Youth and Service
Bangladesh, Zambia - International Relief Friendship Foundation chapters in Zambia and Bangladesh held ceremonies in early 2009 to present scholarships to students at schools they support.
The people hope that the new strategy of US President Barack Obama and the international community can bring a new, effective policy for the benefit of the Afghan people. The only ones who are benefiting from the old policy are those who are corrupt. The middle class and the poor people have no chance to develop. They only become more and more poor, affected by the continuous increases in prices and lacking any opportunities for adequate jobs.
Washington, DC, USA - The Million Acts of Service and Kindness campaign is springing into the new year with efforts all around the United States. In keeping with the spring season, the current theme is "A Million Blooms." The campaign began at the Global Peace Festival in August 2008 and will continue throughout 2009 in partnership with the Points of Light Foundation. It has an interfaith and youth focus and is striving for sustainable service that produces positive social change. Youth of all faiths are invited to lead and to participate.
Beirut, Lebanon - Lebanese Ambassadors for Peace organized a drawing competition for high school seniors with the theme, “My vision for the Lebanon I want my children to grow up in.” Winners were announced at the March 23 program in Beirut linked with the UN International Year of Reconciliation.
Blantyre, Malawi - The UPF Peace Message was delivered at the Polytechnic Campus of the University of Malawi on March 21, 2009, followed by a clean-up of the Mudi River and planting of 200 trees.
Nairobi, Kenya - The International Young Leaders Summit of the Universal Peace Federation and the Youth Federation for World Peace took place March 19-21 in Nairobi, Kenya with the theme: “The Role of Young Leaders in Achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals and Peace Building in Africa.” Kenya Jaycees President Vincent Rapando reported that this was the first event of its kind in Kenya.
Hardly did we know that the tree-planting project along the Nairobi River would become such a lively event with energetic volunteers from all over Nairobi and its environs working consistently in a display of unity.
Chisinau, Moldova - Young leaders from all sectors of Moldovan society assembled for a Summit on Peace and Development.
Nairobi, Kenya - Hundreds of young leaders and professionals from all over Africa and the world converged on the United Nations Office in Nairobi, Kenya on March 20 to launch a movement of Young Ambassadors for Peace and to gain the knowledge and tools to successfully build peace and achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals.
Rasoun, Jordan - This year's Discover True Friendship Tour features a project in the village of Rasoun, Jordan, July 8-22. Join us as we renovate the local boys’ and girls’ primary schools and improve the quality of life of the community’s children.
Berlin, Germany - A seminar and playground painting project began in Berlin on March 13, 2009, with the theme Perspectives for Peace for the 21st Century.
Delhi, India - A series of service projects took place Feb. 22 and 28, 2009, in collaboration with the National Service Scheme, including cleaning up the Yamuna River (a tributary of the Ganges) and painting a government school and slum houses.