In January 2007, GYPA will be sending 25 American to join 25 Ugandan students in Kampala and Gulu, Uganda for the Global Kimeeza II: The Role of Youth in Post-Conflict Northern Uganda. At the same time, 20 Americans and 50 Sierra Leoneans will come together in Freetown, Sierra Leone for GYPA’s first Youth Summit in the country on the topic: The Role of Youth in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone.
Both immersion trips will give participants an opportunity to explore first-hand the post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation processes at work in these countries. The purpose of both summits is to engage and promote youth from the United States and Africa as leaders in the efforts to rebuild these two war-torn countries. Participants will participate in discussions regarding conflict resolution, economic development, rehabilitation and reintegration, HIV/AIDS, transitional justice, and gender issues, among others. Students with backgrounds or interests in any of the above fields are encouraged to apply!
Interested students may to apply to either one or both of the programs. Applications are due no later than November 1st, and applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please click on the links provided below to obtain the official program descriptions and to fill out an application.
Global Kimeeza II: The Role of Youth in Post-Conflict Reconstruction (January 2nd-17th)
This fall, peace talks brought about a cessation of hostilities in the 20-year civil war in Northern Uganda; now is a critical time to examine the political situation and engage in the practice of reconstruction and reconciliation. The goal of the Kimeeza is to provide a platform for Americans and Ugandans to explore the important role that youth play in post-conflict reconstruction by sharing ideas, approaches, and strategies.
The Second Global Kimeeza will focus on three important domains that are necessary to rebuilding a thriving northern Uganda:
Youth as Peacebuilders;
Justice and Forgiveness; and
Poverty Relief and Economic Development.
This historic initiative will help establish a stronger relationship between the youth of the United States and Uganda. Ultimately, it is our goal to build bridges of greater understanding and inspire an ongoing dialogue between todays young American and Ugandan leaders tomorrows global decision makers.
Please contact Katie Spencer for more information (katie@gypafrica.org).
Youth Summit: The Role of Youth in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone (January 2nd-16th)
The Summit in Sierra Leone will give American students the unique opportunity to explore first-hand the post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation processes at work in a country whose decade-long civil war ended only five years ago. The purpose of the Summit is to engage and promote youth from Sierra Leone and the United States as leaders in the efforts to rebuild this war-torn country. Participants will attend meetings in Freetown with Sierra Leonean students focusing on the role of youth in conflict resolution and post-conflict development.
The Summit will focus on the following major themes:
Conflict Analysis, Management, and Resolution
Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Rehabilitation
Poverty Alleviation and Economic Development
We will also have in-depth discussions on topics such as democracy building, US-West African relations, and HIV/AIDS. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to travel to areas in the north and east to obtain a more in-depth perspective on how the country was affected by the conflict.
Please contact Carrie Stefansky for more information (carrie@gypafrica.org).
Click here for more information about past GYPA Youth Summits.
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