engagement; explore the legislative framework and administrative organisation necessary to support civic engagement; observe organisations that monitor, influence, and advocate for civic engagement at the local, state, national, and international levels in the United States; and provide insight into how the US engages youth in civic participation.

The itinerary includes Washington, DC; Iowa City, Iowa; Salt Lake City, Utah; and New Orleans, Louisiana. Ms McDonald will be among a group of 22 professionals from around the world selected to participate in the programme that will explore the American experience of expanding equal opportunities through political and social engagement. It will survey key movements such as women's, civil and immigrant rights. Participants will also be introduced to a wide range of advocacy organisations and be able to explore the methods used to develop their missions through outreach, marketing, social media, technology, training and volunteer recruitment.