Seeds of Peace 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.
FIRST 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 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.
… THEN IN THE MIDDLE EAST
From March 11-19, 2005, the group reconvened in Jordan for a week of seminars, continued cultural exchange, leadership training, and planning for continued activities. Key Arab and American figures led 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, participants in Beyond Borders/بلا حدود can now continue the discussions begun at Camp on a more sophisticated level.
PRESS
Read the press release about Beyond Borders »
‘Teen camp narrows gap between Arabs, Americans,’ Associated Press »
‘In the woods but not the wilderness,’ The Washington Post »
‘One teen at a time,’ The Dallas Morning News »
‘Peace Time: On a visit to Jordan, Texas and Arab teens continue dialogue,’The Dallas Morning News »