The Russians are coming! But not to invade, to learn. Ten visitors from youth development groups in the Russian Federation are due to arrive today in central Iowa, where they’ll spend the next 20 days learning about the types of programs offered to young people in Iowa. Alec Zama, international programs manager for the Iowa Council for International Understanding, is helping organize the visit.Over the three weeks, they’ll be visiting various state agencies and non-profit groups that work with youth, including groups like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Campfire U.S.A., along with a high school and Drake University. As part of the Community Connections program, Zama says the group is on the fact-finding trip to gain insight into American culture and the youth development in the United States. Zama says the council’s mission is to promote mutual respect and understanding between Iowans and people from all over the world. In this case, they hope to help the Russians in their transition to democracy and a free market economy. He says there may be a bit of a language barrier. Zama says knowledge gained by the foreign youth leaders will be applied and implemented in Russia. He says the program creates an important connection between cities in the Newly Independent States and Iowa. For more information, call 515-282-8269 or visit “www.iciu.org”.
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