We are thrilled to say that we've already received a ton of interest in the upcoming Sierra Leone Summit (January 2008). Due to the increasing demand, we've posted the application below for your convenience.

GYPA%20Youth%20Summit%20app%282%29.doc

Looking forward to your application.

Sincerely,
The GYPA Sierra Leone '08 Summit Team

Dear Applicant,

We would like to extend an invitation to apply for the Global Youth Partnership for Africa’s upcoming Youth Summit: The Role of Youth in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone. From January 1st – 16th, fifteen university students from across the United States will have the unique opportunity to travel to Sierra Leone and explore first-hand the post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation processes at work in a country whose decade-long civil war ended only five years ago.

The end of the conflict brought with it dramatic challenges as well as opportunities. The purpose of this trip is to engage and promote youth, from Sierra Leone as well as the international community, as leaders in rebuilding this war-torn country. It is clear that youth will continue to be the driving forces behind development and peace-building in this fragile post-conflict environment. The goal of the Summit is to provide a platform for participants to explore the important role that youth can play in post-conflict Sierra Leone by sharing experiences, ideas, approaches, and strategies.

During the program, the student delegates will meet with political, academic, and cultural experts in fields such as development, conflict resolution, and post-conflict rehabilitation. Program participants will explore the many issues surrounding Sierra Leone’s development by engaging with local communities in dialogue, cultural exchange, and direct service. Participants will attend four days of meetings in Freetown with Sierra Leonean students focusing on the role of youth in conflict resolution and post-conflict development. We will also have in-depth discussions on topics such as democracy building, US-West African relations, and HIV/AIDS. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to travel to areas in the north and east to obtain a more in-depth perspective on how the country was affected by the conflict.

Applications, accepted on a rolling basis, are due by November 1st, 2007. Students with backgrounds in International or African Studies, Political Science, Economic Development, Conflict Resolution, and Communications are especially encouraged to apply. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to explore first-hand the issues facing Sierra Leone today and its prospects for peace, prosperity, and stability in the future.

Please contact Lana Kovnot, Sierra Leone Immersion Coordinator, lana@gypafrica.org for more information and an application.