Youth and Service
Ulan Bator, Mongolia—RYS helped on the construction of a 2-story kindergarten (for about 40 children) in a poor and remote area of Ulan Bator. Participants also did light construction work (with wood, cement and paint) inside and around the building, creating an outdoor toilet, making various toys for the children.
Chinautla, Guatemala—In Chinaulta, the RYS worked with mayor Paramo and city council to target an area where a new school is most urgently needed. They selected a newly settled community on top of a very hilly area. There the RYS began construction on a school while it also worked to widen the road to allow access by school bus.
Lira, Uganda—The series of projects launched this year by IRFF and RYS have helped attract the attention of the highest levels of Uganda government. The projects show that we are serious and capable of delivering a fine program that fits the needs of the country.
Lagos, Nigeria—Over sixty five religious leaders, social activities and concerned youth leaders from six nations helped inaugurate the first RYS Africa Rising Program in Lagos, Nigeria on April 1-2.
Bagahawatte, Sri Lanka—Participants helped construct a nursery school, create a playground, and landscape two school play areas.
Koggala Beach, Sri Lanka—As Friends Alumni Leadership Training immediately followed the RYS project and its purpose was to train a group of leaders that could return home an organize or support local RYS activities.
Belfast, Northern Ireland—Thirty-five RYS participants from twelve nations joined together to model and build a Peace Garden at the Columbanus Center for Reconciliation.
Cape Town, South Africa—RYS had its final project of the year which was timed to coincide with the World Parliament of Religion's and to demonstrate the spirit of religious and racial cooperation that can lead us into a new millennium of peace.
Cape Town, South Africa—RYS participants joined the World Parliament of Religion's and shared the intercultural and interfaith experience with some of the 7000 participants.
Batangas, Philippines—In late October, the RYS held its second project of the year in the state of Batangas in the Philippines. Based on the success of the first project, the RYS returned to tackle additional environmental work.
Ulan Bator, Mongolia—In late August, thirty-five RYS participants trekked to the intriguingly beautiful nation of Mongolia. Participants worked in two teams in Ulan Bator with the first helping on the repairs of a monastery. A second work site was at a school where participants helped build a small playground, construct a toilet, painted and landscaped the school grounds.
Tegucigalpa, Honduras— July began with Honduras hosting a major international RYS project as part of the Friendship America's Project. This program brought together youth from fourteen nations in North and South America as part of an effort to promote religious and cultural understanding.