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May 17, 2013
 IREX is pleased to announce the appointment of its newest Board member, Ms. Kate Thompson. Thompson is a Partner with Deloitte Consulting and responsible for leading a global portfolio of foreign assistance programs in governance, statebuilding and private-sector development. She is a specialist in fragile states with a sound working knowledge of how multi-disciplinary assistance programs can leverage the interdependencies between governance, the private sector and civil society to spur growth and stability. |
May 16, 2013
 Despite Malaysia being a multi-ethnic, multi-religious society, discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons has reached “new levels of intensity” according to Human Rights Watch’s latest report on Malaysia. For this year’s International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, IREX spoke about the state of LGBT rights in Malaysia with Julian Sanjivan, a Community Solutions leader and a former manager at PT Foundation, the largest community based organization in Malaysia dealing with issues of gender, sexuality, and HIV. |
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May 15, 2013
 A relative handful of librarians have helped 100,000 farmers get $187 million in subsidies via new Internet and computer services in just two years.The Biblionet-affiliated librarians, peppered throughout 30 counties in Romania, helped farmers learn how to use the technology to access financial forms and submit them to the government. The efforts have meant a world of difference for farmers, saving them lengthy trips and expenses and allowing them to be more productive. |
May 14, 2013
 Community-based institutions, whether they be civil society groups or community radio stations, have the reach and community buy-in to best serve citizens’ needs, and advocate on citizens’ behalf. On a recent trip to Gbarnga, in Bong County, I learned first-hand the breadth of that reach and the exciting cumulative effect of the mentorship and training that the Civil Society and Media Leadership Program in Liberia (CSML) has been providing since 2010. |
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May 13, 2013
 Muskie alumnus Mikayil Jabbarov of Azerbaijan was recently appointed Education Minister for the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In his new position, Jabbarov leads the Ministry and its Deputy Ministers in forming and implementing national Education policies and initiatives. |
May 9, 2013
 In recognition of a career dedicated to advancing the rights of women and girls, IREX presented the 2013 Founders’ Day Award to Ambassador Melanne S. Verveer for her work to make a better world. Appointed by President Obama as the first U.S. Ambassador for Global Women’s Issues in 2009, she worked with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to elevate the status of women around the world and highlight their essential role in economic development and peacebuilding. |
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May 7, 2013
 The feature length documentary “Chuppan Chupai” (Hide & Seek) explores transgender activism and underground queer life in urban Pakistan by following the everyday lives of four individuals and their constant play of ‘hide and seek’ with mainstream Pakistan where LGBT rights have yet to be recognized. The film is co-directed by Saad, an alumnus of the Global UGRAD – Pakistan program, and produced by Madari Films in Denmark. The North American premiere of the film will be on May 11, 2013 as part of the 29th Annual Boston LGBT Film Festival |
May 7, 2013
 With growing Middle Eastern, Muslim, and Arabic populations at Arundel High School, Barbara Dziedzic supervised the development of a district-wide conference to explore issues of identity, culture, and faith. Planned in collaboration between the Muslim Student Association and the International Student Service Office, the project allowed students to investigate the world, recognize perspectives, communicate ideas, and take action through collaboration with teachers, parents, peers, and community members. |
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May 6, 2013
 Forty-five years after IREX’s visionary founders established a single overseas office in Armenia, their NGO progeny works with 125 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Over half a million people were touched by IREX staff and projects last year. “Make a better world” is not only our commitment, it is our operational plan. Somewhere around the world at every hour of the day, IREX’ers are making a difference. Yes, it’s people, it’s time, it’s money that make that difference, but the key component is the power of ideas. |
May 5, 2013
 On Friday May 3, Foreign Affairs Day at the U.S. Department of State, IREX President W. Robert Pearson received the Director General’s Cup for Foreign Service. The Director General for Human Resources at the U.S. Department of State Linda Thomas-Greenfield presented the award recognizing Pearson’s distinguished career in the U.S Foreign Service and his on-going commitment to service to his community. Pearson credits his work at IREX and its hardworking and dedicated staff for earning this honor. |
