LAHORE | US Consulate Principal Officer Bryan Hunt hosted a reception for Pakistani students participating in this summers Seeds of Peace program in Maine, USA. Twelve young people from five Lahore schools have been selected to attend the summer camp from June 24 to July 17, 2008.
Participation in the Seeds of Peace program will empower you to make a change, said the US diplomat after welcoming the students and their parents. I hope you maintain the friendships you will make during the summer camp.
In 2001, Seeds of Peace—a New York-based non-governmental, non-political organization—launched a pilot program for Indian and Pakistani teenagers from Mumbai and Lahore. Since then, more than 150 Indian and Pakistani students have participated in the program.
Encouraging the students to spread the message of peace, Mr. Hunt expressed his hope that they would have a productive and informative stay in the United States. The summer camp will conclude on July 15, and the students will then go on a two-day trip to Washington, D.C.
The Seeds of Peace summer camp brings together young people from different countries for six weeks of activities designed to promote peacemaking and conflict resolution skills. Students are chosen through a competitive process involving recommendations, essays, and interviews.
At the summer camp in Maine, students work together to accomplish tasks and are encouraged to talk about the issues that divide their nations. They live together, share meals, and engage in activities that include sports and art.