Global Youth Partnership for Africa

GYPA PARTNERS TO SUPPORT PROGRAMS IN LATIN AMERICA

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:46:00 +0000

Global Youth Partnership for Africa and Andean Outreach Project partner to deliver youth and sports for social change programs in the Southern Hemisphere.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 15, 2009

A partnership that will expand the realization that youth are an integral part of development, social change and peace-building efforts globally is official. The Global Youth Partnership for Africa (www.gypafrica.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering understanding, appreciation, and respect between young American and African leaders: tomorrow's global decision-makers, and the Andean Outreach Program (www.andeanoutreach.org), which aims to help the marginalized people of South America through funding and execution of volunteer lead community improvement projects

Jeremy Goldberg, Founder of GYPA, and Terry McCormick, Founder of AOP, both native Ohioans and childhood friends, reconnected 2006 prior to Terry's founding of the Andean Outreach Program in Huancayo, Peru. "It was the perfect timing for us to reconnect. I had been keeping tabs on Jeremy's efforts with GYPA, and I was planning a one-year trip to Peru," Terry remarked from his AOP U.S. offices in San Francisco. "The opportunity to join up and work on these important youth social change programs is exciting."

The two have worked together on the development of educational programs for American youth, as well as community, grassroots programs for youth in Africa and Peru. "This is a unique opportunity and a unique time to make this 'south-south' connection for communities and youth with hopes and dreams for better tomorrow," Jeremy said from his office in Washington, D.C. In fact, in the coming year, they will announce innovative programming that will establish new links between global youth and those from Latin America and Africa. Specifically, these catalytic programs will engage American, African and Latin American youth grassroots development projects, cultural exchanges and immersions and social change projects.

Moreover, a long-term effort to enhance the skills, leadership and education of Ugandan youth. "Terry continues to impress me with his ideas, his experience and most of all his passion for changing the world," Jeremy explained from the Washington, D.C. offices of GYPA. His trade as an architect will enable us to develop eco-friendly approaches to joint projects efforts in Africa and Latin America,"

In addition, GYPA and AOP will focus on joint efforts to provide sports infused leadership and educational programs for youth. These include the development of street soccer programs, and a longer-term objective to develop workshops and summer sports and leadership programs for Youth.

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For more information about GYPA visit: www.gypafrica.org

For more information about AOP visit: www.andeanoutreach.org

Congrats to Uganda! 5th Place Overall...

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:03:00 +0000

From: www.homelessworldcup.org
December 7, 2009
By Tom Lyons

UGANDA grabbed fifth spot in the women’s league after defeating Paraguay in a penalty shootout.

The Africans began well, sharing the ball around with good touch, but it was Paraguay with the first opportunity. A free kick taken by Moerra Afan Afan was pushed wide and the score remained 0-0.

Uganda took the lead at the five-minute mark after a skilful build-up and finish from Rebecca Nakasato.

Despite Paraguay having the majority of scoring chances, they were unable to equalise before halftime. Afan Afan was denied twice more, first by the woodwork and then by the Ugandan keeper, Sarah Nanyonga.

An injury to Hasifa Nanyondo after a desperate attempt to block a shot from Paraguay’s Rossi, showcased the desperation on display from both sides.

The South Americans began the second half well – this time it was Rossi denied by the woodwork. Good defending by the Ugandan captain, Angel Taka, ensured the Africans kept their lead until the three-minute mark when a lovely right foot strike from Afan Afan made it 1-1.

The intensity grew in the last few minutes, with no side able to gain the ascendency. Afan Afan had another chance with 30 seconds remaining, but a diving save from the Ugandan keeper Nanyonga meant the game would go to penalty shootouts.

Afan Afan was first up for Paraguay. Her shot was saved, as was Nakasato’s for Uganda. Rossi was also unable to capitalise, before Angel had a chance to win it for the Africans. The Ugandan captain made no mistake and will enjoy a very happy birthday tomorrow.

Uganda's Rebecca Nakasoto Featured in New York Times

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:00:00 +0000

"The Women’s Homeless World Cup: Rebecca From Uganda is Unbelievable"
Excerpt from the New York Times Soccer Blog
By: Lawrence Cann
December 6, 2008

"Uganda, Paraguay, Zambia, Liberia, Colombia, Australia, Cameroon and Kyrgyzstan entered the 2008 Women’s Homeless World Cup.

Zambia has shown itself to be the class of the tournament, with Colombia and Liberia close behind. The shy but talented Ugandan team has become stronger and stronger during the competition. The team’s top scorer, Rebecca, was particularly impressive in the team’s 8-6 victory over Paraguay. She is only 16 years old, from Kibuja. Her soft-spoken voice belies the confidence evident in her smile. She plays soccer every day, she said, though in her town there is no formal chance to train.

Anyira Gweyo, translated as Girls Kick It, is the project organized by Global Youth Partnership Africa. The project uses soccer and the tryouts for the Homeless World Cup as a way to engage and educate street youth in Kampala, the capital of Uganda, and a few surrounding communities.

Rebecca is one of five sisters. She says she is a good student, but soccer is her dream. She would like to be a coach and she asked f there were really professional women’s teams in the U.S. “I would like to play there,” she with a smile.

When asked what her family thought of that, she said, “Oh, they do not believe I am in Australia, and they will not believe it even when I return.”

Full text of article: http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/06/homeless-world-cup-perspectives-from-india-england-the-us-uganda-and-nigeria/

Uganda's Angel Taka picks up Nike Fair Play Award

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 22:36:00 +0000

Uganda's "Angel," Angel Taka who has excelled at the 2008 Female Homeless World Cup with many goals, assists and most of all demonstration of team work, was awarded the Nike Fair Play Award this week. Angel is one of just 5 players to receive this recognition from the 56 teams participating in the tournament.

As part of the award, Angel received a $500 Nike Shopping Spree Gift Certificate. Following the award presentation, Angel said, "This is a team award, it is not just for me. The team will also get something from the Nike store."

Stay tuned for more from Melbourne. The Lady Uganda Cranes stand proud with 3 Wins and 4 loses, and currently place 5th among the 8 Women's Teams. Today, they face off against Cameroon.

Team Uganda in the Australia and Uganda News

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:24:00 +0000

Uganda's Team was recently featured in Melbourne's "The Age" Daily Newspaper and Uganda's Leading Daily Newspaper, the New Vision.

Click below to see the articles!

http://www.theage.com.au/national/homeless-world-cup-is-where-the-heart-is-20081203-6qo1.html

http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/30/662652

http://www.happynews.com/news/1242008/uganda%20guardian%20angel%20world%20cup.htm

Daily Uganda Dose...

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:54:00 +0000

Ugands's National Team particpating in the Homeless World Cup played their hearts out over the last 24 hours. In their first match-up versus Krygzstan, they played a tireless first half and kept the game close. Unfortunately, they lost 8-2.

Later in the day, Uganda faced off against an impressive team from Zambia. The group stay closed, one again in the first half, but fell short with a 6-1 victory to Zambia.

However, fortune would turn our way when Uganda faced Australia at the main field lcoated at Federation Square. The crowd of nearly 2,000 watched Uganda reign supreme with a shut-out victory, 4-0. The match was full of exciting goal-keeping ánd excellent passing led by Rebecca, Angel who netted the 4 goals for Uganda.

Photos and vidoes coming soon.

G'day... and Welcome to the Homeless World Cup Melbourne

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 22:36:00 +0000

Gomo Tong Football Club 2008, representing Uganda at the Inaugural Female Homeless World Cup arrived Saturday evening to Melbourne, led by Coach Robert Ssemakula. The women settled in and met with players from many teams participating in the Women’s Cup, but also the Homeless World Cup which this year features 48 nations.

Last night, the Official Team Draws took place and Gomo Tong Football Club’s match early round match play will be versus: Liberia, Zambia, and Colombia. The first match will take place on Tuesday, December 2 at 2pm versus Krygzstan who defeated the Australian Socceroos, 8-2 on Monday, December 1.

This evening, Uganda will square off versus Zambia at 7pm.

Additionally, Team Captain, Angel was selected to appear at a media junket as one of four players to speak to the media about her story and her participation in the Homeless World Cup. The story was broadcast internationally!

More to come, but in the meantime meet your Uganda National Team here: http://picasaweb.google.com.au/jergoldberg/GomoTongFCMelbourneHomelessWorldCup?authkey=Ws4719lsSto#

Countdown to the Homeless World Cup - OZ -- Just 1.5 weeks away

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:06:00 +0000

Stay tuned for updates here at the GYPA website as Team Uganda participates in the Inaugural Female Homeless World Cup in Melbourne, Australia from November 30 - December 7, 2009.

US-CAMEROON IMMERSION WRAPS UP IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:44:00 +0000

The Global Youth Partnership for Africa (GYPA)recently hosted it's first Immersion here in the United States. We hosted youth leaders from Cameroon who previously participated in the US/Cameroon Immersion in Cameroon in June 2007. GYPA participants included: Jeremy Goldberg, Pat Wu, Annelisa Lindsay, and Karen Hopkins. Special thanks to GYPA Alumni: Jaime Alvis, Anna Phillips and David Post who also helped us to facilitate meetings here in Washington, D.C.

Also, special thanks to Saul Garlick, Vanessa Carter, and Julie Michelle-Waltz of SMRC, and Jerual Mackey and Sophie Waskow who are members of the Starting Bloc Institute D.C. Alumni Chapter.

The Cameroon delegation included: MS. ELVIRA LEINYUY, MR. GEORGE NJIFAW, MR. ELVIS BESSINGI, MS. BARI FANSO and MS. PATIENCE ELANGO of the Cameroon Youths and Students Forum for Peace (CAMYOSFOP) in Washington, D.C. November 8 – 14, 2008. These CAMYOSFOP Youth participated in the US/Cameroon Youth Immersion that was held in Cameroon from June 10 – 26, 2007. The Washington, D.C. program served as a platform for further dialogue, potential collaboration and interaction between U.S. and Cameroon Youth.

View photos here

The Washington D.C. Forum discussed ideas, strategies and action items for potential future US/Cameroon collaboration; consisted of meetings on youth development and participation in decision making with youth, NGOs, university students, academics, foundations and other civil societies group. The meetings attended were:

• Amnesty International – Ilona Kelly, Individuals at Risk Campaigner for Africa
• Search for Common Ground – Felix Unogwu, Specialist Children and Youth, Institutional Learning Team
• One Campaign – Josh Lozman, Health Policy Manager
• Ashoka – Simon Stumpf, Africa Division
• National Endowment for Democracy, Dave Peterson, Africa Department Director
• Embassy of Cameroon - Naomie BEGALA MIKEL, Second Counselor
• Washington, D.C. for Obama - Adam Barr, Founder

The participants also presented about their programs and expertise in the following speaking engagements:

• Starting Bloc Institute - Roundtable Discussion on Social Entrepreneurship
• Center for Strategic and International Studies - Next America Fellows Roundtable: US/Cameroon Discussion
• Georgetown University – Student Movement for Real Change Student Chapter Roundtable:“Youth perspectives on the development challenges in the 21st century”

Additionally, the participants participated in cultural tours of Washington, D.C. that included visits and site-seeing to the George Washington University Campus, American University Washington College of Law, Georgetown University Campus, the U.S. Holocaust Museum, Union Station, the Washington National Cathedral, the U.S. Capital Building, the Washington, D.C. National Mall, the White House, the Washington Monument, the Abraham Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts

We are grateful to all of the organizations and individuals who helped to make this a reality and specifically thank the US Embassy in Cameroon and Embassy of Cameroon in Washington, D.C. for their support of this exchange. Finally, a BIG thank you to our friends and partners in development and peace building in Cameroon!

The Katalyst Brings A Little Love to Uganda's Skate Park

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:30:00 +0000

This just in, Kevin Carroll Katalyst, and Jessica Lustbader (member of the Katalyst Consultancy Staff) and participant in the More Than A Game! Uganda Immersion 2008, recently send us this moment of WOW link. Enjoy!

http://kevincarrollkatalyst.com/index.php/blog/monday_montage7/

GYPA Dental Immersion with Ohio State Students

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:49:00 +0000

GYPA Partners with OSU Dental Students to Bring Care, Treatment and Educational Programming to Uganda...

In the summer of 2007, Charu Gupta and Rebecca Goldberg established a partnership with GYPA. As a result of this fact-finding, dental education mission in Uganda Rebecca returned to OSU eager to enable the opportunity for other students to travel to Uganda.

This December, as part of a team of eight 3rd and 4th year Dental Students from Ohio State University Dental College, Rebecca Goldberg will lead a Dental Immersion in Uganda.

As emerging professionals in the dental field, the students feel compelled to serve and support those receiving substandard health and medical care, locally and globally.

In addition, students will donate supplies such as masks, gloves, amalgam, stainless steel crowns, and other materials to public, private and university dental facilities in need.

In order to make this experience possible, they are accepting donations here at the GYPA website. Please take a moment to help them achieve their mission to travel to Uganda this December.

GYPA's Anna Phillips Featured at YouthNoise!

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:53:00 +0000

Interview with Anna Phillips...
September 16, 2008

A few days ago, I had the chance to talk to Anna Phillips, the incredible 22-year-old founder of Girls Kick It!-- a comprehensive sports program for young women in northern Uganda. Anna created Girls Kick It! with the help of Global Youth Partnership for Africa (GYPA) to empower and educate women, many of whom have been affected by war and poverty, through sports. Interview continues here.

A Red Ball is Changing Lives

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 08:20:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:43:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:21:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:16:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:59:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 20:45:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:23:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:59:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 23:45:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 02:55:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:16:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:11:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Josh Goldstein) — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 13:06:00 +0000

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