English Language Learning in Latin America

EN: 

http://www.thedialogue.org/event/english-language-learning-in-latin-america/

Sep 19 2017

1155 15th ST NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005

Registration
8:45am – 9:00am
Report presentation and panel discussion
9:00am – 10:30pm

English proficiency is increasingly recognized in the international community as a critical tool for competitiveness and growth in the global economy. Interest in learning the language has grown exponentially in Latin America, with many countries making considerable efforts to improve English proficiency through policies and programs. Today, more people in the region have access to English language programs, but test results indicate proficiency is very low. What bottlenecks must be addressed to improve learning levels? How can governments implement effective policies and programs to improve English outcomes? What role can the private sector play in this field?

The Inter-American Dialogue is pleased to host a panel discussion around its latest report, English Language Learning in Latin America, which focuses on the challenges, opportunities and best practices in the teaching of English in the region.

Follow this event on Twitter at #ELLDialogue and @The_Dialogue

Opening remarks:

• Michael Shifter, President, Inter-American Dialogue (@MichaelShifter)
• Maria Alexandra Vélez, Vice President of International Government Relations, Pearson (@Marialexvelez)

Report presentation and panel discussion:

• Ariel Fiszbein, Education Program Director, Inter-American Dialogue (@Arielfiszbein)
• Kathryn Cronquist, Research Programmer, Mathematica Policy Research
• Denise Lowery, Regional Program Officer for the Western Hemisphere, Office of English Language Learning, Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State
• Kendra Gaither, Senior Policy Director – Americas, U.S. Chamber of Commerce (@USCC_Americas)
• Mateo Samper, Head of Network Growth – Americas, Teach for All

CHCI Urges Administration to Rethink its Actions Against DACA

EN: 

https://chci.org/m/U2FsdGVkX18ZjUK0USPWi%2DFEe5iBBr%2DE_m1QZ5Ew3NE_2vCIiThBvA4rs3vbKZJ7RmmdPZMGUfOJLSxb9QEfog

As an organization dedicated to uplifting and empowering Latino youth to become leaders across all industries, we are beyond saddened to hear that the President and his team have overturned DACA and that his Administration continues to work against this country’s founding principle, the American Dream.

This nation needs unity and leadership now. Not only do we have DACA Hurricane Harvey victims dealing with the loss of their homes and neighborhoods, but now in their darkest hour, they along with many others, are faced with the grim reality of being deported and torn from their families and a life they have always known as home.

CHCI urges the Administration to rethink its actions towards a community that has obeyed laws, contributed as citizens and fought to pursue their American Dream.

An estimated 16 percent of DACA recipients have purchased their first home after receiving DACA. Among 25 years and older, this percentage rises to 24. Another estimated 6 percent of DACA beneficiaries have started their own businesses, about double the rate of Americans as a whole at 3.1 percent. Additionally, at least 72 percent of the top 25 Fortune 500 companies employ DACA recipients. DACA participants have worked with and for this country, serving in our military, stimulating the economy, currently providing aid to our Texas community and now are facing the possibility of being removed from the place they were raised and are helping build.

We will not be discouraged and actions such as these only unite us and fuel us in our continued efforts to provide better opportunities for our community and future leaders.

We will fight for the next generation of leaders, continuing to work towards a bipartisan solution that acknowledges these 800,000 DREAMers’ contribution and undeniable potential for positive impact on America.

También puede verse:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deferred_Action_for_Childhood_Arrivals

Desaparecen más de 700 hondureños en intento de cruzar a EEUU

La Pastoral de Movilidad Humana, una organización de la iglesia Católica de Honduras, denunció hoy en un foro que 727 hondureños han desaparecido desde 1996 en su viaje a Estados Unidos, y pidió al Gobierno “una mayor incidencia” para que México y EE.UU. garanticen los derechos humanos de esas personas.
EFE

Seguir leyendo,

EN: 

https://www.lapatilla.com/site/2017/08/30/desaparecen-mas-de-700-hondurenos-en-intento-de-cruzar-a-eeuu/

Violence and Terrorism in Latin America in a Global Context: An Overview August 24th Event (video)

EN: 

https://www.hudson.org/events/1451-violence-and-terrorism-in-latin-america-in-a-global-context-an-overview82017

With several nations undergoing or on the brink of crisis, the socioeconomic conditions that have led to the rise of terrorist organizations in other regions of the world exist in many parts in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. At present, terrorism in Latin America is not as widespread as it was in the 1960s and 70s. However, pervasive criminal violence continues to overwhelm many Latin American societies and the frontier between criminal violence and political terrorism could be easily blurred. What exactly should public institutions and civil societies do to preserve and promote liberal democracy when faced with these circumstances?

On Thursday, August 24, Hudson Institute hosted an event on the conditions in Latin America. Ambassador Jaime Daremblum, a senior fellow at Hudson Institute, moderated a discussion with Ambassador Javier Rupérez, Javier Lesaca, and Gustavo Tarre. Ambassador Rupérez, a former Spanish diplomat, addressed overall trends in political violence in Latin America. Mr. Lesaca, a visiting researcher at George Washington University and author of the recently published Armas de Seducción Masiva, assessed the communication strategy of violent and extremist groups in crisis-ridden states. Mr. Tarre, a Venezuelan attorney and non-resident senior associate at CSIS, analyzed the situation on the ground in Latin America, focusing on specific countries and regions at risk.

To view Mr. Lesaca’s slides, click here.

To view Mr. Tarre’s slides, click here.

What Do China’s New Investment Guidelines Mean for Latin America?, by Margaret Myers and Ricardo Barrios

After months of rhetorical censure of Chinese firms’ rash investment decisions, China’s State Council has published a new set of guidelines to manage the stream of foreign investment currently pouring out of the country.
The guidelines are aimed at curbing overseas investments that the central government had come to see as “irrational” and “abnormal,” while also bringing these ventures more in line with national policies.
Above all, the document emphasizes the importance of risk and risk management to a degree rarely seen in official government releases – a likely nod to investments gone wrong in countries such as Venezuela and Peru in South America, as well as major setbacks in other regions.

Seguir leyendo,

EN: 

http://www.thedialogue.org/blogs/2017/08/what-do-chinas-new-investment-guidelines-mean-for-latin-america/

Point-based Immigration Doesn’t Add Up, by Manuel Orozco and Julia Blocher

The White House recently embraced a proposal to cut legal immigration to the United States using a ‘merit’-based points system. Senior aides claim this would ensure migrants could support themselves financially, and not burden social services. 

The move is an overture to some corners of the Republican base and has purportedly re-invigorated debates on national identity and American values. But does the ‘costs of immigration’ argument hold water?

Unsurprisingly, the devil is in the details.

Seguir leyendo,

EN: 

http://www.thedialogue.org/resources/point-based-immigration-doesnt-add-up/

What Did Pence Accomplish on His Latin America Trip?

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence last week visited South and Central America, where he sought to reassure the region following comments from President Donald Trump of a possible military intervention in Venezuela, as its government teeters on the brink of dictatorship. Pence also looked to strengthen diplomatic, economic and security ties with U.S. allies in the region, including Argentina and Colombia. Was Pence successful in his damage-control efforts following Trump’s threats of military intervention? What does Pence’s visit signal about U.S. foreign policy priorities in the region? How strong will Latin American ties with the United States be during Trump’s presidency?

Seguir leyendo,

EN: 

http://www.thedialogue.org/resources/what-did-pence-accomplish-on-his-latin-america-trip/