Summary
In the summer of 2011, HasNa and the Diyarbakir Development Center (Kalkinma Merkezi) partnered to establish a Training Center in Diyarbakir, Turkey, to strengthen the capacity of young adults and emerging leaders in southeastern Turkey. HasNa and the Development Center have found that many NGO leaders cite the lack of English language skills as a critical hindrance to communication with partners in neighboring countries and with international organizations. The English Language Training Program for NGOs, therefore, aims to improve the English language skills of regional leaders who play a key role in the development of their communities.
The Training Center was initiated in May with the training of NGO leaders in Diyarbakir. Two English as a Second Language (ESL) experts and former Peace Corps volunteers in Turkey conducted the trainings with the assistance of the English First Language School for 20 leaders of local NGOs. HasNa and the Development Center designed the program according to participants’ diverse backgrounds, differing English abilities, and varying goals. These NGO leaders aim to use the skills gained to enhance regional and international partnerships, and participants have created a support network to assist one another as they move forward.
