Blog Post

Heisenberg's famous uncertainty theory in quantum physics  states that either the location or the speed of an object can be determined but not both simultaneously.  That’s the way some think about development today.  People can’t figure out where we are and don’t know how fast we’re moving.  As IREX celebrates its 45th year, we offer a perspective that could help.

When the Syrian regime shot its first bullet at peaceful demonstrators on March 18, 2011 in Daraa, it lost its legitimacy and became a burden on the country, the people, the region, and the world. Democratic transition for Syria will happen. It is only the timeline that is unclear.

Recently, IREX met with over thirty multinational and local companies operating in Iraq to gauge their needs and solicit their suggestions for reforming higher education. Here is what we heard:

Looking back on the past twelve months, I am thrilled by the results of IREX’ work and excited to consider the prospects for the coming year.  In 2012, with our generous donors’ support, it was possible to benefit more people than ever before. Over half a million lives have been touched this last year because an IREX’er -- in the U.S. and around the world -- was there to provide support. In doing so, we’ve had the privilege to work with more than 400 local partners in 125 countries.  

Ten of our favorite headlines from the more than 200 stories and blogs we published in 2012 and three headlines we are looking forward to in 2013. 

At this year's 16 Days Against Gender Violence kicks off on November 25, we're reminded of how complex and painful the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) is. Human trafficking, domestic violence, child marriage, anti-LGBT violence—GBV affects women, men, and children in every country and at every socioeconomic level.

For international students coming to the U.S., the first few weeks are a time of change and upheaval—everything seems new, from how classes work to the food. With those changes come new hopes, goals, and survival strategies. In celebration of International Education Week, Larisa, A Muskie graduate fellow from Belarus, offers some reminders on how to make the most of your time as an international student in the U.S.

Yesterday, USAID launched their first-ever policy for Youth in Development. The policy provides a framework to address youth systematically in line with proven best practices to support, protect, prepare, and engage youth to help them to achieve the best future for themselves and their communities and nations.  The policy also provides guidance for integrating youth in core agency initiatives, bringing youth to the forefront of USAID’s work across all sectors.

To paraphrase Joni Mitchell, we’ve looked at giving from both sides now. IREX gives as part of our programming, providing over $11 million dollars in grants this year alone to local institutions around the world and awarding nearly 1,000 fellowships annually to both American and international participants. In addition, each year IREX staff chooses a US-based nonprofit to receive the proceeds from our holiday charity drive, the total amount of which IREX matches.

As one of the 400 partner organizations, IREX looks forward to participating in the first #GivingTuesday on November 27.  From our experiences with both giving and receiving, we share five tips for donors big and small:

What was true for me a teenager in Missouri, I know also to be true for high school students in China: The best teachers are the teachers who let go. Through the Student Journalism in China program, students have developed the critical thinking they need to become active, engaged citizens, and behind these students are confident teachers.