This summer GYPA will send 40 American students to Africa to meet with their counterparts in Uganda and Cameroon. These Immersion trips will give American students the unique opportunity to explore the role of youth in development, peace-building, and health promotion first-hand. Our goal is to expand international youth networks, encourage greater understanding about Africa, and inspire an ongoing dialogue and partnership between young American and African leaders. Participants will engage in discussions regarding conflict resolution, economic development, post-conflict rehabilitation, HIV/AIDS, and gender issues, among others. Students with backgrounds or interests in any of the above fields are encouraged to apply!

Interested students may apply to just one or all three of the programs. Applications, accepted on a rolling basis, are due no later than Tuesday, April 3, 2007. Please feel free to contact the Program Coordinators listed below with any further questions. Thanks!

Cameroon Immersion: Youth, Development, and the MDGs (June 10 — 26, 2007)

Cameroon has largely existed under the radar of the international community since achieving independence because it remains one of the most peaceful and prosperous countries in West Africa. However, Cameroon also demonstrates many of the same challenges as its neighbors; every day its population faces complex issues such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, poor infrastructure, and corruption. In September 2000, world leaders came together to establish a global commitment to achieving responsible, sustainable change. The UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set standards regarding education, health, and the environment, among others, that Cameroon is working to achieve. This Immersion will explore how Cameroonian youth are at the forefront of development efforts, and are utilizing creative, pragmatic, and innovative tools to achieve the MDGs and improve their country.

Fifteen American students will be selected to participate in the Cameroon Immersion. They will meet with their counterparts to explore the political, economic, and social successes as well as challenges facing Cameroon. Participants will meet with leaders in government, civil society, and the international NGOs who are experts in West African development. Additionally, participants will engage in community service projects alongside Cameroon's Youths and Students Forum for Peace (CAMYOSFOP), a group dedicated to educating youth and the general public about human rights and conflict resolution. Students will also have the incredibly unique opportunity to interact with delegates to the first African Youth Forum for Peace, a conference in Yaoundé that will mobilize youth leaders from across the continent as peace-builders.

Program Description (DOC)
Application (DOC)

Contact Carrie Stefansky (carrie@gypafrica.org) for more information.

Uganda Immersion: Youth, Development, and Peace-Building (July 2 — 18, 2007)

Uganda faces dramatic challenges, including poverty, political marginalization, and HIV/AIDS; however, it is also at a crossroads. 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 many questions that remain regarding reconstruction and rehabilitation and, particularly, the role youth can play in solving them. What factors brought about a transformation in the conflict? What role do Ugandans see for the international community in the post-conflict environment? How can Uganda help to provide stability of the Great Lakes region? What steps need to be taken to protect and provide for vulnerable populations, such as refugees, internally displaced persons, and orphans?

The Immersion will provide a first-hand look at Uganda through dialogue, cultural exchange, and direct service. Students will gain a unique perspective on issues such as economic development, democracy-building, and transitional justice. The program will include opportunities to meet directly with community-based organizations, international non-governmental organizations, and other young leaders in Kampala and northern Uganda.

Program Description (DOC)
Application (DOC)

Contact Carrie Stefansky (carrie@gypafrica.org) for more information.

Uganda Immersion: Youth, Development, and Health (August 2 — 18, 2007)

Uganda was one of the first countries in the world to come face-to-face with the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic; it was also one of the first to respond successfully to control its spread. As a result, Uganda has been heralded as a model across Sub-Saharan Africa. The Uganda Immersion will focus on the following questions: What role did the Government’s strategy play in combating HIV/AIDS? How has the international community assisted in Uganda’s fight against other dramatic health challenges such as malaria and tuberculosis? What effect does the 20-year civil war in North Uganda have on the various health problems facing the country? What tools do grassroots and civil-society organizations utilize to improve access to health care and treatment? How are women and children affected differently by health crises? What can you do to help?

The Immersion will also examine many other interrelated issues facing Uganda, such as post-conflict development, poverty alleviation, and democracy-building. Participants will have a unique first-hand experience in Uganda by interacting with a wide variety of people on the ground. The program will include direct service with community-based organizations, international non-governmental organizations, and young leaders from Kampala and northern Uganda.

Program Description (DOC)
Application (DOC)

Contact Katie Spencer (katie@gypafrica.org) for more information.

For information about past trips, please visit our Student Global Ambassadors page.

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: 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 refer to www.gypafrica.org to obtain the official program descriptions and to fill out an application, or contact the Program Coordinators listed below. Thanks!


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:
1. Youth as Peacebuilders;
2. Justice and Forgiveness; and
3. 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 today’s young American and Ugandan leaders – tomorrow’s global decision makers.

Please contact Katie Spencer for more information or an application (katie@gypafrica.org).



Youth Summit: The Role of Youth in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone (January 2nd-16th)

The Summit to 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:
1. Conflict Analysis, Management, and Resolution
2. Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Rehabilitation
3. 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 or an application (carrie@gypafrica.org).

Student Global Ambassadors June 2006 Uganda Immersion a Success!
Kampala, Uganda
June 25, 2006

Global Youth Partnership for Africa recently completed its Student Global Ambassadors: June 2006 Uganda Immersion. The two-week Immersion program involved 16 American undergraduate and graduate students interested in working alongside Ugandan 'social entrepreneurs' in the areas of HIV/AIDS, income-generating activities, and peace/conflict issues. In Kampala, Ft. Portal (western Uganda), and Gulu (northern Uganda), the group met with a wide array of accomplished young leaders who possess the necessary ambition and skills to bring about constructive and sustainable change in their communities.
Associate Director Josh Goldstein commented, "The Immersion was a huge success! Both the Ugandan and the American participants left the Immersion energized and excited about future partnerships. Further, they left with a more in-depth understanding about the development challenges facing Uganda."
As the Immersion participants well know, GYPA measures the success of these programs not by the number of airline seats filled, but by the number of Ambassadors who remain engaged in various projects after they return home. GYPA supports this engagement in two ways: through initiating educational programs at American universities to challenge conventional and often distorted views of contemporary Africa, and through maintaining direct partnerships between American and Ugandan entrepreneurs.
Critically, the contributions Immersion participants make need not be monetary; the connections and enthusiasm shared between Americans and Ugandans are inherently valuable. In a country with a per capita GDP of less than $1,800 per person, Ugandans who create community projects are often operating alone and under very difficult circumstances. The relationships established during GYPA’s Immersion program provide not only lasting friendships, but business opportunities as well.
That being said, small amounts of money may leave a large impact when intelligently and practically utilized. Here is just one of the many amazing stories of Immersion participants taking the initiative to help their Ugandan counterparts:
For over three years, GYPA has been working with the Namuwongo Women's Group, an income-generating project staffed by women living in extreme poverty on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda. Here poverty results in the usual milieu of health problems, poor sanitation, and a lack of access to education. Despite significant obstacles, these women have come together to create handicrafts such as necklaces, bracelets, and baskets. Through GYPA’s Washington office, these female entrepreneurs are able to sell them throughout the world.
The leader of the group, Immaculate Alaso, spoke passionately to the Immersion group about her work. She showcased some of her pieces, and talked briefly about her business plan and the need for more sewing machines in order to increase their production capacity. The next day, several of the students decided that they wanted to raise money to buy a sewing machine for the Women's Group. So many Immersion participants were interested in helping that the group pooled over $300, enough to buy the Women’s Group five new sewing machines! This simple, strategic investment will allow the Women's Group to build capacity and fill more orders while still granting them the time to take care of their families.

Here are a few of the other projects that students took a special interested in staying involved in:

• Gomo Tong/Girls Kick It
• Namuwongo Women's Group
• Namuwongo Youth Group
• Koome Islands Ball Project- An innovative project that blends environmental issues, education issues, and income-generating activities
• Northern Uganda Peace Initiative
• YES Hostel – A project supporting the education of orphans in Ft. Portal
• Kyanyawara Environment Project (Ft. Portal)

6/14/2006 6:06 PM
American Students Arrive at Entebbe

Last night, 16 excited American students from 15 universities arrived
at Entebbe International Airport for the Global Youth Partnership for
Africa's Student Global Ambassador (SGA) June Uganda Immersion. The
students will gather at Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda to meet
with Ugandan 'social entrepreneurs' and explore possibilities of
innovative Ugandan-American partnerships. The Immersion, lasting 12
days, will focus on three central areas: HIV/AIDS, Incoming Generating
Activities (IGA's) including microfinance, and conflict
mitigation/post-conflict issues (centered around Northern Uganda). The
program offers the opportunity to develop a focus in development
through a multitude of overlapping issues. The Immersion will travel
within Uganda and meet with dynamic youth leaders who spearheaded
NGO's and CBO's, local and international practitioners, and others
within civil society who work on behalf of the Ugandan people.

We are excited to head back to Uganda this summer and present two exciting opportunities. Both applications are competitive, with acceptance on a rolling basis (you will receive a decision via email one week after submission), so we urge you to apply now. The final deadline for both programs is April 15th.

THINK AGAIN! Media and Journalism Immersion
August 3rd- August 20th
This program is a unique gathering of journalists, photographers, marketing and public relations students who will gather in Uganda to address the misconceptions about Africa in the media. The Immersion will facilitate discussion, promote the exchange of ideas and solutions, and give participants the opportunity to interact with key decision makers in Uganda about the challenges and creative solutions facing Uganda.

Student Global Ambassador (SGA): Uganda Immersion
June 11th- June 27th
This program will seek to understand the practical development challenges facing the people of Uganda, as well as take an in depth look at the creative and positive solutions being implemented. We will hear from CBOs and NGOs, people living in Namuwongo (an urban slum community near Kampala), and other officials and experts.

If you have any questions, please email Josh Goldstein at josh@gypafrica.org.

Friends:

Hello from Global Youth Partnership for Africa (GYPA)! We are back from the extraordinary successful Global Kimeeza: US/Uganda Youth Summit, where 24 Americans, 1 Canadian and 25 Ugandans came together to create the 2006 US/Uganda Youth Alliance Action Statement. In this extraordinary 10-day Summit, we created a tangible partnership for youth to participate in the vital activities necessary for peace, reconciliation and reintegration in the 20-year conflict in Northern Uganda.

As we prepare for the next newsletter, I wanted to keep you up to date on some very exciting opportunities coming up with GYPA. Below you will see some our innovative upcoming travel opportunities, but as always, we prefer traveling with students who have organized with us on their campus. We believe that creating informed policy discussions and awareness through art are the best ways to change our community's attitude towards Africa. We have mini-grants and event planning guides to help create these spaces on your campus. Do join us for one of our two semester initiatives...

ORGANIZE WITH GYPA

Africa: Whatever You Thought, Think Again

"Because the media focus so much on catastrophes within the African context, Africans may come across as being passive or helpless. In fact, when I visit African communities I meet people who are courageous, determined to improve their lives, and energetic in the face of all sorts of adversity."

- Peter Bell, President, CARE, at Princeton's Woodrow Wilson School

Throughout the media, images abound of African failure. Genocide in Darfur, famine in Niger, tyranny in Zimbabwe, and oil and diamond exploitation are just a few. However, as GYPA participants know firsthand, the continent abounds with young leaders who are taking the lead with innovating community-based organization, market based solutions and more.

GYPA's new town hall series aims to bring students, professors and practitioners to tell these stories of success and optimism in Africa. Themes can be specific to community interest and have included 'Opportunities for Peace in Northern Uganda' (02/07, Puget Sound, WA), 'Eradicating Poverty Through Profits' (03/07, College Park, MD), 'Successes in Post Conflict Peace Building' (03/07 Washington DC).

Email Campus Affairs Director Michela

Students Saving Lives with AIDS Medication (SLAM AIDS)

GYPA's continuing event series is spreading awareness the local and international HIV/AIDS pandemic. All funds raised by this series go antiretroviral (ARV's) in Uganda, including the Kairos Medical Clinic in Namuwongo. This event, which in the last 12 months has visited Cambridge, New York, Philadelphia (x2), Washington (x2) has brought together some of the most talented up and coming slam poetry and hip hop talents, including Carlos Gomez, Brent Shuttleworth, Delica Andrews and others.

P.S. We are looking for a new National SLAM AIDS coordinator, so if organizing events and working with accomplished and dedicated hip-hop artists around the country is your thing, email a cover letter and resume to Josh.

TRAVEL WITH GYPA

Student Global Ambassadors (SGA) Uganda Immersion

JUNE 11 – 24, 2006

With the recent National Elections in February 2006, Uganda faces many challenges. What has Uganda done to fight and prevent HIV/AIDS and where is it going? What has been done to eliminate the 20 year conflict in Northern Uganda? And what role do Ugandans see for the international community in ending this conflict? Other questions abound about the role of Uganda in regional stability of the Great Lakes Region, as well as issues of refugees, internally displaced persons and orphans.

The Student Global Ambassadors program will seek out educational understanding, among other areas, while interacting with the people of Uganda. This includes interaction in the grassroots with cbos and ngos, people living in Namuowongo an urban slum community near Kampala, traveling to the Gulu District in Northern Uganda to meet with civil society leaders and explore the IDP camps and reintegration programs.

Application Deadline: March 15th, 2006. Email Josh for an application.

Student Global Ambassadors (SGA) THINK AGAIN! JOURNALISM AND MEDIA Uganda Immersion

AUGUST 3 – 20, 2006

The Journalism and Media program for undergraduate and graduate students will focus on describing the realities of Uganda, including showcasing the enormous courage and dedication of youth who, often without resources, have made life better in their communities. Participants will also meet with Ugandan media leaders, from press to public relations, to examine the role of Ugandan media. This GYPA program will allow young journalists to discover and document new trends emerging from youth leaders who are the future leadership of Uganda, and future world leaders.

Participants will be selected from a wide range of media capacities, editorial, news writing and reporting, photo-journalism, bloggers, video/documentarian, news anchors. All participants will have the opportunity to meet with Uganda based media outlets that include: television, print-journalism, internet/web-rings, public relations/media firms, radio and university press.

Application Deadline: March 15th. Email Josh for an applicatoin.

VOLUNTEER WITH GPYA

Community Fellows Program: Uganda

Summer 2006

GYPA is looking for dedicated volunteers to work in the Namuwongo community in Uganda this summer. Here are the positions we are looking to fill...

Helping Hands Medical Fellowship to provides medical education and treatment to those living with HIV/AIDS, and other diseases and illnesses. Provides counseling services to those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS, including education to pregnant women who are HIV-positive.

Access to Education (x2) to provide youth with yearly educational sponsorship, technology training, classroom beautification, reading programs, and sports and recreation (Namuwongo Youth Football and Basketball League).

Email Jeremy for more information.