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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Laura Ingalls (laura.ingalls@worldlearning.org) in Washington, 1.202.464.6973
‘Summer School’ Builds Young Iraqi Leaders
WASHINGTON (July 7, 2010) -- Nearly 50 Iraqi university students will experience campus life at American universities and strengthen their leadership skills this month as part of a special summer exchange program.
The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program for Undergraduate Students is administered by World Learning and sponsored by the public affairs section of the US Embassy in Baghdad. The six-week program provides students with the skills they need to produce positive change in Iraq, as well as opportunities to explore US culture and share insights about their own culture with Americans.
“World Learning is proud to be part of an exchange program that changes lives and builds bridges between young Iraqis and Americans, so that together they can create a more peaceful and just world,” said Adam Weinberg, World Learning president and CEO.
Students arrive in Washington in early July to attend an orientation workshop focusing on topics such as diversity, public speaking, and cross-cultural communication. On July 10, the students will head to either the University of Southern Indiana or Colorado State University for their leadership institutes.
In Indiana the students will study topics related to social services and community health, while the curriculum in Colorado will focus on civic engagement and social advocacy. Students on both campuses will conduct community service projects, meet community leaders, visit American host families, and take cultural field trips.
In early August, the students will reunite in Washington for several additional days of training on leadership, conflict resolution, peace-building, and cultural readjustment. Students will also work in groups to develop action plans for projects that they can implement to benefit their communities and universities after returning to Iraq.
World Learning has implemented the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program for Undergraduate Students and the Iraqi Young Leader Exchange Program 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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