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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Laura Ingalls (laura.ingalls@worldlearning.org) in Washington, 1.202.464.6973
Summer Program Inspires New Generation of Iraqi, U.S. Leaders
BRATTLEBORO, Vt. (July 7, 2010) -- World Learning will host dozens of Iraqi and U.S. high school students this month at camps designed to develop leadership skills, build cross-cultural friendships and challenge stereotypes. The camps in Vermont kick off two month-long exchange programs, one funded by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the other by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
“World Learning is honored and humbled to play a role in preparing this new generation of Iraqi and U.S. leaders to create a more peaceful and just world,” said Adam Weinberg, World Learning president and CEO. “The Iraqi Youth Leadership Program allows young Iraqis to become deeply immersed in U.S. culture and to build bridges of understanding and tolerance.”
Starting July 10, this year’s Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Programs will bring together 80 Iraqi students and adult educators with 25 American teenagers from cities across the United States. While at camp, the young leaders will engage in activities that emphasize communication, conflict management and problem solving, the skills and knowledge they need to become active citizens and bring positive change to their schools and communities.
After a week in Vermont, the Iraqi students will travel to one of eight U.S. cities to learn more about the lives and culture of their American counterparts. Host cities include: Seattle, Boston, San Diego, Cleveland, Denver, Chicago, Bozeman, Mont. and Louisville, Ky. The students will live with local families, talk with community leaders about civic participation, and learn about ethnic and religious tolerance.
The program’s final week will bring the Iraqi students to Washington, DC for a civic education workshop that includes planning projects for the students to implement upon returning home to Iraq.
World Learning has implemented the Iraqi Young Leader Exchange Program and the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program for Undergraduate Students since 2007, unlocking the potential of hundreds of Iraqi and American youth.
Learn more about World Learning: World Learning works globally to enhance the capacity and commitment of individuals, institutions, and communities
to create a more peaceful and just world through education, training and exchange programs. ###
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