OUR WORLD

Volume 5 • Number 2

P E A C E T H R O U G H U N D E R S T A N D I N G

Story on page 2

INSIDEGlobal Youth ForumHumanitarian Conference 2

PTPI Chapter Network 4

Thai Cultural andHumanitarian Conference 6

School and Classroom Program 8

Peace Camp 12

The Student BUZZ 13

Calendar of Events 14

PTPI Mission/Beliefs 15

Making a Difference: One Person at a Time 16

AN INFORMATION SOURCE LINKING

PTPI STUDENT MEMBERS

1956 - 2006

PEOPLE TO PEOPLE INTERNATION

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Peace t h r o u g h U n d e r s t a

nd i ng

PTPI’s Global Youth Forum Humanitarian Conference to South Africa

MomentsLife Changing

GYFHC delegatesmake new friends atSt. Cyprian’s School in Cape Town.

“”

Education is themost powerfulweapon which you can use to change theworld.

— Nelson Mandela, Freedom Fighter, Nobel Laureate and first democratically elected President of South Africa.

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PTPI’s Global Youth Forum

2 Our World

uring their Global YouthForum HumanitarianConference (GYFHC) to

Cape Town, July 21-30, 2005, participants studied the SouthAfrica of yesterday, today, andtomorrow through in-depth educa-tional, cultural and humanitarianactivities. Life changing momentsdefined this mission for 46 students, 4 leaders, and PTPI’sPresident and CEO, Mary JeanEisenhower.

Students divided into “families,”which were named for the wordUNITY in different African languages. Together, the Ubunye

(Zulu), Eenheid (Afrikaans), Botye(Sesotho sa Leboa) and Umanwayo(Xhosa) families were awestruckby the beauty of Table Mountainand the Cape of Good Hope.Together, they were transformedby their experiences at RobbenIsland, Apartheid City, St. George’sCathedral and Helping Hands.

Imagine embracing MamaAmelia and her family. She caresfor more than 95 children who areorphans, HIV+, or just need a

supportive environment. Sheopens her home and heart to thesejoyful children and does so with nogovernment assistance. Imagine afirst-hand account of life onRobben Island with Kgotso “Glen”Ntsoelengoz, who was imprisonedwith Nelson Mandela, the “fatherof South Africa”, or the experiencesof the Reverend Vivien Harber,who shared her courageous battlefor the anti-apartheid movement.Imagine spending time with peers

”

““I have come to realize

that this was not a trip

but rather a mission.

Our mission and our

motto is “peace through

understanding” but to

achieve that goal we

must first understand it

before we can spread it.

And having seen and

experienced the things

we have over these last

few days here having

little time for reflection

in our busy days I

realized that I have a

responsibility as a human

to love, respect and help

others. I know how much

this experience has

meant to me and what I

have taken away from it

that I truly believe I have

benefited more than the

kids we help. History

helps us from repeating

our mistakes but I

believe that reading

about events in a book is

not enough. There is a

difference between

reading and actually

seeing, but furthermore

there is an even greater

difference often

overlooked. The

difference between

seeing and doing.”

—Brandon Earnest, GYFHC participant

GYFHC 2006 Destination: RussiaPTPI’s 2006 Global Youth Forum Humanitarian Conference will visit Moscow,Novgorod and St. Petersburg, Russia, July 14-26. Students will explorevarious aspects of PTPI’s mission of Peace through Understanding, focusingon educational, cultural and humanitarian activities. This program is currentlyon a wait list. In 2007, students will travel to Sri Lanka, where PTPI hasbeen working with partners to eradicate landmines and build schools.Questions? Contact PTPI World Headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, USAat 816.531.4701 or visit our Web site at www.ptpi.org.

Life Changing

EDITOR’S NOTE: PTPI wishes tothank the outstanding delegation leaders, families and the amazing youngdelegates who participated in GYFHC. A special thanks to all of our friends atSt. Cyprian’s!

D

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at St. Cyprian’s School, while creating life changing momentsand lifelong friendships.

Heather McHale of Carlsbadsums it up saying, “Truly, I hadcome to see something I have notbefore, but now I understand I wasmeant to be here to feel somethingI hadn’t before. To feel the anguishand celebration from RobbenIsland, to feel the welcome joy atSt. Cyprian’s, to feel the hand of achild grasping mine to run andplay basketball on a make-shiftcourt, to feel the hot tears runningdown my face at St. George’sCathedral after hearing about thestruggles of apartheid. How could I have known? Today has been memorable. It has been life-changing. Eye-opening. Ground-breaking. Cataclysmic. In short, fabulous.”

Our World 3

Far left: Mama Amelia cares for more than 95 children who are orphans, HIV+, or need additional family support. Above left: Hoops for Hope took our participantsto the basketball court with children from a local township. This amazing program lives up to its name, giving hope to area children through sports.Right: Nelson Mandela is a Freedom Fighter, Nobel Laureate and the first democratically elected President of South Africa. Shown here, his cell on RobbenIsland. He was imprisoned from 1964-1990, with 18 of those years on Robben Island.

Moments

During a walking tour, students were invited into homes like those shown here. Tsonga is one of many townshipssurrounding Cape Town. In the background, Table Mountain.

y

One of our delegates is planningto return to Cape Town for sixmonths as a “gap student” withour friends at St. Cyprian’s. Goodluck, Lauren! For more about

Humanitarian Conference to South Africa

these “Life Changing Moments”visit PTPI’s Web site and view theGYFHC Blog at www.ptpi.org.You won’t want to miss it! ■

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4 Our World

PTPI Student and UniversityChapters are active around theglobe. Whether you’re living inKorea, Europe, the USA or elsewhere around the world, here are ways for you to Take Action in your community and impact our world.

HUMANITARIANISMIn the United States, members

of PTPI’s LIFE and GIFTStudent Chapters in Texas andNew Jersey, respectively, didn’twaste time lending support to thevictims of Hurricane Katrina.Seeing members of our global family in need, they raised funds,collected supplies, and met inTexas to organize relief shipmentsfor evacuees. Lifetime friendshipswere made along the way!

Earlier this year, 16 membersof PTPI’s Central ValleyStudent Chapter supported theHeifer Project International’sCeres Education Center. StudentAmbassador and Chapter MemberHarmony Wheeler wrote an articlefor their local newspaper, describing the day’s activities.She quoted Sara Bostan, whodescribed the chapter this way:“We basically promote peace,understanding and friendship in our communities. We know thatyou do not have to travel abroad tomake the world a better place.”Members have hosted a dinner for Danish visitors, donatedschool supplies for children inThird World countries and heldbook wrappings to donate books to local children. Sara said,“Mostly, we want the world toknow we do care.” The studentsare between the ages of 13-17.For the Heifer Project theyrepaired animal shelters, herdedanimals, and cleaned watertroughs to support kids in othercountries. Among the highlights ofthe day was reconnecting with an

TEAM:Together Everyone

Achieves More

This is how our story begins. There’s not much to tell because what we

did was quite simple. The idea of cleaning the so-called ‘Kartodrom’ (a place

specially designed for driving, but which also includes a park where people

go for picnics) was in our heads for some time…We were

disappointed to find too much garbage, but after we finished we

felt content with what we had accomplished and happy to be the

ones who set an example…We look forward to having more

projects in the future as useful as this one.” Flavia Stefura,

a member of PTPI’s Roman, Romania Chapter, describing ECO

ACTION efforts. Adult and young members encouraged others to protect the

environment and create healthier lives.

“On a hot day in May, a group of teenagers decided to do

something useful for their community...

Members of PTPI’s LIFE and GIFTStudent Chapters support HurricaneKatrina victims.

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old friend. While hard at work,they met Renwick, an Australianvolunteer they first met duringtheir Student Ambassador travels.

GLOBAL YOUTH SERVICE DAYRomanian students included

humanitarian, cultural and ecological activities during theirparticipation in the 2005 GlobalYouth Service Day (GYSD). Theirefforts were a huge part of theGYSD movement to empoweryoung people. On Day 1, our youngvolunteers visited students at aspecial school for deaf and mutechildren. They shared magazinesand candy, and gave them moreimportant gifts: their time andfriendship. Cultural exchangeactivities were the highlight onDay 2. Chapter members wereintroduced to the art of egg painting, which is a tradition inRomania. Day 3 focused on theenvironment as students workedwith the State Forest Authority on a reforestation project. Weapplaud the members of PTPI’sIasi, Romania Chapter for theircompassion and service.

PTPI’S YOUNG GENERATIONTHRIVES IN EUROPE

Members of PTPI’s YoungGeneration (YG) enjoy organizingmeetings for young peoplethroughout Europe in an effort toshare cultures and friendship. Inthe spring, members and non-members alike gathered in Zurich,Switzerland to learn more aboutone another. The group met againlast summer. This time, theyenjoyed Swiss hospitality in Spiez.Delegates from Italy, Switzerlandand the United States participatedin a workshop that focused oninternational conflicts. Our YoungGeneration members agree withMarie-Anne Aebi, who wrote, “Itwas fun, we talked, laughed andthere were no cultural borders,

we all felt like world inhabitants.”Thanks to all the YGs for creatinga better world with Peace throughUnderstanding!

KOREAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE

Teaching language and cultureis a fun and educational way forthe members ofPTPI’s Sunmoon,Korea UniversityChapter to welcomeforeign visitors totheir school. Visitorsare from China,Japan, Mongolia, thePhilippines and USA.Once a week, mem-bers tutor their newfriends and enjoyexploring the citytogether. This is anexcellent idea forother student anduniversity chapters!Members around theworld can adopt thisproject and extendthe hand of friend-ship to internationalstudents at theirschools.

Wow! Our thanks go to everyoneinvolved in these cultural, educational and humanitarianefforts. Your leadership and compassion make you role modelsfor each of us. Now, what will wedo to improve our world today?Let’s get started! ■

Our World 5

People to People INTERNATIONAL

COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CHAPTERS

University chapters work in conjunction with university curriculum to provide members with a “global education”including:

■ Educational Benefits■ Career Enhancing Tools■ Personal Growth

Opportunities

PTPI University Chapters create community action by bringing inter-national relations to students interestedin the various cultures and peoples inthe world. In other words, chaptersthink globally and act locally!

PTPI is a fun way for students to learn about various nations, culturesand world affairs through personalinteraction.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:Theresa Stock Willmoth, Managing Director Membership ServicesPeople to People International World Headquarters501 E. Armour Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri 64109 USA816.531.4701 x 116 phone 816.561.7502 fax chapters@ptpi.org

1956 - 2006

PEOPLE TO PEOPLE INTERNATION

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Peace t h r o u g h U n d e r s t a

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Peace through Understanding

PTPI Korea members enjoy teaching language and culture to visitors from other countries.

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6 Our World

By Steve Ferringer

As I look back over my trip toThailand, words can hardlydescribe what an amazing

experience it truly was. This tripexemplified President Eisenhower’sdream of Peace throughUnderstanding.

After meeting up with the 14fantastic delegates who were goingon the program at LAX, we took atrans-pacific flight to Bangkok. We were greeted with a warm welcome and spent the rest of theevening resting and relaxing afterour long flight.

The day after we arrived, wewent to Burriram, a city inNortheastern Thailand, via bus. We marveled at the Phanom RungTemple built on an extinct volcanoand experienced the local cuisineat a restaurant.

Although the Thai scenery was

beautiful, it paled in comparison tothe beautiful souls of the Thai people. The people of Thailandtouched each member of the delegation’s heart in a way thatmere scenery alone could not. Forfour days, we stayed in Ban Kruat,a small village on the Thai-Cambodian border with our homestay families. Although manyof the Thai people could not speakEnglish, and we couldn’t speakThai, we were still able to commu-nicate and get a real feel for thelife of a Thai villager.

The Thai people have an unbelievable work ethic. Duringour time in Ban Kruat, we learnedthe true meaning of hard work.We worked in the rice paddy fieldswith the locals planting rice forthe next harvest. Every day wespent at Ban Kruat, we taughtEnglish to a number of the Thaichildren at the local school in the

THE THAI

Visiting regional landmarks helped students immersethemselves in the

Thai culture.

In August of this

year, 14 young

delegates

embarked on a

memorable

journey through

PTPI’s inaugural

Thai Cultural and

Humanitarian

Program. This

program was

designed to provide

an intensive

homestay in a

rural Thai village

and the opportunity

for students to

volunteer at local

farms and schools.

Steve Ferringer

is the principal at

Fairview Middle

School in Erie,

Pennsylvania, and

has served as a

teacher-leader for

PTPI. He led this

group and shares

his story.

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afternoon. This part of the programwas such a gratifying experience.It felt like we were really making adifference in these children’s lives.

Although it was tremendouslyhard to leave Ban Kruat, and thefamilies we bonded with, we wereready for a good shower and somerelaxation. We departed for thesandy white beaches of the island

Koh Samet, once known as KoKaew Phitsadan, or the Vast JewelIsland. While on Koh Samet, wesnorkeled, enjoyed the ocean andnational park, and many otheractivities the island had to offer.

After several breathtaking dayson Koh Samet, we departed forBangkok. There, we visited theGrand Palace and the EmeraldBuddha, as no trip to Thailandwould be complete without seeingthem. We had a farewell dinnerand departed for home the nextmorning.

It was so hard leaving Thailand,but I believe that you never reallyleave a place you’ve traveled. As afriend once told me, you take partof it with you and leave part ofyourself behind. Our vision ofpeace is just one of the parts ofeach of us that we have leftbehind. ■

Our World 7

EXPERIENCE

Principal Steve Ferringer (left front)led a group of 14 students on PTPI’s Thai Cultural andHumanitarian Program.

Learning to play “Duck, Duck, Goose” was just one of the funactivities for school children who welcomed our young volunteersto Thailand. Left: Humanitarian efforts included volunteering toassist rural farmers.

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▲

PTPI’s School and Classroom Program pairs classes in different countries, so students can work

together on pen friend exchanges that improve their cultural understanding and help them form

friendships. Primary, middle and secondary-school classes are welcome! Projects may include Global

Youth Murals, Poems for Peace in Our World, and more. To join, teachers may register through

PTPI’s Web site at www.ptpi.org or request a registration form by writing to classroom@ptpi.org.Here, School & Classroom Program Director Stacey Chance shares news from around the world.

SCHOOL ANDCLASSROOM PROGRAM

Young Bulgarians hold news conference to celebrate friendship with Americans

Bulgarian pupils spoke with journalists fromfour newspapers, three radio stations, andtwo television stations, all of which latercovered in their newscasts the children’simpressions of their correspondence withpeers in the United States.

“My pupils are only 12 years old.However, due to the specific nature of ourschool, they speak and write, besides inBulgarian, also in the English and Russian languages. Our participation in the PTPIorganization is a real festivity for us. Thecontact with the pupils in the United Statescontributed to the mutual familiarization ofour children in the fields of education,

On May 20, 2005, teacher TsvetanaFilipova and her grade five studentsat No. 8 Foreign Language School

“A.S. Pushkin” in Bulgaria held a news conference with local media to celebratetheir friendship with children living far fromtheir country. Since December 2004, thesestudents have been frequently communicat-ing by email and letters with children atWest Boylston Middle School in Massa-chusetts USA through PTPI’s School andClassroom Program.

In a classroom festively hung withBulgarian and U.S. flags, and artwork andphotos from their partner school, the

Left: Students being interviewed. Above: Bulgarian studentsreading letters from their American pen pals.

8 Our World

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Our World 9

The White Dove’s SongBY NATALIA KHOSLA (USA)

Gliding freely through the world,

Passes over its children,

and sees them quarreling,

They look up, and wonder why they fight.

The dove looks back,

as if to hold their every answer.

It goes on, meeting a mountain,

a cloud, some wind,

It does not stop its journey,

for it knows what awaits it.

With all the work of getting through,

It knows those faces, a reward or two.

Singing the white dove’s song.

Looking overhead at its unfolded wings,

The pearly white feathers almost ring.

You think of yourself, and when you will fly,

Like the white dove, your kin in the sky.

Then, thinking again you come to see,

The white dove is nothing more than

a kind and peaceful you or me.

Just be what we can be,

Then we’ll be the ones holding

the branch and

Singing the white dove’s song.

POEMS FOR PEACE IN OUR WORLD

culture, and every-day life. Besides the general topics which, we chose for coopera-tion, my pupils exchanged information withtheir U.S. peers about national traditions, holidays, music, sports, the arts, andnational cuisine. Our joy was indescribablewhen the American children greeted us intheir letters with our Bulgarian (Cyrillic)letters. The teacher of the American class — Irene Masterjohn — should also becredited with that. We indefinitely love Ireneand call her ‘Our Irene.’”

A regional Bulgarian newspaper, ChernoMore, described the event. “The 5th gradersfrom school “A.S. Pushkin” in Varna presented their American friends throughletters, souvenirs, songs, and drawings at ameeting with journalists. Many of thebeyond-the-ocean children’s drawings in theexhibition arranged at the school disclosethe little Americans’ ideas of Bulgaria constructed on the basis of their Bulgarianfriends’ letters. The enterprise aims atfamiliarization by the students with thecountries, cities, and their customs.Through direct correspondence, the littleBulgarian students acquire habits to thinkdeeply, to express themselves precisely andclearly in the English language. They arethus also learning patience, to expect the latest letter from far-away. The children joyfully shared that their new friends fromWest Boylston are trying with interest towrite words in the Bulgarian language. This cooperation between Bulgarian andAmerican children should be encouraged.”

▲ ▲ ▲

PTPI invites participants of our youth programsto compose poetry expressing peace for our world.Poems will be considered for publication in theorganization’s annual magazine or student newsletters. Poems may be composed in any formator length and must be students’ original work.Please contact us for more information.

continued on page 10

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▲

Here is a sampling of what the childrenshared.

NIKOL: “I write to Kaleigh. I know

many things about her. She sent me a

bracelet on which there is an inscription

“Live Strong.” I learned that, if one

purchases such a bracelet, one helps

cancer-ill children in America. I am proud to

wear this bracelet. I am very happy that

precisely my class is part of the PTPI

project and that I have a chance to know

our peers of a different nationality. The

drawing Kaleigh sent me depicts two

classrooms—mine in Bulgaria and hers in

West Boylston. She has written “Dobro utro”

(“Good morning”) in Bulgaria.”

KRISTIYAN: “I correspond with

Matthew. We have many common interests,

particularly PC games and skiing. In one of

his letters, Matthew wrote about his visit to

Disneyland in Florida which, impressed him

a lot. He wrote to me that his aunt had been

to Bulgaria and had talked to him about our

country. Matthew sent us a very nice

drawing in which he shows that our

countries must be in friendly relations.”

SIYANA: “Jackie is my American

friend. She loves to collect sea shelves,

small stones, she likes gymnastics, goes to

arts lessons, reads stories about animals.

My friend likes to eat chips, salads, cheese-

burgers, ice cream, pizza, juices and fruit.

She can also speak French, can cook and

draw. My dream is to see her for real.”

Many guests along with parents were

invited to the press conference. Another

regional newspaper, Pozvanete Novini,quoted a parent as saying, “This friendship

gives a chance to our children not only to

get to know life of their peers beyond the

ocean, but also to learn many new things

about every-day life, traditions, and more in

the USA. Besides, the children are improving

their knowledge of the English language.

The dream of the Bulgarian and American

children is to meet one day and have a

chance to communicate directly. We

absolutely support our children in their

endeavor.”

Tsvetana and Irene continue the link

between their classes during the 2005/2006

school year. Their partnership truly

represents the people-to-people spirit. ■

SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM PROGRAM

▲ ▲ ▲

10 Our World

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PTPI’s Global Youth Murals project is open tostudents in elementary/primary-, middle- andsecondary-school. To request guidelines for the 2006 project, please contact us at classroom@ptpi.org. or 816.531.4701.

▲ ▲ ▲

PTPI’S GLOBAL YOUTH MURALS PROJECT

Our World 11

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Participants of PTPI’s 2005 Peace Camp and Global Peace Initiative enjoyed a magical experience in Egypt from April 29-May 10. Fifty-three students and leaders representing 21 countries, and including Palestine, took part in a variety of Peace Camp

activities designed to create Peace through Understanding. Certain events joined the students with169 adult delegates who were part of the Global Peace Initiative.

Together, they met with Her Excellency, Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak, First Lady of Egypt, and PTPI’sPresident and CEO, Mary Jean Eisenhower, at the Alexandria Library. In addition to in-depth sessionsabout conflict resolution, education and more, delegates planted friendship trees in Cairo’sInternational Garden and assembled 2,500 Care Bags for special needs children, hospitals andschools. During the closing ceremony, Mrs. Mubarak expressed her appreciation that such an eventwas held for the second time in Egypt. In addressing our young Peace Campers she said they are, “living proof that the cause of peace and cultural understanding is indeed attainable.” She continuedher support with, “differences are not obstructive barriers; they are an integral part of therichness of our common humanity, the very fabric that unites us.”

Peace Camp strives to create a safe environment in which young adults come together for ten daysof cultural exchange, coexistence, and dialogue. Peace Camp provides a place for these delegates ofdifferent nationalities and religions to freely express their views and experiences. By the process of moderated dialogue, peace-enhancingactivities and building friendships, the delegates learn to start the peaceprocess from within themselves andthen apply it to their own communitiesand nations.

Peace Camp returns to Egypt in2007 and launches its Russian programthe same year. ■

12 Our World

Participants from 21 countries, including Palestine, enjoyed Peace

Camp 2005. Here, delegates dressin Egyptian attire during

“Gallabeya Night” celebrations.

“I was immersed in so many different cultures

but at the same time, I realized that we are

not so different from each other.

We were able to transcend those differences.”

—2005 PEACE CAMP DELEGATE

PeaceTo let colors flow like cigar

smoke, into each other.

Mixing, but never wholly so.

Together, but never the same.

A bridge that leads from one

end of the world

To another.

Connecting.

Through splinters in glass,

Flowing down ancient ruins

in stone,

Nestled amidst the feathers

Of a flying falcon,

A distant cousin of a different

dove.

Walking that bridge with

A single string of insights,

Unbreakable.

Divine.

But essentially Human.

Breathing one purpose.

Connecting…

Connecting…

Connecting.

SALEHA WAQARPeace Camper from Islamabad, Pakistan

PeaceCamp2005

A lasting tribute: Peace Campers plantedFriendship Trees in Cairo’s International Garden.

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■ TAKE ACTION! You can bepart of the action! PTPI’s Student,College/University Chapter Network isgrowing around the world. We inviteyou and your friends to join us as wechange the world, one friendship at atime. For details, contact PTPI WorldHeadquarters.

■ A SHOUT OUT TO…Veronica Garrity, a member of PTPIsince 2002, who has traveled eachyear as a Student Ambassador. She

began S.A.F.E.—Stuffed AnimalFriendship Exchange—

to share her stuffedanimals with children inneed. On her award-winning Web site(http://hometown.

aol.com/safefndtn/SAFE.html) she writes,

“The foundation was born outof a desire to give my cherishedstuffed animals to a worthy cause. Iwas later inspired by People to PeopleInternational (PTPI) and OperationIraqi Children (OIC).” Thanks to herschool principal, along with her firstshipment of 500-600 stuffed animals forOIC are friendship cards from grades1-8. Thanks to Veronica for her effortson behalf of PTPI, OIC, HurricaneKatrina victims, and the many otherorganizations she supports throughS.A.F.E.!

■ WORLD BEAT We’re following your news from around theworld! PTPI student members havetraveled around the globe this year.In Cape Town, South Africa, GlobalYouth Forum HumanitarianConference participants extendedthe hand of friendship to their peers.In Cairo, Egypt, 53 students and leaders, representing 21 countries,embraced Peace throughUnderstanding at PTPI’s 2005 PeaceCamp. In the United States, StudentChapter members participated in localand international projects. Don’t missout! You can make a difference athome and abroad. The World Beatgoes on as new programs and projectstake place throughout the year.

■ DAILY PEACE PTPI WorldHeadquarters recently launched theDaily Peace for student members andothers interested in what youth do tocreate Peace through Understanding.This Enews piece blasts out to subscribers daily with inspirationalquotes, photos, and news from aroundthe world. One of our first stories wasfrom good friend Midd Read of NorthCarolina, USA. Here, we share a portion of what Midd submitted abouthis new friend, Lucas:

The day I met my international friendwe were sitting together in an air conditioned office in front of a flatscreen plasma TV. I had been called into the admissions office to take LucasMayer, a German student, on a tour ofour school. Lucas followed me to myclasses all day and was impressedenough by what he saw around campus that he enrolled for the following school year. The two of usclicked and when the school asked myfamily if we would host him we didn’tthink twice about it. Although Lucas’squiet demeanor is the polar oppositeof my outgoing nature, a bond wasstruck between us that was strengthened by our love for music,sports and travel.

Of course our year together wasn’tjust good times and road trips. We hadour fair share of disagreements, justlike in any other family. But by gettingto know Lucas through our car ridesaround town, basketball games, andflights up and down the east coast, I in turn became more familiar with the culture that he comes from. Thebluntness and brutal honesty that he,along with several of his Germanfriends at school, exhibited is a product of a culture that fosters thosetraits. By being cognizant of thesetraits I have learned a great deal about interaction with other people, whichhas carried over into my daily life. The time I spent with Lucas has provided me with a unique perspectiveon a culture I would otherwise have no knowledge about, and I have cometo better appreciate my surroundingsas a result of this.

To read more or to subscribe to theDaily Peace online, visit PTPI’s Website at www.ptpi.org and visit the student Enewsletter section.

Our World 13

The Student

BUZZ

Check out the latest buzz and be sure to contact PTPI World Headquarters for details!

Midd Read ofthe USA (far left) andhis brother, welcometheir newfriend, LucasMayer, fromGermany.

www.ptpi.org

VeronicaGarrity formed

S.A.F.E. to letchildren know

that people care.The foundation

hopes to removedoubts, fears,and to dispel

propaganda inhopes children

will learn to trust the

kindness ofothers and feel,

“S.A.F.E.”

MMAAKKEE IITT HHAAPPPPEENNMake a Wish

Make a StatementMake a Plan

Make a FriendMake a Difference

Life isn’t a spectatorsport.

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14 Our World

November 8-12, 2006Global Youth ForumPTPI’s Global Youth Forum (GYF)was underway November 9-13,2005 in Washington, D.C. Nearly300 delegates from seven countriesfocused on international education,leadership, humanitarianism andglobal understanding. Look forprogram highlights in the nextissue of Our World. The 2006 program is scheduled forNovember 8-12 in Kansas City,Missouri, USA, home of PTPI’sWorld Headquarters, a spectacularplace to celebrate our 50th

Anniversary! We’ll keep you postedas plans develop!

JULY 14-26, 2006*

2006 Global Youth ForumHumanitarian Conference—Russia

In just its second year, PTPI’sGlobal Youth Forum HumanitarianConference sold out soon after itwas announced. We are currentlyplacing names on a wait list.Tentative dates are July 14-26,2006 to Moscow, Novgorod and St.Petersburg. Eighty students willtravel on this fascinating journey,led by President and CEO MaryJean Eisenhower, granddaughterof PTPI’s founder, PresidentDwight D. Eisenhower.Participants will meet theirRussian peers, explore social service programs in Russia, and implement a hands-on

Your quick referenceguide to just some of the opportunitiesavailablethrough PTPI! For more news,explore ourWeb site atwww.ptpi.org.

Making friends during PTPI’s 2005 GYFHC toSouth Africa. Next stop, Russia in 2006!

humanitarian project whileimmersing themselves in the culture of Russia and making lifetime friendships with otherdynamic leaders. Participants, areyou ready for Red Square? TheKremlin? The grandeur of St.Petersburg? For updates, visit ourWeb site at www.ptpi.org or contact PTPI World Headquartersin Kansas City, Missouri at816.531.4701. Start thinking nowabout the 2007 GYFHC to SriLanka. Registration will open next September!

* Date is tentative

Don’t miss the annual deadlinesfor scholarships and loans:

MARCH 15■ Deadline for Interest-free

Loan applications(This loan is for Student and Sports Ambassador Program participants only.)

OCTOBER 15■ Deadline for

Doty/Congressional Award and J. C. Hall College Scholarships(These scholarships are for congressional award recipients and college students, respectively.)

APRIL 21-23, 2006Celebrate the 7th AnnualGlobal Youth Service DayOn Global Youth Service Day,millions of young people incountries everywhere highlightand carry out thousands ofcommunity improvement projects. GYSD offers a way for local, national, and interna-tional organizations to:

■ BUILD the capacity of aninternational network oforganizations that promotesyouth participation, service,and learning; ■ EDUCATE the public, themedia, and policy-makersabout the year-round contribu-tions of young people as community leaders around theworld; ■ MOBILIZE youth andadults to meet the needs oftheir communities through volunteering; and ■ LEARN and share effectivepractices in youth service, youthvoice, and civic engagement inthe world today.

Visit www.gysd.net for waysyou can participate!

mark your calendar!

AUGUST 23-27, 2006 G’Day Mates!

PTPI’s 50th Anniversary celebration and 17th Worldwide Conference isAugust 23-27, 2006 in Sydney,Australia. Although geared for those 18and older, families are invited to join us! (Note, no chaperones will be available for this family event.) Visit www.ptpi.orgor contact Karen Hoch, PTPI’s Director of Communications andConferences, for details at karenh@ptpi.org or 816.531.4701 x127.

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Our World 15

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M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N TThe purpose of People to People International is to enhance international understanding and

friendship through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of

ideas and experiences directly among peoples of different countries and diverse cultures. It will

cooperate with any and all other organizations which are of similar nature and purpose.

People to People International is dedicated to enhancing cross-cultural communication within

each community, and across communities and nations. Tolerance and mutual understanding are

central themes. While not a partisan or political institution, PTPI supports the basic values and

goals of its founder, President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

O U R B E L I E F S■ We believe that greater understanding between individuals and peoples, worldwide,

reveals universal values and aspirations.

■ We believe international educational and cultural exchange among youth further ensures long-term friendship and understanding.

■ We believe we all benefit from sharing different approaches to solving common problems.

■ We believe that individuals can often be more effective than governments in promoting human relationships and world peace.

■ We believe if people can better understand other cultures, they are more tolerant and accepting of differences.

■ We believe that citizens of all countries need personal contacts with other peoples and cultures.

■ We believe in the need to ensure the enduring legacy of People to People International.

■ We believe that People to People International is fun! We believe in people!

When actor and director Gary Sinise and authorLaura Hillenbrand co-founded Operation IraqiChildren (OIC), they envisioned a way for every day

citizens to help school children in Iraq. But could

they have imagined that since its start, more than

200,000 school kits have been distributed in Iraq?

Thanks to you—PTPI Student Chapter members,

Student Ambassadors, Girl Scouts, Youth Groups—

their dream has become reality and has expanded

to include sporting equipment, toys, shoes and

blankets. Recently, 240 Girl Scouts assembled

kits and we hear from Student Ambassadors nearly

each week! Our youngest volunteer is 5-year-old

Jack, who asked his mom how he could help

the less fortunate. Together, they coordinated a sale, which raised $500 for

OIC. The members of PTPI’s global family thank all of our volunteers

for giving of yourselves to help others.

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These adjectives may all be used to describe Ahmed“Mickey” Roushdy, founder and president of PTPI’sPharaohs of Peace Student Chapter in Cairo, Egypt.

In April of this year, Mickey and his fellow chapter members celebrated their 1st Anniversary. This dynamicgroup of humanitarians support schools, orphanages, andthose in need, locally and internationally. It all started whenMickey participated in PTPI’s inaugural Peace Camp in 2003.Filled with enthusiasm and the spirit of volunteerism, hehas since embarked on a journey of peace. After establishingthe chapter, he participated in the 2004 Global Youth Forumand served as a Student Leader for Peace Camp 2005.

Mickey is equally comfortable meeting with world leaders, embracing local orphans, or hanging out withfriends. He joins in peace walks, plants trees, and engages

16 Our World

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit No, 4529

Kansas City, Missouri

People to People InternationalWorld Headquarters501 East Armour BoulevardKansas City, MO 64109-2200USA

P E A C E T H R O U G H U N D E R S T A N D I N G

Vol. 5, No. 2Fall/Winter 2005

Our World is published for People to People International youth members and adult leaders by PTPI World Headquarters, 501 E. Armour Blvd., Kansas City, MO 64109-2200 USA. 816.531.4701 phone816.561.7502 faxpublications@ptpi.orgwww.ptpi.org.

We welcome your news and photographs for this publication.

Today, as a NGO with a US, not-for-profit [501(c)(3)] tax rating,PTPI has a presence in more than135 countries with more than 80,000 families and individualsactively participating in People toPeople International programs.

Cynthia S. Spake, Editor

President/CEO MaryJean Eisenhowerapplauds the efforts ofAhmed “Mickey”Roushdy, founder andpresident of PTPI’sPharaohs of PeaceStudent Chapter.

Making a Difference: One Person at a Time

Son...Brother...Student... Activist... Environmentalist...

Peace Maker... Friend...with PTPI members the worldover by participating in conferences and videoconfer-ences, hosting internationalvisitors, or sending emails toshare information with hispeers. He signs each message“With Peace & Love, Mickey.”

For a closer look at PTPI’s Pharaohs of Peace StudentChapter, be sure to visit their Web site at www.pharaohsofpeace.8m.com. We applaud their efforts to enhancePeace through Understanding and look forward to manymore anniversary celebrations!

Peace & Love to you, Mickey. Thank you for Making aDifference: One Person at a Time. ■

“It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” — KAHLIL GIBRAN

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