Arabs & Americans in the 21st Century
Seeds of Peace, renowned for its international leadership programs, announces a groundbreaking exchange that will enable Arabs and Americans to engage in serious, honest, and open discussions on the relationship between the United States and the Middle East. Direct interaction and communication are important first steps towards developing understanding and cooperation.
IN THE UNITED STATES…
From August 14-30, 2004, 65 young leaders and 25 education officials from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Egypt, Jordan, Boston, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas, and Atlanta spent two weeks at the Seeds of Peace International Camp in Maine. Participants were representative of the geographic, ethnic, and religious diversity in the United States and the Arab world. The youth were selected primarily on the strength of their leadership potential, and the adults are educators well-positioned to have a significant impact on their communities.
In Maine, the group met face-to-face, reached real common ground, discussed complex issues involved in the relationship between the US and the Middle East, and began the training required to lead in all aspects of their society. At the close of the session, the group traveled to Boston to explore its historical and cultural sites.
IN THE MIDDLE EAST…
From March 11-19, 2005, the group will reconvene in Jordan for a week of seminars, continued cultural exchange, leadership training, and planning for continued activities. Key Arab and American figures will lead discussions on major issues facing Jordan, the Arab world, and the United States individually and collectively. Given their firsthand experiences in both the United States and the Middle East, the discussions begun at camp can now be dealt with on a more sophisticated level.
To read the press release about Beyond Borders click here.
To read articles about Beyond Borders click on the links below.
The Dallas Morning News, One Teen at a Time, 9/15/2004
The Washington Post, In The Woods But Not The Wilderness, 9/1/2004
CNN.com, Teen camp narrows gap between Arabs, Americans, 8/29/2004
For more information, please contact info@seedsofpeace.org.
