Human capital is as important to develop as sending materials or rebuilding infrastructure. Operation USA uses “Knowledge Exchanges” as a key element of its development programs. Community leaders, farmers and health care workers are invited to come together to exchange information in hopes of learning new skills, gaining a better understanding of ways to implement programs and learning how to help their communities cope after a disaster. Facilitated trainings and the sharing of ideas and approaches opens minds to think creatively about development and community rebuilding.

In 2000, two years after Hurricane Mitch, Operation USA organized an exchange visit in Nicaragua between community leaders from the village of Santa Rosa, Nicaragua and staff from La Coordinadora, a grassroots organization in El Salvador. They shared work and life experiences and discussed how to better facilitate comprehensive community development programs. This unique exchange was successful despite cultural differences and became the foundation of a partnership between the Salvadoran and Nicaraguan communities where we work.

In 1988, Cambodian farmers visited an Operation USA nutritional agriculture project in a Vietnamese village. Farmers from both communities shared information about agricultural techniques and food preparation. For example, they learned how to prepare vegetables to retain their nutrients. Upon return to their village, they were given seeds for new types of fruits and vegetables and information on how to maintain their families’ health.