In 2007, UPF launched its Peer Counselor Intern program by sending 30 college students to seven countries. The program in 2008 is expanding to twenty countries.
In addition, the UPF Character Education Initiative is launching programs in the US. Helping launch this, participating interns from last summer are speaking to schools, churches and community organizations. One, Ms. Abigail Sayre, who taught the Discovering the Real Me curriculum for six weeks in the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago, spoke recently to students at Schuylkill Haven High School in Pennsylvania.
Sharing her experiences with students studying Spanish and French, she was able to give insight into the importance of studying foreign languages; making smart, value-based decisions; the adventure of travel; and learning about other cultures.
US Interns
UPF is also bringing on board four interns to work on long-term program development projects including marketing and communications, grant research and development, and UN liaison. This team will support the field while gaining valuable work experience.
Discovering the Real Me Community-Based Programs
UPF is also initiating training programs in the US that will allow hosting churches or community organizations to adopt Character Education as an outreach program and by hosting it, to earn funds to help sustain this program. The curriculum is non-sectarian and so can be adopted and incorporated into any religious or secular environment. We will also be offering training programs to “certify” Character Education trainers to offer this training throughout the US.
Ambassadors for Peace Abroad
To augment our Peer Counselor program and to provide field-based training for Ambassadors for Peace and other community leaders, UPF is initiating a program that will match these Ambassadors with our Peer Counselors to serve and work overseas in the summer of 2008.