Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, is the location of MELA 2, the second regional leadership workshop of the Middle East Leadership Academy (6-16 October 2011). However, the tranquillity of the resort is deceptive.
In choosing Egypt as the location for MELA 2, we pay tribute to the nation at the epicenter of change in the Middle East. And by assembling the members here, we reaffirm MELA's significance as a program of practical learning and sharing -- a platform for exchanges among young Arab leaders passionately engaged in building a bright future for their region.
Quiet before the storm. It is 4 October, two days before the start of the workshop. The air conditioning hums with anticipation in the empty lobby of the Hyatt Regency.
Sun and shade combine in checkerboard patterns outside. But there are no MELA eyes to appreciate their artistry. There are no MELA footsteps to break the silence of the lonely walkways.
The MELA 2 conference venue looks as bleached and devoid of life as a Pharaoh's chamber.Yet, once again, the tranquillity is deceptive. For behind these walls, the MELA machine is whirring in high gear, as months of work approach their culmination. This blog takes you backstage for an exclusive, behind-the-curtain glimpse of the final days of preparation before the grand opening of MELA 2.
Back to school! Arriving before the participants, facilitators take over the classroom for two days of intense planning and review, studying the materials and mastering the curriculum until they can recite it in their sleep.
Facilitator Coordinator Steven Raab leads a discussion on breakout groups, and how best to be serviceable to the participants and their goals.
Curriculum Coordinator Bill Starnes strives to share everything that is in (and on) his mind.
What we've all been waiting for: The MELA 2 participants are introduced one by one.
Regional Director Mohammad Habib describes one particularly colorful participant. Rules of confidentiality prevent us from revealing which one...
... but Gloria Dittus and Andrew Summers are clearly wondering how many colorful participants will be assigned to their breakout groups. (Answer: they are all colorful.)
Following a concentrated morning session of Middle Eastern names, pronounciations, issues and geographies, facilitators digest the information -- and their lunches -- at the Cascades Restaurant.
Meanwhile the office -- the nerve center of the operation -- is being built up, piece by piece, and brought to life by the talented Administration Team.
By the second day of training and briefings, our facilitators are firmly in the driving seat: Elizabeth Belenchia has the microphone.
The mood is relaxed, confident and excited: Susan Sutterfield looks up to her colleague and namesake Susan Simons.
With participants due to start arriving within hours, Steven and Dan Ciprari's body language says it all: Bring 'em on!
We are revved up and ready to hit the road running. Let the workshop commence!
Go MELA-2!
ReplyDeleteGood luck guys!
Where are the breakout groups' pictures?
Breakout groups are conducted behind closed doors and a rule we respect the confidentiality of the personal discussions. But we will be showing some of tasks and exercises performed in groups inside the rooms... check this channel!
ReplyDelete