Abstract

Zimbabwean youth development professionals collaborated with a similar group from the United States to explore youth, family, community, and professional issues. The objectives of this international extension education experience included challenging assumptions which affect the way we view the world and work. Participants were there to learn and share, not to provide aid or technical assistance. However, partnerships were created which have changed the way participants work at home. In addition, plans have been made to provide technical assistance in Zimbabwe, cooperate with aid programs, and plan collaborative programs to the benefit of professionals in both countries.

The two purposes of this article are: 1) to present an alternative model of facilitating international partnerships for professional growth; and 2) to examine, within the context of youth development, the role of extensionists as partners in development. Many examples from the Zimbabwe experience are given and applications for further work at home and abroad are suggested.

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