AFS-USA, in collaboration with the Idaho Human Rights Education Center, launches the Youth Leadership, Engagement, Activism and Democratization Program (Youth LEAD).
AFS-USA was awarded an exciting grant through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) branch at the U.S. Department of State. Through a collaboration with the Idaho Human Rights Education Center (IHREC), the Youth LEAD Program is designed to educate, engage and equip participating students with personal and professional skills, computer literacy, civic learning, community engagement and leadership, U.S. education, government and culture—all of which will be amplified and sustained over the long-term via strategic follow-on activities organized by IHREC and partner organizations in Israel, Jordan and the West Bank.
Youth LEAD is a peer-to-peer program where students will interact online and in-person. 18 U.S. students, along with 3 adult program leaders will travel to Israel and Jordan from June 13th – July 1st 2009. 6 students and 1 program leader each from Israel, Jordan and The West Bank will travel to Boise, Idaho from September 30th to October 18th 2009. Both delegations will conclude their travel in Washington DC where they will have the opportunity to meet with legislative officials and the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) branch at the U.S. Department of State. The program will provide the participants with the inspiration and the tools needed to see themselves as voices for cultural heritage preservation in their own cultures and in others, as they sharpen the leadership skills that will help them to become capable change agents both individually and in cooperation with their peers and others.
Citizen Diplomacy is imperative in today’s societies as it provides the venue to learn from one another, which in turn leads to a better understanding of diverse cultures and greater prospects for world peace. Throughout the program, participants will develop skills as citizen diplomats representing their countries and communities, and will share these skills and insights with classmates, friends and family.
