Youth and Service
Jerusalem, Israel - A Religious Youth Service project in Jerusalem Dec. 18-22, 2013, brought together 41 participants from 15 nations for a program of interfaith education, leadership training and community service.
Nuwara-Eliya, Sri Lanka - A Religious Youth Service project in Walapane, central Sri Lanka, Dec. 13-20, 2013, included educational presentations, leadership development, learning about Sri Lanka's diverse religions and constructing a floor for a village medical clinic.
Moscow, Russia - How to stimulate volunteerism was the main topic for about 200 representatives from Russian NGOs, businesses and government who met at the 10th All-Russia Conference on Volunteerism. The conference, titled "Development Strategy for Volunteerism in Russia—2020 Road Map,” was held on Nov. 11, in the Russian Federation Civic Chamber building in Moscow.
Volunteers from Japan and South Korea visited Ukraine in November 2013 at the invitation of the Universal Peace Federation. The purpose of the delegation's stay in Ukraine was to take part in international volunteer activities, initiate charitable projects and meet volunteers in various cities of Ukraine.
Kampung Pos Raya, Malaysia - About 100 people from one of Malaysia’s aboriginal tribes received a free health screening organized by UPF-Malaysia on Nov. 23, 2013, in the Simpang Pulai area of Ipoh, the capital of Perak state.
Pokhara, Nepal - A Religious Youth Service project in Pokhara Nov. 24-30, 2013, included community-based volunteer work, educational presentations, interfaith and community visits, interactive programs and cross-cultural learning experiences.
UPF chapters in Russia, Estonia, Georgia, Germany and Azerbaijan offered educational programs on the UN International Day for Tolerance, Nov. 16, 2013.
UPF is appealing for aid to victims of Typhoon Haiyan that struck the Philippines Nov. 7, 2013, creating massive destructive loss of life and displacement of persons without adequate water, housing or sanitation.
Qawra, Malta - Thirty-six young people from the United Kingdom, Finland, Austria, Italy, Malta, Tunisia, Egypt, Israel and Palestine gathered in Malta Oct. 20-27 to share experiences and explore perspectives on the topic of creating “real social change.”
Buenos Aires, Argentina - A colorful art festival and day of solidarity in Buenos Aires on Oct. 19 raised funds for UPF-Argentina's many initiatives and activities. Anticipating Mother’s Day, which was celebrated the following day, UPF's Peace Embassy featured displays of artwork and international cuisine for people to sample while enjoying lively music and dance numbers.
New Delhi, India - St. Stephen's College of the University of Delhi hosted a Religious Youth Service project Dec. 16-22, 2013, that included renovating a shelter for children in the slums.
Bazhov Sites Park, Russia - A 140 m long tourist route was laid out by volunteers in the “Bazhov Sites” Natural Park in the Russian Urals from August 23 to 25.