Bolivian peace scholarship program

training to Bolivian leaders and potential leaders in various technical fields. The project is a country effort of the Caribbean and Latin American Peace Scholarship Program II (5970044 and 5980661). The project will finance two types of technical training: short-term (6 weeks) training for 240 participants and long-term (10 months) training for 60 participants. No academic training will be financed. At least 70% of scholars selected will be from disadvantaged groups and 40% will be women. At least 10% of trainees will be placed in historically black colleges and universities. Priority areas for training include: agriculture production techniques for small farmers, small business and cooperative management and marketing skills, infant and maternal health care, non-formal education and communications, and natural resources management. All training will be provided in Spanish, although long-term trainees will also receive supplementary English-language instruction. Participants will be exposed, as part of their training, to the operations of a free enterprise system and democratic pluralism as they relate to their fields of interest. To the extent possible, the scholars will also be given opportunities to develop longer-term relationships with individuals and institutions in their areas of technical specialty. Participants will receive pre-departure orientation on American culture, politics, and history, as well as an intensive course on the English language. Upon their return, trainees will receive follow-up support from the Mission to help them utilize their newly acquired skills to improve conditions of low-income communities. The scholars will also be encouraged to develop groups and group activities oriented to improving conditions of disadvantaged Bolivians.