Tajikistan has the most rapidly developing population of any former Soviet country. Its population is expected to reach 10 million this year, and within that a Òyouth bulgeÓ is creating strain on schools and resources. TajikistanÕs fragile economy offers limited prospects for employment. The economic downturn and diminishing employment opportunities leaves the potential for young people to be restless and alienated. Embassy Dushanbe works with youth populations across its educational, cultural, economic, and counter extremism programs and has cultivated a number of promising leaders in the field of youth development. This program would equip these mentors and leaders to address the challenges of a burgeoning youth population by exposing them to strategies that engage youth and educate them in English and U.S. values, giving them first-hand experience of the U.S. culture and values that inform the programs they run in Tajikistan, and connecting them with U.S. community and policy leaders who are experienced in working with youth in challenging environments.