Global Youth Partnership for Africa

A Red Ball is Changing Lives

2008-08-04T04:20:00.002-04:00

This month, a landmark event will take place in Uganda: the selection of the 1st All Female Homeless World Cup team, who will represent their country at the Inaugural Female Homeless World Cup in Melbourne, Australia (December 1 – 7, 2008). Through the generous support of the Homeless World Cup, the players and coaches will have their airfare and accommodation covered entirely. Gomo Tong Football Club, representing Uganda at the Homeless World Cup in Cape Town 2006, Copenhagen 2007, is sponsored by Kevin Carroll Katalyst.

I first met the Kataylst in September 2004 at the Uganda North American Association (UNAA) Conference in Seattle, Washington, DC. This was shortly after my second trip to Uganda and you could say that I was on a “fundraising-spree and speaking-spree” My efforts were, similar to today, focused on sport and leadership programming for youth and community empowerment programs in one of Africa’s most densely populated slums, Namuwongo. In advance of the event, I reviewed the conference schedule looking for people who may be interested to support my efforts. Kevin’s name and title “Katalyst” immediately caught my attention. So, off to the UNAA Youth Forum I went, and the rest is history. It’s hard not be drawn to Kevin’s personal story from the playground in Philly chasing the red ball to the global stage. His genuine charm and ability to tap into your passion drives you to dream BIG

However, who’d ever have predicted, that nearly 4 years later, I would find myself in Uganda with 300 Kevin Carroll Katalyst Red Soccer Balls and Red Rubber Balls, and preparing to do the largest Ball Drop in the country’s history to celebrate Kevin’s mantra, “A Ball Can Change Your Life” and the Sports for Social Change Movement.

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In conjunction with the selection of Gomo Tong Football Club for the Melbourne Homeless World Cup, I am with the Global Youth Partnership for Africa Uganda Country Office, Sports for Social Change Red Ball Drops. From Kampala to Rakai to Jinja to Gulu, Gomo Tong Football Club players who traveled to Cape Town and Copenhagen for the Homeless World Cup, and the newly selected Team for Melbourne will mobilize communities, local leaders, schools to participate and embrace the role of sports for development in their communities and country, and that “A ball can change your life.”

According to his website, Kevin’s special edition Red Soccer Ball and Red Rubber Ball represents what grabs you by the soul and captures your imagination. These customized soccer and playground balls were created by Molten USA Inc. (also a sponsor of Beijing Olympics) exclusively for Kevin. The Red Rubber Ball represents any activity, topic or purpose that excites and inspires you each day. Mark your moment of discovering what inspires you with this tangible reminder of your daily "chase" and your quest to turn your DREAM into a reality.

The timing of these ball drops, in my opinion, couldn’t be better. With the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics just a few days away (August 8), celebrating Uganda’s local Olympians and honoring them in the spirit of play and sport, we will aim, through Kevin’s leadership, organizations like the Homeless World Cup, and our team Gomo Tong Football Club, to expand the power of sport and play across Uganda.

Photos, stories and other commentary from the field will appear throughout this week. Stay tuned.

GYPA Founder Speaks at Global Youth Leadership Conference

2008-07-31T08:43:00.002-04:00

Founder and Director of the Global Youth Partnership for Africa, Jeremy Goldberg, spoke to over 400 high-school students from 62 countries on Monday, July 28th in Washington, DC.

The event, coordinated and hosted by the Global Youth Leadership Conference, which is under the umbrella of the Congressional Youth Leadership Conference, brings together young people from around the world to develop leadership skills, to exchange ideas with their peers. In addition, the group meets with leaders in government, private sector, education and civil society.

Goldberg's hour long presentation and Q&A focused on encouraging students to pursue their ideas, dreams and passions for international work. Specifically, he remarked about his own story. That finding your passion, and chasing your dream is the first step to achieving your dreams (something he credits to great mentors and supporters like Kevin Carroll Katalyst, and young African leaders who have inspired him).

GYPA would like to thank GYLC for this great opportunity and looks forward to participating in future GYLC programs.

Kevin Carroll's New Book - WYRRB

2008-07-25T15:21:00.002-04:00

Kevin Carroll Katalyst, friend, mentor and donor to the Global Youth Partnership for Africa's Gomo Tong Football Club, launched his second book, "What's Your Red Rubber Ball?" discover your inspiration and chase it for a lifetime!

You can check out his musings at KatalystAtLarge.com and also at ESPN Page 2. His recent post about how he came to write this book, "What's Your Red Rubber Ball?! adds to the unwavering excitement to sit down and read his newest book, but to continue to chase your dreams!

Congratulations Kevin! An inspiration to all!

ENGAGE Uganda and GYPA Partner for social change in Uganda

2008-07-01T09:16:00.001-04:00

GYPA and ENGAGE Uganda have once again partnered to bring students from Northwestern University to Uganda.

What is ENGAGE Uganda

ENGAGE Uganda is a summer study abroad program that helps students learn about international development and improve their capacity to create global change by partnering them with nonprofits in Uganda.

Each year, 15-20 Northwestern University students work in teams to collaborate with Ugandan-led organizations focusing on issues including youth issues, leadership, post-conflict issues, health, economic empowerment, and more. The program involves four total courses focused on topics including history and politics of Uganda, international development, and the theory and practice of community consulting.

Spending 9 weeks in Uganda, the inaugural 2007 class of ENGAGE Uganda worked with the Charity for Rural Development in Gulu, Organization for Rural Development (via Foundation for Sustainable Development) in Jinja, and the Global Youth Partnership for Africa in Kampala.

Who is involved

ENGAGE students range across all disciplines, including engineering, journalism, political science, education and social policy, and more. The majority are rising sophomores and juniors.

ENGAGE faculty include experts on Uganda and Africa more broadly, humanitarian aid, conflict and post-conflict issues, and community development and consulting.

Our partner organizations are mostly small Ugandan-led nonprofit organizations. In 2008, they include:

Organization for Rural Development – Jinja

ORUDE helps farmers in the Jinja area organize to access micro-credit loans and develop local savings institutions. Their ultimate goal is a system of farmer-owned banks to maintain and create wealth throughout Uganda. The Jinja site is organized by the Foundation for Sustainable Development.

World Vision – Masaka

World Vision is one of the largest nongovernmental development organizations in the world, and focuses on issues including health, children’s rights, and post-conflict rehabilitation. The Masaka site is organized by the Foundation for Sustainable Development.

St. Monica Gulu Girls Tailoring Center – Gulu

St. Monica Gulu Girls Tailoring Center provides technical training for former abductees and women affected by the long-running civil war in northern Uganda. It was honored with a CNN Heroes award in 2007.

Global Youth Partnership for Africa – Kampala

GYPA fosters connections between American and African youth through exchange trips, sports, and shared service. In Uganda, GYPA supports the efforts of community development programs in a number of Kampala slums, with a special focus on using sports to develop the leadership capacities of local youth.

ENGAGE Namuwongo 2007

In 2007, the Kampala team partnered with GYPA Peer Educators to develop the “ENGAGE Namuwongo” program. The 5-week life skills program utilized soccer to engage 50 local youth from age 11-14 in peer mentorship and critical thinking.

The 11-14 years olds were divided into teams of 7-10. Each team had a Northwestern student and at least two peer mentors as coach and guide. On Mondays and Wednesdays, the teams would practice and play soccer and/or netball. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the peer educators or guests would conduct basic workshops on issues such as health awareness.

At the end of the program, the entire community was invited to a final tournament where the teams competed for glory. The GYPA peer educators have continued a version of the program throughout the year.

This year’s student team will work with the GYPA Uganda staff, peer educators, and local community members to determine how they can best add value to ongoing efforts.

To view photos of their work in Uganda visit:
http://flickr.com/photos/nlw/sets/72157605848270671/

GYPA Receives Google Grant

2008-06-23T22:59:00.003-04:00

Global Youth Partnership for Africa is a recipient of a Google Grant award.

The Google Grants program supports organizations sharing Google's philosophy of community service to help the world in areas such as science and technology, education, global public health, the environment, youth advocacy, and the arts.

Designed for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, Google Grants is a unique in-kind advertising program harnessing the power of Google AdWords advertising product. Google Grants has awarded AdWords advertising to hundreds of non-profit groups whose missions range from animal welfare to literacy, from supporting homeless children to promoting HIV education.

For More Information Visit: http://www.google.com/grants/index.html

Team Gomo Tong Gets Shout Out at ESPN

2008-06-13T16:45:00.002-04:00

Agent for social change and friend and partner of GYPA's Team Gomo Tong, Kevin Carroll recently mentioned Team Gomo Tong in his ESPN Page 2 article about the Homeless World Cup documentary film Kicking It

http://sportsnation.espn.go.com/fans/Katalyst4Sport/blog/posts/56974

If you are in NYC, LA or DC do check out the film Directed by Susan Koch and Produced by Ted Leonsis.

Opens June 13
New York
City Cinemas Village East
181 2nd Avenue
Box Office: (212) 529-6998

Opens June 27
Los Angeles
Laemmle’s Sunset 5
8000 Sunset Blvd.
West Hollywood
Box Office: (323) 848-3500

Opens June 27
Washington DC
Landmark’s E Street Cinema
555 11th Street NW Washington
Box Office: (202) 452-7672

Support Your Homeless World Cup Team

2008-06-11T10:23:00.002-04:00

The Homeless World Cup has confirmed the Global Youth Partnership for Africa's "Team Gomo Tong" participation in the 2008 Homeless World Cup in Melbourne, Australia. Team Gomo Tong will participate in the first ever: "Female Homeless World Cup."

Team Gomo Tong will organize a team of seven young women with the objective to both bring the cup to Uganda, but also to develop new relationships and friendships with players from around the world.

The 1st Female Homeless World Cup will feature teams from:
Cameroon, Colombia, Kyrgz Republic, Ivory Coast, Philipines, Paraguay and Zambia.

As part of our Girls Kick It! program, GYPA will commence recruitment, education, training and futbol practice by this Summer 2008.

For more information about the Homeless World Cup visit: www.homelessworldcup.org

If you are interested to donate or support Team Gomo Tong, please contact us at: http://gypafrica.org/donate.php

GYPA Alumni Network Rack Up Awards and Accolades

2008-04-09T09:59:00.001-04:00

Dear Friends,

It is a great honor to spread some wonderful news about the GYPA Alumni Network. Several past and current GYPA Africa based partners, Immersion participants, Immersion Program Coordinators and Community Fellows, were recently awarded some of the most prestigious awards in the fields of international peace building, education, research and development in Africa and Latin America:

Mr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai (Founder and ED of Society for Democratic Initiatives)
"Reagan-Fascell Fellowship" 2009-2010
Awarded by National Endowment for Democracy and International Forum for Peace Studies
Country: Sierra Leone

Ms. Anna Phillips (Founder of Girls Kick It!, Current)
"Fulbright" - (2008-09)
Project Location: Uganda

George Washington University Presidential Management Fellowship" (2008-2010)
George Washington University

Ms. Carrie Stefansky (GYPA Program Coordinator US, Sierra Leone, Uganda , 2006-2008)
"Insight Collaborative Fellowship" (2008-09)
Project Location: The Hague, Liberia and Indonesia

Mr. Corey LaPlante (GYPA Uganda Immersion, 2004)
"Fulbright" (2008-09)
Project Location: Peru

Ms. Halle Butvin (GYPA Program Coordinator US and Uganda, 2006 - 2007)
"Kaitlyn Wasserman Davis Award for Peace" Awarded to "One Mango Tree" (2008)
Project Location; Uganda

Ms. Julie Carney (GYPA Immersion Coordinator Cameroon, 2007)
"JP Morgan Good Venture Competition" Awarded to "Gardens for Health Initiative" (2008)
Project Location: Rwanda

Mr. Quinn Rawlins (GYPA Youth Summit Sierra Leone, 2007)
"Rhodes Scholarship" - Finalist (2008-09)

Ms. Rebecca Littman (GYPA Volunteer Uganda, 2006)
"The Watson Fellowship" (2008-09)
Project Location: Sierra Leone, Liberia, Senegal, Guinea

Mr. Ryan Schuette (GYPA Global Kimeeza Uganda, 2006)
"Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship" (2008-09)
Project Location: Uganda

Ms. Shaina Shealy (GYPA Global Kimeeza II Uganda, 2007)
"George Washington University Rice Fellowship" (Summer 2008)
Project Location: Uganda

Congrats to all of those listed in this email, and for all of those not listed we want to highlight your efforts, please send us an email, we want to be sure to recognize your hard work! info@gypafrica.org

Team Gomo Tong Featured in ESPN Page 2

2008-02-09T18:45:00.001-05:00

GYPA's Katalyst, Kevin Carroll, recently wrote a great feature piece about the Homeless World Cup documentary film, "Kicking It." Kevin was out at Sundance last week and attended the premiere. Kevin is also now a guest contributor to ESPN's Page 2.

The article is well worth the read for those who are fans or the Homeless World Cup and especially for those who don't yet know about the Homeless World Cup.

Check it out here: ESPN%20Article%20-%202-8-2008.pdf

And, Katalyst, thanks for the shout out!

Countdown to Oz!

2008-01-31T21:55:00.000-05:00

Dateline Kampala.......

The Homeless World Cup has confirmed the Global Youth Partnership for Africa's "Team Gomo Tong" participation in the 2008 Homeless World Cup in Melbourne, Australia. Team Gomo Tong will participate in the first ever: "Female Homeless World Cup."

Team Gomo Tong will organize a team of seven young women with the objective to both bring the cup to Uganda, but also to develop new relationships and friendships with players from around the world.

The 1st Female Homeless World Cup will feature teams from:
Cameroon, Colombia, Kyrgz Republic, Ivory Coast, Philipines, Paraguay and Zambia.

As part of our Girls Kick It! program, GYPA will commence recruitment, education, training and futbol practice by this Summer 2008.

For more information about the Homeless World Cup visit: www.homelessworldcup.org

If you are interested to donate or support Team Gomo Tong, please contact us at: info@gypafrica.org

More Than A Game! Immersion Application

2008-01-18T14:16:00.001-05:00

Dear Applicants,

We are pleased to provide you with the More Than A Game! Sports for Social Change Immersion Application.

Please download the application here More%20Than%20A%20Game%21%20Final%20Draft.doc

Application Fees and Program Payments can be made at the following link on the GYPA website: http://gypafrica.org/donate.php

Other important details

More Than A Game! Sports for Social Change Immersion
June 14– 29, 2008
Kampala, Uganda

The More Than A Game! Immersion will bring 15 American and 15 Ugandan university 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 sports. We anticipate that the friendships established between the young leaders will lead to partnerships and projects that support war-affected communities in Uganda.

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. The More Than A Game 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.

The Immersion is open to all university students. African Studies, International Affairs, International Development, and College Athletes are encouraged to apply.

Contact Anna Phillips for more information at: anna@gypafrica.org Phone: 858.254.8810

International Art Academy Immersion Application

2008-01-18T14:11:00.000-05:00

Dear Applicants,

We are pleased to provide you with the International Art School Immersion Application.

Please download the application here Art_Immersion_Application_final_version.doc

Application Fees and Program Payments can be made at the following link on the GYPA website: http://gypafrica.org/donate.php

Other important details

International Art Academy Immersion
June 2– 20, 2008
Entebbe, Uganda

This June, fifteen American artists and students between the ages of 18-26 will be selected to participate in GYPA’s International Art School Immersion. This is a unique opportunity to learn from Uganda’s best and brightest artists and instructors from the Makerere University School of Industrial and Fine Arts. The Art School will take place on the shores of Lake Victoria at the Nagenda International Academy of Art and Design (NIAAD).

Since the founding of the School of Fine Arts in 1937, Uganda’s Makerere University has been East Africa’s leader in innovative fine arts education, production and scholarship. Located in Kampala the capital of Uganda, Makerere was initially founded as a colonial university that provided resource, guidance and inspiration to many local fine artists. (Today, Makerere continues to do so as a national university.) The enablement of creative artistic freedom allowed for the emergence of the “Ugandan School” of art in the 1960’s, bringing into art African scenery and figurative themes such as traditional and modern influences. This movement expanded in the 1970’s into Kenya and helped to define East Africa’s emerging modern art movement as the Ugandan School gained international recognition.

The originality and high level of work produced at Makerere University was a historical and cultural landmark for Uganda and the art world. Today, the Makerere Industrial and Fine Arts department teaches a blend of European and African technique and materials.

Art School participants will experience a 2.5 week art-intensive program focusing on a variety topics including: African fine art techniques in disciplines such as painting, drawing and sculpture; African art history; African culture and its encouragement of industriousness and artistic expression; and more. These courses will take place in a variety of class settings that will include the incorporation of Uganda’s lush and beautiful landscapes.

Contact International Art School Immersion Coordinator, Sharon Wolf for more information: info@gypafrica.org and sharon@gypafrica.org, Phone: 847.769.1338

GYPA Sierra Leone Ambassador Feature Story

2008-01-16T08:06:00.001-05:00

Hanna Schwing, daughter of Spring residents Sandra and Paul Schwing, has been selected to travel to Sierra Leone as a Youth Ambassador for Peace and Development

January 8, 2008
The Villager
Houston Community Newspaper
http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?
newsid=19181632&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=532542&rfi=6

Schwing, a student at the University of North Texas, is attending the Global Youth Partnership for Africa's upcoming youth summit called "The Role of Youth in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone" until Jan. 16.

She is one of only 15 university students from across the nation that have been picked for the unique opportunity to travel to Sierra Leone and explore firsthand the post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation processes at work in a country whose decade-long civil war ended only five years ago.

The website for the Global Youth Partnership for Africa identifies itself as a nonprofit organization "dedicated to fostering understanding, appreciation and respect between young American and African leaders."

Schwing is majoring in international studies with a concentration in regional studies in Africa and international development and carrying a double minor in peace studies and French, so it was only natural that she would want to attend this summit.

"I decided to apply for the summit at the suggestion of a fellow advocate, Ryan Schuette, who had attended a previous summit in Uganda with GYPA," she explained. "I have been involved in lobbying, raising awareness and fundraising for several African issues and organizations, and I ultimately want to work in Africa. I felt that I needed to experience Africa for myself, and the summit focuses on many of the issues I am interested in, including human rights, post-conflict reconstruction, transitive justice, development, HIV/AIDS and gender discrimination. It seems like the perfect opportunity for me."

During the trip, Schwing and the other students will meet with political, academic and cultural experts in fields such as development, conflict resolution and post-conflict rehabilitation.

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 Leone students focusing on the role of youth in conflict resolution and post-conflict development. They will also spend time visiting and meeting the nation's leaders in government and civil societies as well as representatives from international non-governmental organizations who are experts in African development.

Schwing's personal expectations seem to fall in line with the program goals.
"Almost everyone who I have spoken to about traveling to Africa has talked about how it changed their perspective on life. I expect to be changed in some way and to some degree," she said. "I expect this experience to be crucial to my future. I also hope to represent U.S. youth in a positive way while I am there and do my part to build ties between the U.S. and Sierra Leone."

Schwing has also exhibited her great interest in Africa on the UNT campus. She, along with Lindsey Bengfort, another student chosen to go to Sierra Leone, started a UNT student organization, Africanists United.

The organization brings speakers to campus to discuss issues facing African nations. They also helped to organize the first Gulu Walk in Dallas, which raised money to support children in northern Uganda.

©Houston Community Newspapers Online 2008

GYPA Ambassador and Hamilton Unversity Student Feature

2008-01-16T08:01:00.000-05:00

Students Awarded Grants From Steven Daniel Smallen Memorial Fund, Class of '79

http://www.hamilton.edu/news/more_news/display.cfm?ID=13204

Eight Hamilton students have received grants from the Academic Council to pursue research in upcoming projects. The recipients of grants from the Steven Daniel Smallen Memorial Fund are Mark Ducommun '10, Charlie Kaplan '11, Rachel Richardson '09, Katie Naughton '08, Casey Bloomquist '10, James Head '08 and Sandra Chiu '08. The Fund aims to encourage student creativity among Hamilton students by providing funds for projects displaying originality, expressiveness and imagination. David and Ann Smallen established the fund in 1993 in memory of their son, Steven. Smallen studied at Hamilton for a year while receiving treatment for leukemia, before losing his battle with cancer in 1992.

Sarah Moore '09, Katie Naughton and Rachel Richardson and have also been selected as recipients of the Class of 1979 Student Travel Award. The award, established by the alumni of Hamilton's Class of 1979, allows Hamilton students to pursue academic endeavors that would not be possible without additional financial assistance.

The topics of the students' projects are:

Sarah Moore, also a recipient of the Student Travel Award, will use her award to travel to Sierra Leone to attend the 2008 Youth Summit hosted by the Global Youth Partnership for Africa (GYPA). GYPA provides a platform for youth within North American and Africa to gain cross-cultural insight, hone leadership, advocacy and diplomacy skills.

• Mark Ducommun and Charlie Kaplan will use the award to assist in their explorations in a professional recording project.
• Rachel Richardson and Katie Naughton will collaborate on Literary Landscapes, Unison and State: A Multi-Genre Interstate Narrative, in which the two will travel across the country writing their own travelogue.
• Casey Bloomquist will work on Exploring the Reality of the Border Conflict Through the Visual Image, a project that he will research by spending one month traveling along the Mexican-American border creating a photographic representation of the border struggle.
• James Head and his band, Headband, will use the award to assist in the production of a professional demo CD.
• Sandra Chiu will bring a student-collaborated mural to campus in her project, Community Mural Project: Bringing Art from Dark to Light.

Student Travel Fund
Contact: Holly Foster
Phone: (315) 859-4068
December 5, 2007

GYPA Ambassadors and University of North Texas Students Feature Story

2008-01-16T07:59:00.000-05:00

Students to spend part of winter break on Youth Ambassador trip in Sierra Leone
November 20, 2007
http://web3.unt.edu/news/story.cfm?story=10767

DENTON (UNT), Texas -- Two University of North Texas international studies students will spend part of their winter break visiting Sierra Leone in a Youth Ambassador trip sponsored by Global Youth Partnership for Africa.

The Global Youth Partnership for Africa, or GYPA, is a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C., that has a goal of fundamentally changing the way Americans understand and engage with Africa. GYPA accomplishes this by fostering relationships between accomplished and emerging youth leaders in Africa and the United States, taking American students to African nations in the summer and in January as Youth Ambassadors for Peace and Development.

During the trips, the students explore the political, economic and social successes as well as the challenges facing the nation they are visiting, meeting the nation's leaders in government and civil society as well as representatives from international non-governmental organizations who are experts in African development. Students must apply to be accepted in the Youth Ambassador program, with 15 students in the nation chosen for each trip. Each student must pay $3,000 to participate in the trip.

Lindsey Bengfort, a junior international studies major from Sanger, and Hanna Schwing, a junior international studies major from Spring, will travel to Sierra Leone on Africa's west coast Jan. 1-16 to examine the role of youth in post-conflict reconstruction. One of the world's poorest nations, Sierra Leone is recovering from a nine-year civil war that resulted in increased poverty, bad governance, corruption, massive unemployment and disillusioned youth.

During the trip, Bengfort, Schwing and the other 13 Youth Ambassadors will speak with specialists on post-conflict reconstruction, visit one of Sierra Leone's diamond mines, tour an HIV/AIDS clinic, participate in panel discussions with Sierra Leone natives at the nation's University of Freetown, and tour the United Nations Special Court for Sierra Leone, which is trying former Liberian President Charles Taylor for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sierra Leone.

Bengfort said she wanted to apply for the Youth Ambassador program to "experience the culture and spirit" of Sierra Leone's citizens.

"They've experienced so much destruction and pain, but they also have a unique ability to have hope for a better future," she said.

This semester, Bengfort and Schwing started a UNT student organization, Africanist United. The organization brings speakers to campus to discuss issues facing African nations. The group's next speaker is Sala N. Sankayi of the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Justice and Tribal Affairs, who will give a presentation Nov. 27 on the history of DDT and its prospects for future use in Africa.

"In Africanist United, we want to show that Africa is not a big scary place. The preconceived notion for many is that it is terrible, but in reality, most of its people are wonderful," Bengfort said.

Schwing said the organization, which has about 20 active members, "gets youth involved with what's going on in Africa."

In October, Bengfort and Schwing helped to organize the first GuluWalk in Dallas, which raises money to support children in northern Uganda. As many as 40,000 children walk from their rural villages into the town of Gulu and other urban centers each night to sleep in relative safety and avoiding abduction by the Lord's Resistance Army for use in the country's 20-year civil war. Gulu Walks now take place in 82 cities across the globe on a designated day.

Schwing, who is earning a minor in peace studies, said she's looking forward to not only learning about post-conflict resolution in Sierra Leone, but also "meeting other students and youth with similar goals and interests in Africa."

"I'm really interested in seeing a presentation on discrimination against women and the panel discussion on microfinance. I think many of Sierra Leone's economic problems can be traced to the fact that women have very little economic power," she said.

Bengfort is also a member of UNT's Model International Organization, which is dedicated to adding to students' knowledge about international relations, comparative politics, foreign affairs, diplomacy, global disputes, political economy and international organizations. The organization sponsors guest lecturers and cultural events, and members attend simulated international conferences.

After graduating from UNT in May 2009, Bengfort plans to work in Africa before moving to a U.S. governmental or United Nations job focusing on African development.

Schwing will graduate from UNT in December 2008. She plans to work for a nonprofit organization in the area of women's rights, HIV/AIDS or refugees, preferably in Africa.

UNT News Service Phone Number: (940) 565-2108
Contact: Nancy Kolsti (940) 565-3509
Email: nkolsti@unt.edu

200 Bikes Delivered in Patongo, Uganda

2008-01-05T07:38:00.001-05:00

We are thriled to report that yesterday, January 4th, 200 bikes were delivered to Patongo! Please see a part of the dispatch from Dan, Jared and Nick of the 88Bikes Team. GYPA Uganda´s Joseph Kaliisa and GYPA friend and colleague, Jimmy Otim, successfully assisted 88Bikes with the planning, purchasing and logistical matters.

GYPA is happy to assist 88Bikes in this effort and also greatful for their donation to our staff and youth in Uganda. We know that the bikes they have donated to us will aid in our efforts to further empower the youth of Uganda. We look forward to continuing our work with them.

========

Dear Friends,

I am so, so pleased to write this email to you all right now. Today, Jared and I returned from a nearly week-long excursion to Patongo in remote, Northern Uganda. We distributed 200 bikes to some of the most heroic kids I've ever seen. And you can rest assured that your donations have significantly altered many lives. These children... what can I say about these children? Looking at them, you may never guess what they've been through. Many have lost one parent; some have lost both. Some are former child soldiers; others have been orphaned by disease. But every single one of these kids continues to work hard to live, to thrive and to find joy amid challenging circumstances. And though many of them were too shy or too stunned or too gentle to give us the bursting smiles you may expect, you'd look into their eyes and you knew what a bike meant to them.

We shipped the bikes to Patango from Kampala, after a morning-long session loading the truck at a large Kampala bike shop. Getting to Patango is no easy task: a 5-hour drive north along a tarmac-crumbling highway to Gulu, then another 5 hours out through the rural north country along a rambling dirt road to the camp. Along the way, you pass literally dozens of refugee camps, all peopled with folks forced from their daily lives and their home villages by the conflict. You'll pass markers to the slain and the husks of vehicles burned only a couple of years ago by the LRA. Thankfully, Northern Uganda is peaceful now–the rebels driven away and many of the refugees finally returning to their homes. It is a good time to give, in this region which has seen so much pain. And a bicycle is the sort of gift that helps a person lift himself from years of struggle.

The bikes were shipped in boxes, unassambled, to keep from breaking during the arduous journey (which was nearly twice as long--maybe 20 hours--for our gigantic cargo truck). Once in Patongo our team of bike mechanics from Gulu got to work, working tirelessly for two straight days to assemble the bikes. It was quite the scene at the school--200 crank shafts, 200 frames, 400 wheels, 400 tires and thousands of spokes littering the campus. On the evening of the 2nd, the first bikes were given away. We gave away the first 100 before darkness fell, and then started up again early the next morning.

As we gave away each bike, we asked the child what he or she wanted to be when they grew up. We got a host of answers, from "President of the Country" to "Pilot" to "Doctor." But the most touching response of all came from the fellow who received the very last bike we gave away. This bike was given to a young man of about 16 years. He had lost his parents to the war and was now heading his household, caring for his younger siblings and still going to school. We asked him what he wanted to be, and he said: Farmer.

This fellow had no illusions about his future–he just wanted to take care of his family. And when we gave him his bike... well, that moment, and the look on his face, and the way he put his hand on the handlebars... you just knew. You knew that this meant more to him that he could express--or we could possibly comprehend.

Every single child who received a bike this year was present at the MOMENT of HAPPY. So you all will receive a picture of your child. Don't be surprised if your sponsored child is not smiling; these kids have been through a lot. But look into their eyes and I think you'll see something that transcends a smile--you'll see inexpressible gratitude for a vital gift.

Thank you all so much again for making this happen. It has been an unforgettable experience this year for Jared and me. Please know that you have changed a few lives with your donations. As remote as these camps are, the children there are often overlooked and under-served. They are especially vulnerable--and especially appreciative of such a gift. We will be posting pictures from Patongo soon, so please check the 88bikes blog, linked on the website.

We wish you all a New Year full of joy, courage and heroism.

GYPA Summer Immersions Announced!

2007-12-08T17:44:00.001-05:00

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

88Bikes to bring bikes to Uganda in partnership with GYPA

2007-12-02T00:40:00.001-05:00

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.

GYPA Summer 2008 Immersions Update!

2007-11-25T14:43:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends of GYPA,

Over the past several weeks we've received your email inquiries about GYPA Summer 2008 Immersions. We are thrilled to learn that our work has reached new students, campuses, and friends of Africa. Fortunately, we are pleased to inform you that we are in the process of designing our 2008 Summer Immersions.

Check back in with us here at www.gypafrica.org during early January for the official announcement and application. This summer is sure to be one of the most unique and powerful Immersions yet.

Many thanks,

GYPA

The Children's War - Film Screening In Houston, Texas

2007-11-03T19:01:00.000-04:00

I was thrilled to receive an invitation and update from my friends Andrew Krakower, documentary filmmaker and Courtney Spence, founder of Students of the World with whom I traveled to Uganda late Summer 2003.

On Tuesday, November 13, 200 at the Houston Jewish Community they are hosting a preview of "exclusive clips" from "The Children's War" a feature length documentary film about the conflict in Northern Uganda.

If you happen to be in the Houston area, I encourage you to attend this event, and if not, I encourage you to support the film through donation, spreading the word and visiting the websites.

Yours,
Jeremy Goldberg

FROM THE CHILDREN'S WAR WEBSITE:
In 2003, members from the non-profit organization Students of the World traveled to Uganda to learn more about the HIV issues and grassroots initiatives in the country.

Filmmaker Andy Krakower accompanied the group with the intention of shooting a feature-length documentary film focusing on the country characterized as the birthplace of AIDS. Reported widely as having the direst of orphan conditions in the world, Uganda was being praised for claims of successfully implementing awareness programs that made Uganda the first country in Africa “to reverse its rate of infection.”

On Krakower’s first day in the capital city of Kampala, a local took him to Namuwongo Zone B—the slums. He and his companions were shocked at the appalling filth and squalor in which these people barely existed. They were told that most of these people had fled from the war “in the North” of the country. It was then that they learned of the children’s war, a 21-year-old war in Northern Uganda.

Halle Butvin Launches One Mango Tree in Uganda!

2007-11-03T18:54:00.000-04:00

On October 18, 2007 Halle Butvin, GYPA Advocate, Friend and Ambassador Extraordinaire, launched One Mango Tree.

According to the website, One Mango Tree works to improve the lives of women in impoverished and conflict-ridden areas of the globe. Our first project is now underway in northern Uganda, a region devastated by more than twenty years of armed conflict. The war has taken the lives of thousands, displaced more than two million, and destroyed the once-vibrant local culture and economy

For more information about One Mango Tree and to purchase products visit: www.onemangotree.com

GYPA's Cameroon Partner Organization Appears in National News Story

2007-11-03T18:49:00.000-04:00

CAMEROON

Young leaders want National Youth Council
19 October 2007
http://allafrica.com/stories/200710191197.html

YOUTH leaders have proposed the creation of National Youth Council as a
panacea to the proper implementation of the national youth policy.

The proposal came during a participatory workshop to identify the main
guidelines of the youth plan that held in Yaounde from October 16-17.

Eugene Ngalim, President of the Cameroon Youths for Peace, CAMYOSFOP, said
a national youth council would bring together youth leaders to examine
challenges faced by youths, come up with projects and propose solutions to
the ministry to be implemented by the Council.

He said the Youth Council would have to be autonomous in decisions they
take and in the finances, which has to come from the Ministry and
donors.He emphasised the need for structures that would deal directly with
youths, piloted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs in collaboration with
other ministries. "We need to see physical structures put in place, to
ensure financial and moral support," he said.

The Minister of Youth Affairs, Adoum Garoua, presiding at the ceremony,
situated the youth plan within the context of the ministerial council of
September 9, with the prescription of a youth policy to enable a deeper
examination of the problem of youths in Cameroon.

Adoum said, taking in to account the crucial situation of youths, his
ministry will continue with programmes in place for youths such as the
literacy programme, support programme to rural and urban youths.

Sierra Leone January 2008 Summit Application Available Here!

2007-10-16T12:32:00.001-04:00

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

Join GYPA in Sierra Leone - January 1 - 16, 2008

2007-10-02T12:50:00.001-04:00

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.

Welaba (Goodbye) Copenhagen

2007-08-04T12:23:00.000-04:00

Team Uganda wrapped up their 2007 Homeless World Cup experience today on Pitch # 2 versus Canada. Uganda came out really strong and eager to head home with a "W." The defeated Canada convincingly by a score of 7-1. The team played, potentially, their most strong offensive and defensive effort.

Two goals were scored by Super woman and Gomo Tong phenom, Olive Mbeka. (our vote for the best female player of the HWC)

Following the match, Uganda's players were awarded medals and a trophy. The team, thought incurring challenging matches, injuries and inclement weather, finished up at 39th out of 48 teams.

As for the remaining matches of the day, we enjoyed watching the Africa nations take on several competitive teams. Within the top 10 finalists of the 2007 Homeless World Cup 5 African nations stood strong. These are:

Liberia (finishing at 3rd overall)
Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, and Ghana. It was quite an exciting day of action here at the Homeless World Cup. In fact, one could not have had better weather and the crowd over-flowed the bleachers for the final match where Scotland defeated Poland to take the Homeless World Cup.

Well, all good things must come to an end and the Homeless World Cup 2007 has come to a close. What remains are the stories, the friendships and the return to their respective countries. Many of our interactions with players from around the world truly shed a light on the variations of Homelessness. From substance and drug abuse, to living on the streets to surviving life in refugee camps, the opportunity for the some of the world's most neglected and forgotten people (and also some of the most talented fubolers) to showcase their stories and talents here in Copenhagen is remarkable.

There are many great ideas and new initiatives that should follow the cup. Many of the African countries are compelled to organize regional and continent wide tournaments, and educational programs. It will be interesting to keep an eye out for those efforts.

Irrespective of the numbers of wins and loses, the 2007 Homeless World Cup was certainly a success and for Team Uganda it is a life-changing experience. As our friend Kevin Carroll says, "Chase your dream" -- and in the case of Team Uganda, the chase only continues...

To view photos from today's final match of Uganda versus Canada visit the following link:

http://picasaweb.google.com/jergoldberg/LastDayHomelessWorldCup2007