Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
Fifteen Pakistani municipal officials arrived in Massachusetts on April 3, eager to learn about local government here.
It was not surprising that the Pakistanis had some preconceptions and expectations about the U.S., but it was clear that they sought to meet and interact with Americans with an open mind. They were all knowledgeable about American foreign policy, but they wished to meet the people, learn all they can from them, and build lasting friendships.
Most of the visitors had never been to the U.S. or any Western country before. They were chosen from an applicant pool of more than 400 to participate in a program funded by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
The Institute for Training and Development in Amherst was awarded a grant last year from the State Department to conduct, with the MMA, the U.S.-Pakistan Professional Partnership Program for Public Administration. Through the project, 75 Pakistani government professionals will meet and work with American counterparts in short-term programs over the course of three years.
Pakistan is the sixth most-populous country in the world. As a fairly young democracy, still recovering from military rule, it faces many challenges, such as transparency in government operations, checks on corruption, civic participation, and infrastructure development.
Pakistan has a history of struggle against foreign rule, but also a rich, blossoming culture, and the potential to develop into a mature democracy.
Officials from 15 Massachusetts cities and towns volunteered to host the current visitors. In the midst of their busy schedules, they are taking participants to their meetings, visiting schools and police stations, and sharing all aspects of local government.
The widely different cultural and religious backgrounds of the hosts and participants provide an opportunity for cultural exchange and learning for both parties.
Participants say they are absorbing a great deal of information from individuals ranging from public works directors to school superintendents and town administrators – information they intend to take home to benefit their constituents.
Interactions have also been personal. Khaqan Murtaza, being hosted in Amesbury and Newburyport, said, “Today we were invited to a dinner to an American house. The experience was excellent. In fact, after a detailed discussion on a range of issues with our host and other Americans, my previous perceptions about Americans have totally changed. I am learning so much about U.S. people. People are very hospitable here.”
Many host communities, and individual citizens in those communities, are extending invitations to their homes, their children’s sports games, and cultural activities.
The host communities are Amesbury, Boston, Dedham, Hadley, Lenox, Natick, New Bedford, Newburyport, Needham, Pittsfield, Somerville, Springfield, Wellesley, Westborough, and Westwood.
“Our host communities have shown our Pakistani guests the best of Massachusetts,” said Paul Bockelman, the MMA’s lead person on this program. “It has been a great – and inspiring – program.”