Programs » Global Kimeeza/Youth Summits
US/Uganda Youth Peace Summit
In January 2006, 25 American and 25 Ugandan students came together at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda for a conference on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). In small groups, these students worked together, alongside regional experts, to discuss issues facing IDPs, including peace and conflict negotiation, women's issues, and HIV/AIDS. The conference concluded with the US/Uganda Youth Alliance Statement, a plan for action amongst the youth delegates.
The Kimeeza model can be an effective way to bring together American and African students, and this summit is the first of annual gatherings between American and African youth focusing on very important global challenges.
Global Kimeeza I Photos
Check out the Global Kimeeza Pool on Flickr to see more pictures from the Inaugural Global Kimeeza.
What is Kimeeza?
Kimeeza (pronounced: chee-meh-zah) is the Luganda word for "big table." In today's global community, this takes on a unique meaning, as it proposes that we are all seated at the table together. At Global Youth Partnership for Africa, we believe that "people-to-people" relations lead to sustainable change. Through discussion and sharing, we can increase the number of seats at our global kimeeza, making our world a more equitable place.
Global Kimeeza I in the Press
- The Houston Chronicle (TX)
- The American University Eagle (DC)
- The Ann Arbor News (MI)
- University of Wyoming Homepage (WY)
- The Prince George's Gazette (MD)
- The Grinnell College Scarlet and Black (IA)
- South Brunswick Post (NJ)
- CBS Radio 89.2 (Uganda)
- WBS Television (Uganda)
Participant Focus
Jaime Alvis
Jaime Alvis is 23 years old, studying International Peace and Conflict Resolution in Washington, D.C. This is her second time in Africa, having traveled to Zimbabwe in her adolescent years, which has shaped her love of the continent. Her passion is for children and youth, and she loves to sing. She also has experience working in the Virginia state government, and she is now in Washington working on GYPA's Gomo Tong project.
Oryema Geoffrey
Oryema Geoffrey is the executive director of both the Acholi Youth Peace and Reconciliation Initiative (AYPARI) and the Gulu Youth Peace Forum. His main area of interest is conflict resolution and peace building.
Okello Kennedy Kosko
Okello Kennedy Kosko, born 15 November 1972, is an Acholi by tribe who hails from the sub-county Attiak in Gulu district. Kosko is a Grade III primary school teacher who specializes in language and science. He got his diploma in Human Resource Management through a distance study with Cambridge International University, and plans to continue his studies. Kosko is married with two children, a boy and a girl.
Annet Auma
Annet Auma is from Gulu district in Northern Uganda. A teacher by profession, she has served on the board of directors of a youth project called Acholi Youth Strengthening Strategy (AYSS). AYSS was piloted in Gulu, but has quickly grown to cover the whole of Northern Uganda, including the districts of Gulu, Kitgum and Pader. The organization encourages female participation and carries out trainings on agriculture methods, good governance and rights-based approaches to development.