Rotary Projects - Open World Program

The Open World Program is sponsored by the U.S. Library of Congress to facilitate foreign relations.  The program, which began in 1999, in cooperation with Rotary International, is designed to give young emerging Russian leaders and educators a firsthand look at the U.S. political system, educational system, business, and community life.  It aims to promote understanding and forge bonds of friendship between our two nations.

2008 was the eighth year of Paso Robles Rotary's participation in the Open World Program.   This year we hosted six Russian participants (five delegates and one facilitator).  This year's delegates included a principal at a Children's Creative Center from Siberia, a teacher from St Petersburg, a director of a private educational club from Udmurtia, a high school teacher teaching gifted students from Rostov, a manager of the Municipal Center of Extended Education for Children and a vice director of youth development working with the Raising Russian Patriot program in Udmurtiya.

During the intensive one week program, participants visited many of the campuses and learning institutions located throughout San Luis Obispo County, allowing them to learn about many aspects of the American education system and observe it firsthand.  Paticipants were hosted by Rotarian families from the Paso Robles Rotary Club during their stay.  This gave them a perspective about the Amercian way of life, as well an an opportunity for us to learn more about their way of life.

Every time the Paso Robles Rotary Club has hosted a cultural exchange, Rotarians and the visting delegates have both come away with a positive experience.  Through this program we've discovered that while we may be from different places, we're really not that different. 

"The more people we meet from around the world, the more we can learn from each other and the better our world becomes".  

The Paso Robles Rotary Club will be hosting another Russion delegation in 2009.  At this point, it appears it will be professionals from within the legal community.   Please contact Don Jacobs for more information and to volunteer.

For more information on the Open World Program