This summer GYPA will send 40 American students to Africa to meet with their counterparts in Uganda and Cameroon. These Immersion trips will give American students the unique opportunity to explore the role of youth in development, peace-building, and health promotion first-hand. Our goal is to expand international youth networks, encourage greater understanding about Africa, and inspire an ongoing dialogue and partnership between young American and African leaders. Participants will engage in discussions regarding conflict resolution, economic development, post-conflict rehabilitation, HIV/AIDS, and gender issues, among others. Students with backgrounds or interests in any of the above fields are encouraged to apply!

Interested students may apply to just one or all three of the programs. Applications, accepted on a rolling basis, are due no later than Tuesday, April 3, 2007. Please feel free to contact the Program Coordinators listed below with any further questions. Thanks!

Cameroon Immersion: Youth, Development, and the MDGs (June 10 — 26, 2007)

Cameroon has largely existed under the radar of the international community since achieving independence because it remains one of the most peaceful and prosperous countries in West Africa. However, Cameroon also demonstrates many of the same challenges as its neighbors; every day its population faces complex issues such as poverty, HIV/AIDS, poor infrastructure, and corruption. In September 2000, world leaders came together to establish a global commitment to achieving responsible, sustainable change. The UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set standards regarding education, health, and the environment, among others, that Cameroon is working to achieve. This Immersion will explore how Cameroonian youth are at the forefront of development efforts, and are utilizing creative, pragmatic, and innovative tools to achieve the MDGs and improve their country.

Fifteen American students will be selected to participate in the Cameroon Immersion. They will meet with their counterparts to explore the political, economic, and social successes as well as challenges facing Cameroon. Participants will meet with leaders in government, civil society, and the international NGOs who are experts in West African development. Additionally, participants will engage in community service projects alongside Cameroon's Youths and Students Forum for Peace (CAMYOSFOP), a group dedicated to educating youth and the general public about human rights and conflict resolution. Students will also have the incredibly unique opportunity to interact with delegates to the first African Youth Forum for Peace, a conference in Yaoundé that will mobilize youth leaders from across the continent as peace-builders.

Program Description (DOC)
Application (DOC)

Contact Carrie Stefansky (carrie@gypafrica.org) for more information.

Uganda Immersion: Youth, Development, and Peace-Building (July 2 — 18, 2007)

Uganda faces dramatic challenges, including poverty, political marginalization, and HIV/AIDS; however, it is also at a crossroads. This fall, peace talks brought about a cessation of hostilities in the 20-year civil war in northern Uganda. Now is a critical time to examine the many questions that remain regarding reconstruction and rehabilitation and, particularly, the role youth can play in solving them. What factors brought about a transformation in the conflict? What role do Ugandans see for the international community in the post-conflict environment? How can Uganda help to provide stability of the Great Lakes region? What steps need to be taken to protect and provide for vulnerable populations, such as refugees, internally displaced persons, and orphans?

The Immersion will provide a first-hand look at Uganda through dialogue, cultural exchange, and direct service. Students will gain a unique perspective on issues such as economic development, democracy-building, and transitional justice. The program will include opportunities to meet directly with community-based organizations, international non-governmental organizations, and other young leaders in Kampala and northern Uganda.

Program Description (DOC)
Application (DOC)

Contact Carrie Stefansky (carrie@gypafrica.org) for more information.

Uganda Immersion: Youth, Development, and Health (August 2 — 18, 2007)

Uganda was one of the first countries in the world to come face-to-face with the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic; it was also one of the first to respond successfully to control its spread. As a result, Uganda has been heralded as a model across Sub-Saharan Africa. The Uganda Immersion will focus on the following questions: What role did the Government’s strategy play in combating HIV/AIDS? How has the international community assisted in Uganda’s fight against other dramatic health challenges such as malaria and tuberculosis? What effect does the 20-year civil war in North Uganda have on the various health problems facing the country? What tools do grassroots and civil-society organizations utilize to improve access to health care and treatment? How are women and children affected differently by health crises? What can you do to help?

The Immersion will also examine many other interrelated issues facing Uganda, such as post-conflict development, poverty alleviation, and democracy-building. Participants will have a unique first-hand experience in Uganda by interacting with a wide variety of people on the ground. The program will include direct service with community-based organizations, international non-governmental organizations, and young leaders from Kampala and northern Uganda.

Program Description (DOC)
Application (DOC)

Contact Katie Spencer (katie@gypafrica.org) for more information.

For information about past trips, please visit our Student Global Ambassadors page.