GYPA is thrilled to announce the dates and themes for its Summer 2008 Immersions. See abbreviated descriptions below.

Applications will be available here beginning: January 18, 2008, please check back with the GYPA website then.

Application deadline for both Immersions is: April 10, 2008

GYPA International Art School Immersion
Dates: June 2 - 20, 2008
Hosted in cooperation with the Nagenda International Academy of Art and Design (NIAAD), under the coordination of Dr. Maria Kizito Kasule.



The purpose of this trip is to engage and promote art in Uganda and to teach American young artists the significance of East African Art in the modern art world. Participants will gain a global and inclusive perspective of African Art by participating in both educational art history courses and in courses directly related to various hands-on art work. Courses will be taught by some of Uganda’s leading artists as well as an array of distinguished Fine Art and Art Historian Professors from Makerere University, Uganda’s largest and most prestigious university. Courses will include topics such as the History of Contemporary East African Art, African Art’s Influence on the Development of Modern European Art, Pre-Colonial History of East Africa, Drawing, Sculpture, Painting, Textile designing/Fabric decoration, and Jewelry Design.


GYPA More Than A Game! Sports for Social Change Immersion
Dates: June 14 - June 29, 2008
Hosted in cooperation with the Global Youth Partnership for Africa office in Kampala, Uganda


More Than A Game! The Sports for Social Change Immersion will take place in June 2008 in Kampala, Uganda. The first program of its kind to take place in Africa, More Than A Game! will bring 15 American and 15 Ugandan students together in Kampala, Uganda to examine the emerging role of sports in development and social change, and establish a network of young leaders who promote peace, education and healthy living through sport. We anticipate that the friendships established between the young leaders will lead to partnerships and projects that support war-affected communities in Uganda and under-served communities in the United States.

This program is more than just an exchange: More Than A Game! serves as a platform for dialogue and open-exchange for youth with leaders in Government, Civil Society, health and international development. The Immersion will also reach out to Uganda’s national sports associations to learn more about their efforts and future plans and direction. As part of the program, we will host discussions on topics such as:

• The Social and Economic Impact of Sport in Society
• Advocacy and Leadership Through Sport
• Sport and Gender
• The Role of Sport in Building Community
• Sports and Mental and Physical Health

It was a great connection that only required a phone call to solidify what will be a great partnership. You can't help but love Dan Austin's enthusiasm as he talks about his brilliant concept, 88bikes to bring bikes to children living in developing countries.

Last year, his organization, 88Bikes, brought bikes to children living in Cambodia. It was through his friendship with the director of the film War Dance that Dan sought to bring his effort to Uganda. GYPA is now assisting 88Bikes to deliver their bikes to Uganda this coming December.

As their website says, "It doesn't always take a massive relief organization to tip the scales for joy and sustainability in places where children and young adults are challenged to be their own heroes."

88bikes was founded by brothers Dan Austin and Jared Austin, and their friend Nick Arauz. Dan is a writer and filmmaker based in Brooklyn, NY. Jared is the pediatric chief resident at the University of Minnesota. Nick is an social media entrepreneur in Brooklyn NY.

88 Bikes provides a simple and direct opportunity to make a difference for a young person in the world: buy a child a bike!

In 2006, more than 105 people participated in our small campaign to buy 88 bikes for the 88 kids at the Palm Tree Orphanage in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Stay tuned for more updates about this incredible project.