Launch of the A Ganar Programme

Treasure Beach Forum: TB Runnin's: Launch of the A Ganar Programme
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By BREDS/TB.Net on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 07:25 am: Edit Post

The launch of the A Ganar programme was held on Saturday March 5th at the Breds Source, King Fisher Plaza.

You can view photos of the event here or by the link in the Photo Gallery

The following is more information on the A Ganar Programme:

ANNEX 1: Detailed Description of Curriculum Components

Phase 1 is an 80 ¨C 100 hour "From Sports Skills to Employability Skills" course which mixes sports field and classroom activities so that youth develop research-based, market-driven competencies in Teamwork, Communication, Discipline, Respect, a Focus on Results and Continual Self-Improvement.

Phase 1 forms the foundation of A Ganar and can be adapted to address many areas of concern and target populations. By training local NGOs in the A Ganar employability and life-skills curriculum, and by emphasizing the values of teamwork, communication, discipline, respect, focus on results, and continual selfimprovement through sports, the A Ganar Alliance can significantly scale its programs and contribute to crime and violence prevention that is especially needed in the LAC region. Life-skills training is of extreme importance when working with at-risk youth, and sports provide an effective, scaleable and replicable vehicle dynamically engage youth. In order to realize the full potential of the curriculum, the Alliance requires that all member NGOs conduct sports-based life-skills training as a foundation for vocational and internship experiences.

Phase 2 features Market-Driven Vocational Technical Skills training in which youth apply their employability skills to a specific technical career. Phase 2 provides youth with: market-driven vocational skills; workshops and seminars on workers¡¯ rights, benefits, and legislation protecting employees; information on eligibility for loans and savings accounts; personal financial management and how to gain access to scholarships; and entrepreneurial skills. Partners will work closely with the implementing organizations, business and industry councils, advisory committees, chambers of commerce, business leaders and others to determine the market niches that are or should soon be hiring.

In Phase 3, youth gain Practical Experience through internships, apprenticeships, or other activities. A Ganar encourages the private sector to support internships by paying stipends, transportation or food allowances, among other forms of support. Private mobilization ensures investment by local businesses, solidifies their commitment to the program, and increases the chances they will hire youth at the end of the practical experience period. The A Ganar Alliance training will aid LAC communities in building sustainable partnerships with local businesses. By engaging the local private sector, the A Ganar Alliance is creating mutually beneficial relationships that will last far beyond the training phases and initial implementation of the curriculum. The businesses gain high quality employees, and the local organizations are presented with more opportunities for additional funding and training. In Brazil, for example, a relationship with a call-center company first resulted in paid internships for youth. Later, the company paid for costs to convert the internships into youth paid apprentices, which is a more formal type of employment. Now the company pays the full cost of training for some Vencer youth. In addition, A Ganar has partnered with larger business, such as Microsoft, to sponsor events that promote the program and encourage local business to provide youth with opportunities.

Phase 4 consists of Follow-on activities. Program leaders will develop individual and group strategies for support, job placement, business involvement, and school reintegration. In addition to providing one-on-one counseling, the follow-on coordinator will organize quarterly workshops in the respective communities where youth can share their experiences and learn about new opportunities. Partners believes that A Ganar alumni can also play key roles in mentoring each other and younger youth in their communities. A Ganar will encourage their participation in community service organizations and their local Partners¡¯ chapter where they will benefit from belonging to a hemispheric learning network and on-going supportive relationships. Mentors add tremendous value to youth engagement programs and are a vital component of A Ganar.

In A Ganar, youth are mentored throughout all phases of training. Each mentor must attend an orientation session where he/she is trained in mentoring methods, do¡¯s and don¡¯t about working youth, reporting their activities) and agrees to participate in a manner explained and expected by the program. The mentors also receive a manual explaining the program. Likewise, all youth receive orientation about the Mentor program and the proper role and relationship between youth and mentors. Typical mentors are mid-career professionals and are recruited using the extensive volunteer network of Partners of the Americas¡¯ chapters and the Alliance whose members are in direct contact with businesses and business leaders wanting to be involved in their communities.

As part of their training, A Ganar participants complete 20 hours of Service Learning activities that enrich the training program. Emphasis is placed on service learning so that the experience is part of building and testing skills¡ªnot simply a work assignment. When possible and appropriate, youth are encouraged to conduct their service learning by helping build social networks and support services for younger youth in their communities to create a greater cascade effect; when youth engage in their communities they feel more pride and are less likely to engage in gangs, violence, drugs, and crime. Monitoring and Evaluation is integral to A Ganar and will be practiced by all members of the A Ganar Alliance. Training components are competency based, including Phase 1. Youth must demonstrate that they are developing skills, evaluate their own progress, and receive feedback from instructors and coordinators.

This is in part sponsored by USAID,and the A Ganar Alliance, 1424 K Street NW #700, Washington, DC 20005
pteeple@partners.net ¡ñ brosenbauer@partners.net
Tel: +1.202.637.6227
Fax: +1.202.628.3306


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By turey on Monday, March 07, 2011 - 11:56 am: Edit Post

Good plan. All the best.


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Rebecca on Monday, March 21, 2011 - 07:51 am: Edit Post

Big thanks to the A Ganar participates for cleaning up the streets Saturday. I was very pleased to see so many of our youth out early in the morning cleaning up!

cleanup1

cleanup2

Thanks A Ganar!!


Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Aprreciative on Monday, March 21, 2011 - 10:38 am: Edit Post

Thank you, A Granar.