DUSHANBE, March 28, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the launch of a community connections program for livestock veterinarians in 2009, according to the US Embassy in Dushanbe.

The USAID-supported Community Connections Program provides an important opportunity for the American people and people from across Central Asia to work together to address common professional challenges while expanding their social and cultural understanding.  As business and professional communities of both countries rapidly become integrated, opportunities for positive relations between the American people and the people of Central Asia are increasingly important.

Implemented by American Councils for International Education, the Community Connections program offers home stay-based, three-week practical training opportunities in the United States.  This program will contribute to the improvement of veterinary services and developing the skills and enriching the knowledge of Tajik veterinarians. The competition is open to livestock veterinarians across Tajikistan. Employees of the Ministry of Agriculture who work with veterinarians are also welcome to apply.

The professional group will travel to the United States in July 2009. Candidates should have leadership potential in the veterinary sector and live across Tajikistan during the application process.