Delhi, India - UPF-India offered a variety of educational programs during 2010. Around 700 youth volunteers attended Peace Principles seminars. Character education programs were offered to 1,500 students. The Mission Self-Empowerment Project was launched with 16 college students committed to becoming leaders of positive social change. Peace education was offered to 194 National Service Scheme volunteers.
Seminars on Peace Principles teach the UPF-Founder’s vision for building a world of lasting peace. Mr. Krishna Adhikari was the main lecturer and conducted several levels of workshops in Sikkim and Delhi.
Character Education Seminars promote morals and ethics. Mr. David McLackland, Educational Director of UPF-India, pioneered a character education program for about 1,500 students in 30 schools, focusing on 12th-grade students.
The Mission Self-Empowerment Project was launched by UPF-Sikkim with the aim to produce a corps of student leaders who are capable of making positive social change and solving various social problems through living for the sake of others, upholding high standards, and exemplifying a principled and moral ethical lifestyle. UPF-Sikkim selected 16 students out of 200 applicants who attended different levels of seminars and admitted them to the Institute of Mission Self Empowerment. The program includes college tuition, free food and accommodations, and training in skill development and capacity building. This program is underwritten by financial support from the UPF-Sikkim committee members and other UPF Ambassadors for Peace.
Education for the underprivileged. UPF-India helps provide education for underprivileged children, paying private-school tuition for 17 school students from Mongolpuri, a slum of Delhi.
National Service Scheme. UPF-Asia Director of Peace Education, Dr. Robert S. Kittel, was invited by Jamia Millia University of New Delhi to educate 194 National Service Scheme volunteers from all over India who were selected to participate in the Republic Day Parade. This annual parade is held January 26 at the Raj Path, the ceremonial boulevard in Delhi.
Note: The National Service Scheme is a government-sponsored voluntary community service organization launched in 1969. Currently, 2.6 million students in universities throughout India are part of this two-year program. During this time, they offer 120 hours of work and attend at least one residential camp in which they serve village people.