International Projects - Productivity Enhancements

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The Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP), the flagship program of the Center for Citizen Initiatives (CCI), is a unique, hands-on international and vocational service project that enables US volunteers to have a personal and educational exchange without ever leaving home.

Based on the historic Marshall Plan, PEP is designed to jump-start the Russian economy from the bottom up. Utilizing America's tremendous business know-how and skills, volunteer business trainers and hosts provide three weeks of intensive, hands-on training in US companies. PEP profoundly transforms Russian business leaders and empowers them to make much-needed changes immediately in their businesses.

The Middletown Rotary Club hosted delegation of 12 Russian educators in September-October 2001.  During their 2 weeks in Middletown, the delegation took part in numerous seminars and presentations covering all levels of the American educational system.  Just as importantly, by living and working together, the host families, Rotarians, and delegates formed strong personal bonds that will long outlive those two weeks.

Click here to view an article about the delegation's time in Middletown written by Stefan Lodde.  Stefan is an economics student and the son of a German Rotarian who spent the summer working for Middletown Rotarian Bill Wasch.  Stefan also played a key role in organizing and hosting the delegation during their time with us.