260301 01-23 4/24/06 2:47 PM Page 1 · 2007-11-20 · eople to People International (PTPI),with...

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2 PEOPLE

PEOPLEPeople to People International

PEOPLE is published by People to People International World Headquarters at 501 East Armour Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri 64109-2200 USA.Inquiries about programs and membership are encouraged.

People to People International (PTPI), with World Headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri USA., was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhoweron September 11, 1956 to enhance international understanding and friendship through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities involving theexchange of ideas and experiences directly among peoples of different countries and diverse cultures. Today, as a NGO with a U.S., not-for-profit,[501(c)(3)] tax rating, PTPI has a presence in 135 countries with more than 80,000 families and individuals actively participating in People to PeopleInternational programs. Please visit www.ptpi.org for more information.

Cynthia S. Spake, Editor Joy Wightman, Design

David Minh Moore designed People to People International’sanniversary logo and incorporated that design into the cover—a

salute to 50 Years of Peace through Understanding. Celebrations are under-way throughout the year and will culminate during PTPI’s 50th AnniversaryCelebration and 17th Worldwide Conference in Sydney, Australia, August23–27, 2006. Join us as the celebrations continue!

ABOUT THE COVER

Peace through Understanding

1956 - 2006

PEOPLE TO PEOPLE INTERNATION

AL

Peace t h r o u g h U n d e r s t a

nd i ng

3 Greetings from the President/CEO

4 Mission Statement/Our Beliefs

5 Membership Benefits

6 Celebrating 50 Years of Peace through Understanding

HUMANITARIANISM8 OIC/Library Project/Sri Lanka

A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE13 Europe

16 Middle East/Africa

18 The Americas

21 Asia/Pacific Rim

MEETINGS, CONFERENCES, SPECIAL EVENTS24 17th Worldwide Conference

26 Peace Camp 2005

29 Global Youth Forum

30 Global Youth ForumHumanitarian Conference

33 2005 Board of Trustees Meeting

34 Thai Cultural and HumanitarianProgram

36 Resource Development

STUDENT INITIATIVES37 Student Chapters

40 Scholarships and Loans

41 School and Classroom Program

45 Awards and Honors

47 In Remembrance

6 Celebrating 50th Anniversary

24 17th Worldwide Conference

33 2005 Board ofTrustees Meeting

41 School and Classroom Program

MAY 2006

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PEOPLE 3

PEOPLE TO PEOPLE INTERNATIONALCelebrating 50 Years of Peace through Understanding.

What a pleasure to welcome you to the 2006 edition of PTPI’s global magazine.This is a year of celebration as People to People International reaches thehalf-century mark. Our celebratory activities will culminate in Sydney,

Australia during PTPI’s 17th Worldwide Conference, August 23-27 and I look forwardto personally welcoming you there!

My grandfather, U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower,founded our organization on September 11, 1956. Haunted bythe horrors of World War II, Granddad believed that everydaycitizens of the world wanted peace and could attain it muchmore effectively without government interference or represen-tation. He said, “People want peace so badly that somedaygovernments are going to have to get out of the way and letthem have it.”

As we Celebrate 50 Years of Peace through Understanding,it seems fitting that I share with you a portion of Granddad’sfarewell address. It captures the essence of our organizationand the remarkable individuals, like you, who strive to enhanceeducational, cultural and humanitarian efforts around theworld.

He said, “We pray that peoples of all faiths, all races, all nations, may have theirgreat human needs satisfied; that those now denied opportunity shall come to enjoy itto the full; that all who yearn for freedom may experience its spiritual blessings; thatthose who have freedom will understand, also, its heavy responsibilities; that all whoare insensitive to the needs of others will learn charity; that the scourges of poverty,disease and ignorance will be made to disappear from the earth, and that, in thegoodness of time, all peoples will come to live together in a peace guaranteed by thebinding force of mutual respect and love.”

Today, members of the PTPI family worldwide embrace our mission to enhanceinternational understanding and friendship. An NGO with a U.S. not-for-profit[501(c)(3)] tax rating, PTPI has a presence in 135 countries with more than 80,000individuals actively participating in PTPI programs. Let us do all we can together tokeep this momentum going as we launch the next 50 years.

It is a privilege for me to serve together with you and I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your noble efforts.

A MESSAGEfrom Mary Jean Eisenhower, President and Chief Executive Officer

CORPORATE OFFICERS

Mary Jean EisenhowerPresident/Chief Executive Officer

Micah KubicSecretary

William JarvisTreasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joseph PattersonChairman

Dr. H. Altan KodanazVice Chairman

Amb. Julian M. NiemczykChairman Emeritus

Amr BadrMayor Richard BerkleyAmb. Ted BrittonBarbara CapozziRuth Heinz CarpenterProf. Peter T. Y. ChiangWilliam M. ConradRolf G. DahlbergSteve DiGiacintoMary Jean EisenhowerRay HartwigErnst HoneggerLouise Ryan Hopkins

Amb. Charles HostlerLin JarvisWilliam JarvisDr. Chuan LeeValeria MagistrelliAnita E. ManuelCouncilman Troy NashLa Vicie RunkleA. Peter TageWilliam TuckerPeter WhitbySunny Wirth

BOARD OF TRUSTEESOFFICERS

Anita E. ManuelChairman

Dr. Chuan LeeVice Chairman, Asia

Otto BurriVice Chairman, Europe

Ross MarineVice Chairman, the Americas

Amr BadrVice Chairman, Africa/Middle East

ADMINISTRATION

Marc L. BrightExecutive Vice President/Deputy CEO

Rosanne RosenSenior Vice President of Operations

PTPI regularly sends out specialannouncements and a monthly newsletterto members via email. If you are a member of PTPI and are not receivingthis news online, contact WorldHeadquarters today to make certain wehave your correct contact information.

PTPI E-MAILAre you receiving PTPI’s announcements and monthly news online?

Stay active and current with PTPI E-MAIL1. Go to www.ptpi.org. Log on to themembers only section and go to “updatecontact information.” 2. Contact [email protected] withyour current email address!3. If you are not a member, join online!

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4 PEOPLE

People to People Inter

Our Beliefs◆ We believe that greater understanding between individuals and

peoples, worldwide, reveals universal values and aspirations.

◆ We believe international educational and cultural exchange

among youth further ensures long-term friendship and

understanding.

◆ We believe we all benefit from sharing different approaches to

solving common problems.

◆ We believe that individuals can often be more effective than

governments in promoting human relationships and world

peace.

◆ We believe if people can better understand other cultures, they

are more tolerant and accepting of differences.

◆ We believe that citizens of all countries need personal contacts

with others peoples and cultures.

◆ We believe in the need to ensure the enduring legacy of

People to People International.

◆ We believe that People to People International is fun! We

believe in people!

People to People International (PTPI), with World Headquarters in Kansas City,

Missouri USA, was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on

September 11, 1956 to enhance international understanding and friendship

through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities.

PTPI’s distinguished history includes leaders such as J. C. Hall, the founder of

Hallmark Cards; Charles M. Schulz, creator of the Peanuts comic strip; Bob Hope,

entertainer and humanitarian; an impressive group of organizations who assist our

efforts; and a tireless network of dynamic volunteers who work to enhance Peace

through Understanding around the world.

Join PTPI members around the world as we Celebrate 50 Years of Peace

through Understanding during the 17th Worldwide Conference in Sydney,

Australia, August 23–27, 2006.

Mission StatementThe purpose of People to People International is

to enhance international understanding and friend-

ship through educational, cultural and humanitarian

activities involving the exchange of ideas and

experiences directly among peoples of different

countries and diverse cultures. It will cooperate with

any and all other organizations, which are of similar

nature and purpose.

People to People International is dedicated to

enhancing cross-cultural communication within each

community, and across communities and nations.

Tolerance and mutual understanding are central

themes.While not a partisan or political institution,

PTPI supports the basic values and goals of its

founder, President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

PTPI founder, President Dwight D. Eisenhower

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PEOPLE 5

rr

◆ Stay active and involved at the local level by joining or forming a

Student, University, or Adult Chapter. Chapter members have the opportu-

nity to participate in homestays, fundraising initiatives, humanitarian proj-

ects, and much more!

◆ Receive discounted member rates to events such as the Global Youth

Forum and Worldwide Conference.

◆ Apply for the Joyce C. Hall College Scholarship.

◆ Nominate and receive recognition awards for outstanding member

accomplishments.

◆ Support worthwhile humanitarian projects such as Operation Iraqi

Children and the Global Landmine Initiative.

◆ Be the first to know about cultural and educational initiatives such as

the Global Peace Initiative (adults) and Peace Camp (students).

◆ Apply for interest-free loans and matching grants for PTP Student

Ambassador trips.

◆ Link with a classroom abroad through the School & Classroom Program

(organized through teachers).

◆ Receive publications such as the monthly On Track e-newsletter, PTPI

People magazine, and Our World student newsletter.

Member Opportunities and BenefitsPeople to People International members are a diverse and multicultural worldwide network

committed to advancing international understanding and friendship through the exchange of ideas

and experiences. Members are encouraged to participate in a variety of local and international

activities, including community chapters.Take Action! Make a difference by joining today.

Join online now at

www.ptpi.org/join!

For more information or

to request a membership

brochure, please contact

PTPI’s Membership Office

at 816.531.4701 ext. 111

or email membership@

ptpi.org.

1956 - 2006


AL


nd i ngnational

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6 PEOPLE

Celebrating 50 years of

Peace through UnderstandingAs People to People International Celebrates 50 Years of Peace through Understanding, we pay tribute to the diverse network

of volunteers who breathe life into our mission each day. Within this section, we share notes from around the world

as members salute the past half-century and look forward to a new era

of enhancing international understanding and friendship.

Join us for a glimpse of anniversary highlights around the world.For more news, visit PTPI’s Web site at www.ptpi.org.

FOR EVERYONE: PTPI’s 50th Anniversary Celebration and 17th

Worldwide Conference in Sydney, Australia, August 23-27, 2006.Registration is open—act now!

STUDENT EFFORTS: PTPI’s Central Valley Student Chapterin California (USA) held their 50th AnniversaryKick-off with more than 100 members, parents,and future Student Ambassadors participating.On the other coast, PTPI’s GIFT StudentChapter in New Jersey plans an InternationalCultural and Educational Assembly to introducethe community to diverse cultures throughmusic and dance.

ADULT PROGRAMMING: In the US, PTPI’sDelaware Chapter adopted a humanitarian

theme for their 50th anniversary celebration. The focus is PTPI’sGlobal Landmine Initiative with distinguished guests, President/CEOMary Jean Eisenhower, and Chris Gnanakone, Chief DevelopmentOfficer of the One Sri Lanka Foundation. Members of PTPI’sSheboygan Chapter in Wisconsin created a display at their locallibrary, sharing with the public PTPI yesterday, today and tomorrow.

In Belgium, members celebrate with Music in theEuropean Capital with a concert including Austrian violinistsMartha Khadem-Missagh and Vahid Khadem-Missagh.

STUDENT AND SPORTS AMBASSADORPROGRAMMING: Alumni Ambassadors will travel thissummer to China, while leadership program alumni willjoin PTPI President/CEO Mary Jean Eisenhower and TomBrokaw, journalist, in Washington, DC this fall. ■

Members of PTPI’s Sheboygan,Wisconsin Chapter (USA) created a community display in celebration of our 50th

anniversary.

TOP: In Delaware(USA) members enjoy

a rich history ofdiverse programming

for all ages. RIGHT: PTPI’s Central

Valley StudentChapter in California,

USA, combined thecelebration of PTPI’s50th Anniversary andPresident/CEO Mary

Jean Eisenhower’sbirthday.

PTPI’s Pharaohs ofPeace StudentChapter in Cairo,Egypt embraces cultural, educationaland humanitarian projects year-round.Here, members support a localorphanage.

A CB

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PEOPLE 7

1956-2006A Members from Japan and USA renew friendships during a PTPI Board of Trusteesmeeting. B PTPI Founder Dwight D. Eisenhower meets with early supporter Bob Hopeduring PTPI’s 10th Anniversary in 1966. C Peace Camp friendships last a lifetime. D Cultural and educational exchange in China. E PTPI’s School and Classroom Programconnects students around the world. F PTPI’s Global Youth Forum. G Peace Camp andGlobal Peace Initiative delegates enjoyed a whirling dervish in Egypt.

“

“

“”

”

”

People to People gives you friends, knowledge, love,

experience, homes around the world & plants inside you

PEACE THROUGH UNDERSTANDING. My best days ever are

when I do something with or for People to People

International.

AHMED MOHAMED ROUSHDY,FOUNDER, PTPI’S PHARAOHS OF PEACE CHAPTER

People to People International has been a large part

of my life for over 30 years. I have made many friendships

that I will always cherish. Throughout my travels

to many countries I have found the people to always be

warm, friendly and very hospitable. I’m thrilled

to be part of PTPI’s 50th Anniversary!

LA VICIE RUNKLE, MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS, BOARD OF TRUSTEES, LA PORTE, INDIANA CHAPTER

My first impression of PTPI came through my mother,

Dr. Teh-Ming Pao. This good first impression will stay with

me the rest of my life. PTPI makes me feel we are

already a global society, as the chapters each represent

important elements of this society.

DR. CHUAN LEE, MEMBER, BOARD OF DIRECTORS;VICE CHAIRMAN – ASIA, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

C D

F

G

E

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Founded in 2004 by actor anddirector Gary Sinise and best-selling author Laura

Hillenbrand, Operation IraqiChildren (OIC) strives to help theinnocent children of Iraq by pro-viding school supplies so theymay further their education. Sinceits inception, OIC has shipped 791pallets of school supply kits fromthe OIC Warehouse in KansasCity, Missouri to military person-nel stationed in Iraq. Coalitiontroops work together with Iraqiforces to distribute the supplies toboys and girls throughout the

country. Nearly $650,000 has beenreceived in the OIC fund to aid inpurchasing supplies and coveringshipping costs. Volunteers aroundthe world work together creatingkits in an effort to ensure thatevery child in Iraq’s nearly 20,000schools have the basic tools need-ed for learning.

In December, Gary Siniseaccepted a $25,000 donation fromAT&T. This generous contributionenables OIC to continue provid-ing Iraqi children with the basictools needed to learn and grow.More recently, OIC Managing

Operation Iraqi ChildrenEnriching Lives through Education

H U M A N I T A R I A N I S M

School children rejoice at the educational supply kits made possible through OIC.

Sherwood Center in Kansas City created this bulletin board to showcase the hundreds of completed school kits assembled by adults and children withautism and related developmental disabilities.

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PEOPLE 9

Director Liz Wegman joined LauraHillenbrand for a meeting at theWhite House with PresidentGeorge W. Bush and First LadyLaura Bush. The strategy sessionincluded representatives from 14similar organizations that work toassist the people of Afghanistanand Iraq. For more news and photographs, visit the OIC Website at www.operationiraqichildren.org. ■

One way, says Cambodianjournalist Lor Chandara, isby educating the people

and giving even those in remoterural areas, access to the outsideworld through libraries.

Chandara believes so stronglyin the power of information thathe turned his family’s home inthe rural Cambodian province ofTakeo into a library and learningcenter serving 600 children andtheir families.

“The Khmer Rouge killed theintellectual people and destroyedthe books. We think that if wewant to rebuild the country, weneed the human capital, thehuman resource. We need thepeople to get educated,”Chandara said as he led a groupof Americans from the Library

Library ofCambodia

ProjectBy Larry Goldsmith

How do you rebuild a country in which more than

a fifth of the populationperished in genocidal

violence and oppression?

Author and OIC Co-founderLaura Hillenbrand and OIC Managing Director Liz Wegman met withPresident George W. andFirst Lady Laura Bush to discuss efforts towardrebuilding Iraq.

OIC Co-founder Gary Sinise accepts a contribution from AT&T in support of innocent children in Iraq.

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Project of Cambodia on a tour ofhis library.

In Chandara’s AngsoengLibrary, neatly dressed childrensitting around a low table readquietly by the light that filtersthrough a high window. The onlyelectricity in the village comesfrom a generator used mostly topower two elderly computers. Ina nearby room, classes reciteEnglish phrases led by a teacherat the blackboard. Chandara’sfive-year-old Angsoeng Library isfunded by private donations,mostly his own money, andstaffed by a community managerand a professional teacher whovolunteer their time.

“The project here is to actlocally but think globally,”Chandara said. “I want to changethe people’s thinking. Cambodianpeople do not have a readinghabit, so we try to inspire themto read. Without knowledge, wecannot build anything.”

Supporting Chandara’s libraryis the latest project for Francis“Chuck” Theusch, whose Libraryof Cambodia Project is also raising funds to build a library inBan Lung, a rural community inRatanakiri Province near theLaotian border.

The Library of CambodiaProject is the third for Theusch, aMilwaukee, Wis., businessman.Two other foundations buildlibraries and support humanitarianprojects in neighboring Vietnamand Laos. Theusch’s passion for

10 PEOPLE

libraries began in 1999, when hevisited Vietnam for the first timesince he was stationed there as aprivate in the U.S. Army 30 yearsearlier. He found Vietnam to be amuch different country.

Chandara’s emphasis on theimportance of access to informa-tion in rural areas resonates withTheusch, who has also builtlibraries in rural communities inVietnam and Laos.

“I come from a farm inWisconsin, and if somebody inthe 1880s hadn’t had the vision tobuild one-room schoolhousesevery three or four miles out inthe country, I wouldn’t have acollege degree,” he said. “Wehave an opportunity to do some-thing for posterity here that people in our own country sawin the 1880s.”

Theusch’s dreams for thelibrary projects are no less ambi-tious. He wants to build a nation-al library system in Vietnam, withlibraries in each of the country’s59 provinces. The prototype is inQuang Tri, a poor, mostly ruralprovince that straddles the formerDemilitarized Zone. Six librarieshave been completed there, andTheusch wants to build anotherfour, all linked by computers anda bookmobile that will allow the

libraries to exchange books, periodicals, teachers and culturalprograms. A national library system for Vietnam will cost $20million, he estimates. To completethe Quang Tri provincial systemwill cost $170,000. “Every time Ihear about a new major-leaguesports contract, I see a nationallibrary system for Vietnam,”Theusch said.

According to Theusch, themost important aspect of thelibrary projects is the relationshipthat develops between Americandonors and Vietnamese commu-nities. “The last thing we saywhen we leave each time is, ‘Thisis only the beginning. We alwayscome back.’ And when we comeback, we always try to add some-thing, even if it’s only a fewbooks, something to continue therelationship personally and tocontinue it practically to expandthe library. How can we improvemanagement? How can we keepopen more hours or educate ourlibrarians? We’re part of thosedecisions because we alwayscome back, and we continue tocontribute. And that I thinkshould be exciting for anybodythinking about getting involvedwith our project.” ■

A completed library.

Editor’s Note:Francis J.“Chuck” Theuschwas first featured in the2003 edition ofPTPI’s globalmagazine,People, for effortswith the Libraryof VietnamProject. Forinformationabout ways you can help,contact PTPIWorldHeadquarters.

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PEOPLE 11

Joint efforts with the HALOTrust and the One Sri LankaFoundation continue through

the generosity of PTPI membersand friends around the globe.PTPI’s Global Landmine Initiativemaintains its focus on education,landmine eradication and after-care. This marks the third consec-utive year that PTPI has supporteda demining team. As a directresult of these efforts, the HALOTrust reports in just a sevenmonth period, 82 anti-personnel

mines were destroyed. Land wascleared and returned to the localpopulation for resettlement andagricultural development. Thegreatest threat to the continuanceof this effort is security. The situation is steadily monitored soefforts make the greatest possibleimpact.

PTPI expanded our focus inSri Lanka following the devastat-ing Asian Tsunami, which struckin December, 2004. Again, thanksto an outpouring of support,

PTPI Humanitarian EffortsExpand in Sri Lanka

Following the Asian Tsunami, PTPI helped build three schools in Sri Lanka.

PTPI is in its third consecutive year of supportinga demining team in Sri Lanka.

PTPI has worked with ChrisGnanakone and the One SriLanka Foundation to build threeschools, which serve 3-4 villagesand 35 households each.President/CEO Mary Jean Eisen-hower and Executive VicePresident/Deputy CEO MarcBright returned to Sri Lanka inApril to witness, firsthand, thetransformations underway andmeet the families impacted fromthis humanitarian program. ■

H U M A N I T A R I A N I S M

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PTPI MEMBERS WHO INSPIRETogether We Can Make A Difference

By all accounts, Ambassador CharlesHostler leads a fascinating life, havingserved as a soldier, scholar, business-

man, diplomat, author, son, husband, fatherand friend.

His professional experiences were sharedduring his most recent of three books, Soldierto Ambassador, a memoir for which heobtained security clearances from the CIA,due to the sensitive nature of the events aspart of the OSS (the Office of StrategicServices, predecessor to the CIA). In 1989,President George H. Bush appointed him U.S.Ambassador to Bahrain during the PersianGulf War. Throughout his career, he receiveddecorations from nine countries and four religious leaders. On June 6, 2004, during the60th anniversary of the D-Day landings,French President Jacques Chirac personallyawarded him the French Legion of Honor inthe presence of 17 heads of State. Also in2004, the American University of Beirut brokeground for the Charles Hostler Student Center.His rich experiences include travel to 170countries, living for more than 22 years in theMiddle East.

Ambassador Hostler served People toPeople International as a member of theBoard of Trustees and as Vice Chairman of theBoard of Directors. Today, together with hiswife Chin-Yeh, his role is one of mentor andfriend. What began as an effort to help a localstudent, grew into the establishment of theCharles and Chin-Yeh Hostler Global YouthForum Fund. Through one student’s life-changing experience, countless others willnow have the opportunity to participate inPTPI’s annual Global Youth Forum. The fundensures that deserving young students willcontinue to benefit from this global, educational program.

Chin-Yeh said it best, “Helping young peo-ple is a rewarding and satisfying experience.”We extend heartfelt thanks to our treasuredfriends for their generosity and for their commitment to ensuring a brighter tomorrowby investing in the youth of today. The positive effects from their legacy will continuefor generations. ■

Editor’s Note: Those wishing to support theCharles and Chin-Yeh Hostler Global Youth ForumFund are encouraged to contact PTPI WorldHeadquarters.

In March, 2005 AmbassadorCharles and Mrs. Chin-Yeh

Hostler were received byKing Hamad in appreciationfor efforts as Ambassador to

Bahrain and as HonoraryConsul General since 1993.Here, they are with Deputy

Prime Minister of ForeignAffairs, Shaileh Mohamed bin

Mubarak al-Khalifa.

“Helping young people is a rewardingand satisfying experience.”

CHIN-YEH HOSTLER

The poet William

Wordsworth said,

“The best portion of a

good man’s life,

his little, nameless

unremembered acts of

kindness and of love.”

In the case of

Ambassador Charles

and Mrs. Chin-Yeh

Hostler, their acts

of kindness and

love serve as an

inspiration. Here, we

salute our friends for

their dedication to

advancing Peace

through Understanding

at home and abroad.

A S P O T L I G H T O N G I V I N G

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PEOPLE 13

A G L O B A L P E R S P E C T I V E

EUROPE

Trustee Genci Mucaj (left)welcomed visitors from

around the world to Tirana,Albania for the 2005

European Conference.Shown here, delegates from

Albania, England and theUnited States enjoy PTPI’s

Global Youth Murals Project.

MMEMBERS OF PTPI CHAPTERS throughout Europe bring our mission to life with a

variety of cultural, educational and humanitarian activities for all ages.

In Bulgaria, members train in Human Rights Education, while in France,

our Young Generation gathers to increase international understanding and

friendship. We salute our many friends engaged in this effort to enhance

Peace through Understanding and extend a warm welcome to members

of newly established chapters. Join us for a glimpse of the extraordinary

programs underway and be sure to visit the European Web site at

www.ptpe.org for more news.

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14 PEOPLE

Albania to Denmark:PTPI’s European

ConferenceBy Lars Poignant,

Director of European Operations

In May of 2005, PTPI’s Tirana,Albania Chapter welcomed 60 partici-pants from Europe and the UnitedStates for the four-day EuropeanConference. The weekend consisted ofboth conference sessions and plenty oftime for the participants to get to knowAlbania, its culture and history—andof course to get to know each other.

Friday and Saturday the participantsexplored Tirana. During the Saturdayconference session PTPI programs andorganization were discussed andAmbassador Besnik Mustfaj (AlbanianAmbassador to Paris) and AmbassadorTed Britton (U.S. Ambassador toBarbados) gave their views on national

and personal relationships. In theevening Anita Manuel, Chairman ofPTPI’s Board of Trustees, presentedcharters to two new chapters: Struga inMacedonia and Korce-Bilisht inAlbania.

On Sunday, participants visited theformer capital of Albania, Kruja, andenjoyed a luncheon with music anddance. On Monday the remainingguests visited Berati, where 40 locallanguage students joined the excursion.PTPI Albania organized and offered apeople event, where understanding fora culture was established and manynew friendships were made.

Many thanks to Trustee and ChapterFounder Genci Mucaj, Family Kasmi in Kruja and Shpetim Dyrmishi inBerati—and all happy members.

Highlights of the 2006 EuropeanConference from Køge, Denmark willbe included in future PTPI publica-tions.

European LeadershipSeminar in Berlin

By Lars Poignant, Director of European Operations

For the first time in Europe, allchapter presidents were invited for aleadership seminar, held in October atbeautifully located Johannesstift.Twenty-seven chapter leaders from allover Europe attended the three-dayevent. It certainly showed commitmentwhen some participants traveled 2-3days by train and bus to reach Berlin.Many knew each other, but for othersthe occasion was the first time theymet. This was part of the goal—to getto know each other and to promoteprogramming.

Workshops included NGO fundrais-ing options, as well as group discussionsand role playing games about stereo-types and prejudice. New programs(Language Ambassador Program,


EUROPE

European Chapter Presidents enjoyed the first-ever Leadership Seminar in Berlin.

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PEOPLE 15

summer camp) and improved contactsbetween the chapters resulted fromthis seminar. In addition, humanitarianprograms and sister chapter connec-tions were promoted. Homestays wereorganized by PTPI’s Berlin Chapter.Participants agreed it was a very successful event and that it should beheld again.

Opening Doors and Hearts in Brussels, Belgium

More than 70 participants fromthroughout Belgium, Switzerland, theUK and USA enjoyed the PTPIBrussels, Belgium Chapter’s annualChristmas Gala Dinner/Dance. ChapterPresident Daniel Schaubacher reportedthat special guest “Anita ManuelOpens Doors and Hearts to People toPeople in European Capital.” During abusy seven-day visit our Chairman ofthe Board of Trustees participated in avariety of activities, which “openeddoors and hearts of dozens of peopleand personified the PTPI slogan Peacethrough Understanding.” Anita visitedthe European Parliament, EuropeanCommission, European Union’s advisory Social and EconomicCommittee, and a special receptionhosted by the Mayor of Schaerbeek-Brussels. For more news from Brussels,visit their newly developed Web site atwww.peopletopeople.be.

Legacy of Friendship:Library Project RomaniaDirector Valeria Magistrelli took

action when she heard PTPI’s Roman,Romania Chapter members planned toestablish a library. Years ago her dearfriend, Professor Maria Castoldi,helped Valeria create PTPI’s Milan,Italy Chapter. Together, they enrichedthe lives of countless students throughcultural and educational exchange programs. With her recent passing,numerous books became availablefrom Maria’s extensive library; booksthat would serve chapter members andschool children in Roman quite well.Valeria donated approximately 13

boxes of books to Sorina Danciu,Bogdan Tamba and our many friendsin Roman. This library project ensuresthe legacy of friendship will continuefor years to come.

Meet PTPI’s Young Generation

PTPI’s Young Generation (YG)includes members and friends ofEuropean chapters between the agesof 18-25, who meet in various locations

to promote Peace through Under-standing. Whether traveling to Bern,Switzerland or Strasbourg, France, participants enjoy cultural and educational programming in an atmosphere of friendship. We applaudthe efforts of our YGs and look forward to continuing success! ■

Editor’s Note: For more informationabout chapter activities in Europe,please visit www.ptpe.org.

LEFT: Members of PTPI’s YoungGeneration (YG) in Europe, enjoya variety of cultural and educational excursions to furtherour mission of Peace throughUnderstanding.

LEFT: Members ofPTPI’s Roman, RomaniaChapter will establish alibrary, thanks to a gen-erous contribution fromPTPI’s Milan, ItalyChapter.

BELOW: St. Nicholaspaid a visit to Chairmanof the Board ofTrustees, Anita Manuel(left), and C. De Glanardof the BrusselsDiplomatic Club, duringPTPI Brussels, BelgiumChapter’s annualChristmas GalaDinner/Dance.

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16 PEOPLE


MIDDLE EASTAND AFRICA

Rahman Mogaji,president, and

members of PTPI’sLagos, Nigeria

Chapter, establishedthe “Put a Smile”

humanitarian program to help

the homeless.

MMAHATMA GANDHI SAID, “You must be the change you wish to see in the

world.” People to People International applauds the efforts of our members

and friends who bring this message to life around the globe. Our chapter

network grows as members work together to enhance international

understanding by strengthening the bonds of friendship at home and

abroad. Within this issue, you will read about PTPI’s 2006 Educational and

Humanitarian Initiative to Jordan and the launch of PTPI’s third Peace

Camp and Global Peace Initiative to Egypt next year. In this section,

we share a glimpse of A Global Perspective: Middle East / Africa.

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PEOPLE 17

Diversity the Key in Nigeria

Diverse programs hold the key forPTPI’s Lagos, Nigeria Chapter. ChapterPresident Rahman Mogaji and his teamset forth an ambitious effort to extendtheir outreach to community membersof all ages. Educational and humanitar-ian projects are at the forefront, including Be the Change Partneringand Future Leaders Mentoring Sessions

that involve morethan 25 schools andthousands of stu-dents serving theunderp r i v i l eged .Their generous sup-port of the Put aSmile program, aquarterly effort toprovide food andgifts to the needy,impacts countlesspeople. These effortschange lives. Wesuccesses from our

dedicated friends in Lagos.

Pearl of Africa CulturalExchange

Members of PTPI’s Wakiso, UgandaChapter organized the Pearl of AfricaCultural Exchange Festival, whichraised awareness and funds for chapterprojects. More than 275 participantsgathered at Kikaaya College School forthe official opening of the ceremony

by the local Chief. Participants includedstudents and visitors from other partsof Uganda, who were hosted by chaptermembers. Highlights included tradi-tional dances, which served to cele-brate different regions of the country, avisit to the Kabaka of Buganda Palaceand a donation of 10,000 Ugandanshillings to the educational fund helping poor families. We congratulatethe many individuals involved in thesuccess of this program.

Students Enhance Peacethrough UnderstandingYou will not want to miss the

Student Initiatives section of this issuefor news about PTPI Student Chaptersaround the world. There, you will findhighlights from our friends in Egypt aswe recognize their efforts locally andglobally. Without fail, our young members serve to inspire us in thequest for Peace through Understanding.■

Traditional dances were part of the Pearl of Africa Cultural Exchange Festivalorganized by members of PTPI’s Wakiso, Uganda Chapter.

Humanitarianism is at the forefront of activities for the members of PTPI’sPharaohs of Peace Student Chapter in Cairo, Egypt. Here, orphans enjoy thestudents’ generosity and friendship with a day of fun!

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18 PEOPLE


THE AMERICAS

PPTPI CHAPTER MEMBERS

comprise a diverse and

dedicated network of

volunteers working

together to enhance Peace

through Understanding at

the local and international

levels. Members of all

ages lend their time

and talents to develop

cultural, educational and

humanitarian projects that

enrich our lives. Here, we

salute these extraordinary

members with A Global

Perspective: The Americas.

Wrigley Mansion was a beautiful setting for portions of the 2005 West Coast and Southwest CouncilMeeting, hosted by PTPI’s Arizona Chapter.

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PEOPLE 19

NCAC InternationalNeighbors

Being “International Neighbors” iswhat PTPI’s National Capitol AreaChapter (NCAC), members do best.Trustee Dorothy Alvey reports there areInternational Fellows from 52 countrieswho will study at the National DefenseUniversity (NDU) this year. They arethere at the invitation of the Chairmanof the Joint Chiefs of Staff. For the pastsix years, this program has been at theheart of NCAC activities, promoting cultural exchange and friendshipbetween chapter members and the“Fellows” and their families. Dorothyexplains, “Through socializing andsharing ideas, as any good neighbors,lasting friendships often develop.”

The chapter includes members rep-resenting Maryland, Virginia andWashington, DC. Shortly before theretirement of General Richard B. Myers,Dorothy, along with Chapter PresidentEugene Miller, visited him at thePentagon to express appreciation forhis support of this important program.

Meet the DiplomatsPTPI’s Meet the Diplomats program

connects international diplomats withlife and culture outside their city ofassignment. Homestays with PTPIChapter members include itinerariesdesigned to accommodate the diplomat’s professional and personalinterests. A favorite program in theUnited States, it is growing in popularitywith PTPI Chapter members around

the world. Recent highlights include members

of PTPI’s Arizona Chapter who hostedDr. Vladimir Mironovich, Head ofEconomic Section, Trade and EconomicCounselor, from the Embassy ofBelarus. While in Phoenix, Dr.Mironovich enjoyed meetings with theArizona Department of Commerce, thePhoenix Chamber of Commerce, AlliedBuilding Products, and attended theScottsdale Chamber of Commercebreakfast. PTPI’s Oskiowa Chaptermembers are very familiar with hostinginternational visitors, having enjoyedhomestays and the MTD program formany years. Their enthusiasm afterhosting Margareta Ploder, Director,Austrian Cultural Forum from theEmbassy of Austria, was not unusual.Homestay Coordinator Sally Hartreported, “We had an absolutely marvelous time with Margareta. Shewas so easy to please, so interested ineverything, so easy to talk with, andfound it so easy to talk with all agegroups, from elementary kids on up tous oldsters. I took her back to the airport still aglow with the pleasureshe brought us.”

Community OutreachWe applaud the efforts of numerous

PTPI Chapters for their effective com-munity outreach. In Midland, Michiganmembers enjoy a variety of activitiesdesigned to enhance cultural and educational programming. Whetherhosting visitors through the Meet the

Diplomats program, or organizingcountry specific educational meetings,our friends in Midland work to educatecommunity members of all ages. InSan Diego, Chapter President PegBates, and her team enjoy educationalsessions, as well. Guest speakers are ahighlight of their regular meetings,helping participants explore the worldfrom their own back yards.

Homestays Create LastingGlobal Friendships

PTPI’s International VisitorsProgram is a cultural interactionbetween members of PTPI Chaptersaround the world. Short-term home-stays are provided for visiting membersfrom other countries. Participantsengage in daily activities with theirhomestay family and share informationabout their culture, which helps createfriendships and mutual understanding.

PTPI’s Greater Trenton, New Jerseyand Green Bay, Wisconsin Chaptersrecently hosted a delegation of students from Denmark. Beginning inTrenton, the local Notre Dame HighSchool hosted a welcome reception forthe group. The Danish students werematched with Notre Dame students fortheir five-day homestays and attendedclasses all week with their host sistersand brothers. After the chapter provid-ed the students and host families witha send-off breakfast, the group was offto their next homestay in Green Bay.Members arranged for the students tobe hosted by families in neighboring

LEFT: Eugene Miller, president of PTPI’s National Capitol Area Chapter, thanks General Richard B. Myers, chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, for his support of the chapter’sInternational Neighbors Program with the National Defense University. RIGHT: President/CEO Mary Jean Eisenhower and staff welcome Jana Kalimonova, SecondSecretary-Culture, Embassy of the Czech Republic, to PTPI World Headquarters as part of the Meet the Diplomats Program. Left to right: Sharon Valasek, GreaterKansas City chapter president; Theresa Stock Willmoth, managing director—membership services; Mary Eisenhower; Jana Kalimonova; Jirina LaVine, Czech-SlovakClub Kansas City; and Deputy CEO Marc Bright.

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20 PEOPLE

Denmark, Wisconsin where theyattended school at Denmark HighSchool. In addition to classes, theDanish students cheered on the basketball team at a local game andmade more new friends at the SnowFestival school dance. The visitingDanish students returned home withmany new educational experiences,lifelong memories, and good friends.

Council Meeting Connects Chapters

Regional Council Meetings serve toconnect chapter members and shareprogram ideas in a fun and informativesetting. The 2005 West Coast/SouthwestCouncil Meeting was no exception asparticipants from PTPI’s Arizona, SanDiego, Los Angeles and Golden GateConnection Chapters enjoyed round-table discussions, membership recruit-ment ideas, and more! PTPI’sManaging Director of MembershipServices, Theresa Stock Willmoth, andDirector of Membership/Homestays,Jewelee Cox, were on hand to sharethe group’s enthusiasm. Among thehighlights was PTPI Arizona’s presen-tation about their chapter’s fundraisingprograms. Jewelee said, “It was especially interesting and useful for allpresent—every chapter left the meetingwith new ideas to apply to their ownfundraising efforts. Another high pointof the meeting was Saturday evening’sfiesta themed ‘New Immigrants.’Chapter members from Mexico andRussia spoke about their experiencesin America as immigrants. Topicsincluded language challenges, theirexpectations versus reality, and othersteps in the transition process. It waspoignant to see how PTPI’s ArizonaChapter affected these individuals andremains an active part of their livestoday.” ■

Editor’s Note: For more informationabout chapter activities near you, pleasecontact PTPI World Headquarters or visitwww.ptpi.org.

PSheboygan Expands Esslingen Exchange

By Judith Marquardt

PTPI’S SHEBOYGAN CHAPTER in Wisconsin has been sponsoring anannual student exchange with Sheboygan’s sister city, Esslingen Germany,since 1970. A five-month exchange begins in July when the students arrivein Sheboygan from Esslingen, returning home in December. In February amember of the Sheboygan host family goes to Germany and stays with theEsslingen exchange student’s family until July. More than 200 SheboyganCounty high school students have participated in this unique program.Many have made life long friendships. Because of the longevity of the program, in 1973 Greg Gottsacker participated and in 2002 his son Greg, asecond generation, participated in the exchange program.

Today more students in Sheboygan County school systems study Spanishthan German language in middle and high school. We felt it was importantto provide a cultural and language immersion opportunity to support this sowe expanded our Student Exchange Program to Córdoba, Argentina. With apopulation of 1.5 million, Córdoba, the second most important city inArgentina, is called the “Heartland of Argentina.”

John and Donna Webb, long time members of the Sheboygan chapter,hosted an AFS student, Carlos Gabetta, 27 years ago from Córdoba. Whenthey visited their family in Argentina two years ago they also visited with Dr.Hugo Olmos, administrator of St Agustin School in Córdoba. Dr. Olmos wasvery interested in starting an exchange and assisted our chapter in findingfour other schools that were also interested.

Each year students will arrive from Córdoba, Argentina in July and attendschool until they return to their homes in January. Sheboygan County students will live in Córdoba from February to July. There are currently twostudents participating in this exchange: María Genoveva (Geno) Gabetta ofCórdoba, Argentina, and Melissa Vollbrecht of Howards Grove, Wisconsin.The goals of the program can be best exemplified in Geno’s own words:“This (exchange experience) is teaching me much more than merely gettingto know another place, another family, another culture, other customs. It ishelping me to find out more about myself, to know myself better, to makemy own decisions and to really know what I value. Now I have people thatI love in two different places. How I would like to have everyone togetherand never have to say good-bye.” To learn more about the exchange program please visit the chapter Web site at www.ptpsheboygan.org. ■

PTPI’s SheboyganChapter creates lifetime friend-ships throughtheir exchangeprogram withEsslingen,Germany. Shownhere, ElizabethRothe, AshleyChmielewski,Anna Lechermann,Maria Foth, LisaSchäfer, KatharinaHörner; Back row: Felix Wenzler,Nicolas Koch.

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PEOPLE 21


ASIA AND PACIFIC RIM

“We all walked away with a

feeling that we gained a second

family while in Nanjing.

When I arrived in this country,

I saw China with my eyes, now

I have seen China with my heart.”

—Delegate Cindy Baugh,

after spending the day

with her host family

in Nanjing, China.

PPTPI MEMBERS AND FRIENDS throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim make a significant

impact on our global community. Efforts to enhance friendship and understanding

continue through diverse cultural, educational and humanitarian activities. We

applaud the thousands throughout this region whose passion and creativity ensure

this continued success. Here, we explore A Global Perspective: Asia / Pacific Rim.

Temple at theSummer Palace,one of the sites

enjoyed by delegates to China,

courtesy of theChinese People’s

Association forFriendship with

Foreign Countries.

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22 PEOPLE

The Beauty of ChinaPTPI’s President and Chief Executive

Officer, Mary Jean Eisenhower, led agroup of 16 directors, trustees, staff andspouses on a fascinating cultural, edu-cational and humanitarian mission toChina from June 17-26, 2005. Gracioushospitality was extended to participantsfrom the Chinese People’s Associationfor Friendship with Foreign Countries(CPAFFC). Delegates enjoyed a varietyof meetings and activities in Beijing andNanjing ranging from sightseeing at theForbidden City and the Great Wall tomeetings with leaders in the fields ofhealth care, economic development

and education. In Shanghai, theyenthusiastically presented a humanitar-ian gift to the Municipal Children’sWelfare Home. Through visits with hostfamilies and local school children, participants learned the beauty ofChina lies in her people. Our thanks goto Madame Li Xiaolin, Mr. Xu Kuangdiand the many individuals involved inthe success of this program, includingYanling Liu, who shared her knowl-edge and support with delegates. InJune, 2006 Sunny Wirth, past chair ofPTPI’s Board of Directors, will lead adelegation to Beijing, the Yangtze Riverand Shanghai. Contact PTPI World

Headquarters for details.

A Celebration in KoreaDecember 2, 2005 was a night of

celebration in Korea, when approxi-mately 300 members and distinguishedguests gathered for PTPI KoreaNational Headquarters’ 33rd AnnualAwards Ceremony and InternationalFriendship Night. Bayanjargal Moldoi,president of PTPI’s Niislel UlaanbaatarChapter in Mongolia, was among thespecial guests. National Chairman IlHoon Gwak thanked chapter membersfor their dedication and support saying,“Dear members of PTP Korea family,


ASIA AND PACIFIC RIM

A. PTPI’s Korea National Chairman Gwak (center) presents awards to the Mokpo and Anyang Chapters for the 2005 Best Chapter of the Year and Runner-up,respectively. Chapter Presidents Rae Sub Song of Mokpo (right) and Kyung Young Kim of Anyang (left) graciously accept the honors. B. Durga Devi Shrestha, Ministerfor Women, Children and Social Welfare (center), was the honored guest at the Science Exhibition coordinated by PTPI’s Everest Chapter in Nepal. At left, Dambar BirThapa, president of PTPI Nepal. C. PTPI’s Korea National Headquarters organized two Philippines English Camps in 2005 for students to learn English, attend schoolwith their peers, and participate in volunteer efforts. D. Shamin Masih (center), president of PTPI’s Karachi, Pakistan Chapter, led members of all ages in a Tree Plantation Ceremony, organized to address healthcare issues caused by deforestation.

A

DC

B

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year 2005 has been a good year and letus make 2006 a better year for allhumanity. Let us resolve that with loveand tolerance, we shall outdo all thosewho stand in the way.” Heartfelt congratulations go to the deservingaward recipients for their efforts towardPeace through Understanding.

Diversity in NepalPTPI Chapters in Nepal participate

in diverse activities designed toenhance understanding and friendship,while extending community outreach.Our Everest members coordinated aScience Exhibition and Children’sFestival for area youth. The newlyestablished Peace Chapter organized a“Meet the Press” program onInternational Human Rights Day tounderscore the importance of ourefforts. Together with the Nepal YouthRed Cross Circle, members organizedthe “Alliance for Human Service,” ablood drive and information center.

English Camp in the Philippines

PTPI’s Korea National Headquartersorganized two Philippines EnglishCamps in 2005. The first, from July 26-August 15, included seven studentswho joined this program to studyEnglish; participate in humanitarianwork, such as environmental clean up;engage in a gift-giving activity atMangyan Elementary School; and visita coconut plantation in Puerto Galera,Philippines. On the last day, those students donated eight bicycles for alocal school and US$2,000 worth ofmedicine for the people of PuertoGalera. From December 27, 2005-January 16, 2006, six students fromPTPI’s Pyungtaek and Cheonan RoyalChapters enjoyed studying English andgoing to school with local students.The program included 12 hours of volunteer activities, as well. All of theparticipants experienced the uniqueopportunity to interact with new people and a diverse culture, further-ing the mission of PTPI.

One Planet in PakistanChapter President Chamim Masih

and members of PTPI’s Karachi,Pakistan Chapter organized a TreePlantation Ceremony in Islamabad lastyear. New members were welcomedand learned more about the unprece-dented environmental crisis caused bydeforestation. Thanks to our members,health problems are being addressedthrough education and action. Chaptermember Zeeshan Saddique said, “Wecan work together to convert this plan-et into a home for all.” Elsewhere inPakistan, Eugien John, who foundedPTPI’s Gujranwala Chapter, organizeda variety of cultural and educationalprograms, including participation inthe International Day of Peace withstudents at Aizer High School.Involving youth strengthens effortslocally and globally.

International Friendships in Mongolia

Members of PTPI’s Niislel Ulaan-baatar, Mongolia Chapter enjoy hostingvisitors from around the world. Amongthe friends they have welcomed thispast year are 15 members from PTPI’sTainan, Taiwan (ROC) Chapter, whodonated thousands in dental equip-ment and chapter development funds.Their international language trainingcenter has been operating for morethan a year and welcomed two teachers from the United States. JuliePitzen’s experiences are highlighted inthis section.

Editor’s Note: For more informationabout chapter activities near you, pleasecontact PTPI World Headquarters or visitwww.ptpi.org.

PEOPLE 23

Art as an International Language and Clay as a Global Medium:

A Mongolian—American Cultural ExchangeBy Julie Pitzen, Chicago, USA

DDuring the summer of 2004, I visited Mongolia for the first time—a lifelongdream! It is a land of rich history and culture, diverse landscapes and warmpeople with big hearts. I was so touched by this country and the friends Imade during the trip that I felt the urge to go back. I wanted to return someof the hospitality that was freely given to me, to help this developing country,and to learn more about Mongolia’s ancient arts and history.

Through PTPI’s Web site, I learned about the PTPI Niislel UlaanbaatarChapter and began corresponding with the Chapter President, Ms. BayanjargalMoldoi. She told me of their need for ESL tutors, their involvement with thecommunity and human rights and their two-month cultural exchange program.She also told me of the many artists involved in their chapter. I was thrilled—the program fulfilled my desires to help and to learn.

During my two-month stay, I taught ESL to school age children on a part-time basis. Classes were during summer vacation, so I wanted to makelearning as fun and as interesting as possible. Since I am a clay artist and formerly worked as an archaeologist at a major natural history museum inChicago, I drew from my talents and experiences.

Because art is visual, I began by incorporating the basic vocabulary for art,like shapes and colors into our lessons. You cannot talk about art withoutmaking it, so we would end the class or the week with an art project. At theend of my stay, we coordinated a joint exhibition at Blue Sun Gallery ofContemporary Art in Ulaanbaatar. The show was a culmination of my students’artwork and the work of the several artists and teachers whom I met. It wasa true collaboration and many close friendships were formed. In the nearfuture, we hope to do more art collaborations and possibly a children’s artcamp. Art truly is an international language that crosses boundaries and connects people.

Editor’s Note: Julie Pitzen contacted PTPI World Headquarters following herremarkable experiences with members of our Niislel Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Chapter.Her visit resulted in lasting friendships, increased understanding and continuing jointefforts between Mongolia and the United States.

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24 PEOPLE

PTPI’S 50th Anniversary and

17th Worldwide Conference

Join us for PTPI’s signature 50th anniver-sary event as we meet in the “land downunder” for a fascinating exploration of

cultures and a celebration of PTPI’s past,present and future!

The conference will provide somethingfor everyone:◆ Meet PTPI President/CEO Mary Jean

Eisenhower and fascinating PTPI leaders from around the world;

◆ Meet the former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson and explore issues facing Australia;

◆ Meet Award Recipient Gemma Sisia and learn about the School of St. Jude, whichshe founded in Tanzania;

◆ Network with PTPI members and shareactivities in your region at the Conference of Delegates;

◆ Participate in a hands-on humanitarianactivity with Aboriginal and less fortunate children; and

◆ Celebrate PTPI’s 50th anniversary withyour friends around the world at the famous Sydney Opera House!

Sydney, Australia August 23-27, 2006

▼

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PEOPLE 25

MEETINGS, CONFERENCES, SPECIAL EVENTS

Enhancing Cultural, Educational, Humanitarian Activities▼

1956 - 2006


AL


nd i ng

▼CHAPTERPROMOTIONWe hope to have

representatives from

every PTPI Chapter!

Recruit five of

your members and

you can enjoy a

complimentary

registration fee!

Visit www.ptpi.org

or contact PTPI

World Headquarters

today!

Celebrating a half century of Peace throughUnderstanding

Great Barrier Reef. Photo Courtesy of Quicksilver Connections

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▼My ten days of Peace Camp in

Egypt were a complete blur. Iwould be lying if I said thatthese exciting and life changing

days were easily distinguished from oneanother. Rather it seemed to be that eachamazing day just melted into the next to create 240 of the most extraordinary hoursof my life. I had first experienced the PeaceCamp phenomena in 2003 at the inauguralprogram and I was honored to return in2005, along with Ahmed “Mickey” Roushdyfrom Egypt and Armando Husa fromAlbania, as junior leaders. We were joinedby adult leaders Barb Capozzi and SteveFerringer and PTPI Director of InternationalOperations, Brooks Herman. Together withPTPI’s President and CEO, Mary Eisenhower,and a whole adult delegation we set off.Destination: Peace Camp.

Peace Camp is peace between people; 53students from 23 countries on 5 continentsin Egypt for 10 days. The idea is incrediblysimple; put students together for a few daysin an amazing country and have them meetface-to-face. Have them experience their dif-ferent personalities and hear their differentstories and opinions. Fund the program sothat students from all walks of life can con-tribute. Throw in some dialogue sessions,explore the majestic land of Egypt, addmany, many laughs, but tears as well, andyou will get an idea of the Peace Campexperience. In reality it is much moreintense than that.

The students came from as varied placesas Uzbekistan and South Korea, Norway andMorocco, the United States and Pakistan,Israel and Palestine. One would think thatwith such a diverse group of students that

26 PEOPLE

Peace Camp 2005Ten Days of Peace and Change

A LOOK BACK

By Piya RadiaJunior Leader, USA

Peace Camp expands in 2007 with a return to Egypt and an inaugural visit to Russia.

PEACE CAMP 2007 VISITS RUSSIA AND EGYPT

Contact PTPI WorldHeadquarters for details!

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EDITOR’S NOTE:

PTPI Trustee Piya Radia is an

alumna of PTPI’s Global Youth

Forum and Peace Camp,

is co-founder of the Greater

Princeton Student Chapter

and member of the Greater

Trenton, New Jersey Chapter

(USA). She served as an intern

at PTPI World Headquarters

and was a junior leader for

the 2005 Peace Camp. Piya is

a friend to many around the

globe. Her intelligence,

compassion, leadership skills

and commitment to the

PTPI mission of enhancing

Peace through Understanding

will continue to benefit our

world in the years ahead.

▼

there would be problems of cohesion orlack of empathy or understanding for oneanother. But I can say that I saw with myown eyes the tears, hugs, and promises ofvisits from all students as each delegateboarded the bus to the airport on the lastday. In just a little more than a week we hadgone from being complete strangers withdifferent ways of life to best friends, familyeven, that shared such a unique experience.

Our daily Peace Camp sessions were thecore of Peace Camp. The sessions weretimes of reflection and dialogue between theparticipants on certain issues such as reli-gion, the role of government in society, andthe balance between security and civil liber-ties in your own country or anything elsethat we felt needed discussing. Breakoutgroups were formed and efforts were madeso that every student could take and sharetheir own experiences.

The sessions were highlighted with manynotable speakers such as Dr. Zahi Hawass,Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, and repre-sentatives from Seeds of Peace and theSuzanne Mubarak Women’s InternationalPeace Movement. While all of these speakerswere fantastic and added a different depth tothe experience, I think I speak for all dele-gates when I say that the most moving andmeaningful speakers came from within ourown group of Peace Campers. It was on theboat that took us from Luxor to Aswan. Theboat was an experience in itself that truly

brought the group together as we had theboat to ourselves and the only way toescape it was to jump in the Nile. The sessions were more intense and the memorieswere brighter while on this boat. One of thenights was arranged to be a “GalabayaEgyptian Night” where we all dressed up inEgyptian costume and danced the nightaway to Arabic music. Little did we knowthat on sundown of that night began one of,if not the most, solemn days in the Israeliyear: Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The Israeli delegates, Mirit and Lionel,decided to sit out the celebration. This wasthe first time that they had been away fromhome during this day and they were deter-mined to still keep in accordance with theirtradition. While the rest of the students hadfun downstairs they sat on the top deck ofthe boat. Many students visited them duringthe evening but we knew that this was atime for learning and reflection so duringsession the next day we scrapped our plansand had a discussion on genocide and theHolocaust led by Mirit and Lionel themselves.To say that it was emotional would be anunderstatement. There was not a single dryeye by halfway through their presentation.They shared personal stories of family members and family friends and everyone—Christian, Jew, Muslim, Agnostic, Atheist,Buddhist, Hindu—felt the pain of the common humanity that had been hurt.Motaz from Jordan reflected on this afternoon

PEOPLE 27



The smiles of Peace Camp (left) turninto farewell hugs and tears (right) as lifelong friendships form betweenstudents representing 23 countries.

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later, saying, “Who believes that I as aMuslim or an Arab will ever share tears withIsraelis but that’s what happened, hopingthat they will share ours.” From this discussiongrew talk about genocide and how it stillaffects us in the world today and what wecould do about it.

We had a chance to give back to the people of Egypt, packing 2,500 care bags ina concentrated international effort on part ofall the students. These packages would go tothose that needed them the most in thesouth of Egypt. Earlier that day, we took partin a symbolic peace walk on the bank of theriver Nile in Cairo. Ms. Eisenhower hadjoined us for this event and we waved flagsand joined PTPI Student Chapter membersfrom the Pharaohs of Peace and the Angelsof Peace Chapters with voices of peaceinstead of the honking horns of the ever-present traffic.

We had another opportunity to advertiseour want of peace during a speaker panel infront of H.E. Suzanne Mubarak, the FirstLady of Egypt. Mrs. Mubarak is a strong supporter of the Peace Camp programs andit was fantastic to meet face-to-face with oneof the world’s leaders. Students were selectedto represent different parts of the world and

voice the opinions of both their own experiences with their lives and their time atPeace Camp and how it has affected them.The event was taped by Egyptian newsagencies and, like a few other instances during Peace Camp, we were featured byEgyptian newspaper or television.

We all experienced something that hasbeen diagnosed as Peace Camp SeparationDepression. It’s characterized by an extremelonging to return to Egypt, idle staring at aworld map, frequenting of travel Web sitesto “check prices,” and of course a new-found addiction to the almighty email thatkept us in touch (494 messages were sent inthe first month alone). However, the mostpertinent symptom is the inability to inhabitthe same place and role as before PeaceCamp. We had this life-changing event andreturned to places that were exactly thesame as when we left, filled with people thathadn’t changed either. When somebodywould make a disparaging remark about aplace that one of our newfound Peace Campfriends is from their face and smile wouldpop in our head and it would be hard tostand by and do nothing. The friendshipsforged would not allow it. The friendshipsand the increased drive for PTPI also led toa student chapter being established inCasablanca, Morocco, by delegate Charaf ElMansouri. Furthermore, twenty-five percentof 2005 Peace Camp delegates were presentat the Global Youth Forum that November inWashington, DC.

When touring an Egyptian school late inthe trip there was an innocent sign handpainted on the wall that proclaimed,“Ignorance is the primary source of all miseryand vice.” And that was truly what we werethere for. We missed exams, school, family,friends, and familiarity in order to eradicateignorance. Ignorance of what we thoughtthe other side was like and ignorance ofmaybe the side that we had never consid-ered or the story that we had never heard.

In 2007, Peace Camp travels to Russiawhile still honoring its Egyptian roots havingtwo programs, one in each location. PeaceCamp is not a trip it is a journey of the stateof the mind. I have no doubt in my mindthat the journey of Peace Camp that hasoccurred in past years will continue toinspire and change hearts and minds in 2007and for many years to come. ■

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“…this is the only camp I’ve been to so far, from which everybody returned with nothing but a great, miraculously strong sense of love for each other and the aspiration to BE something. To DO something. To really MATTER in this world.”

—SALEHA FROM PAKISTAN

▼

TOP: Piya Radia, second fromleft, and Peace Camp delegatesconnected with Egyptian students during a visit to aschool in Luxor. Above: A hand painted sign at an Egyptian school holdsspecial meaning for PeaceCamp participants.

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PEOPLE 29



▼

PTPI’S Global Youth ForumEnhancing International Understanding, Humanitarianism, Education and Leadership

Nearly 300 delegates representingseven countries converged onWashington, DC for PTPI’s 2005

Global Youth Forum (GYF). The centraltheme was Enhancing InternationalUnderstanding, Humanitarianism, Educationand Leadership. Participants divided intogroups for more in-depth discussions aftersuch highlights as a presentation by formerWhite House Press Secretary Mike McCurry,a visit to the National Holocaust Museum, a

videoconference with peers in Russia and aMedia Session on Capitol Hill. Newfoundfriendships with students from around theworld made this a memorable experiencefor all.

We are delighted to share news of theCharles and Chin-Yeh Hostler Global YouthForum Fund to support students’ participa-tion in this annual event. The fund ensuresthat deserving young students will benefitfrom this global opportunity. ■

“People to People International defined my life.”

—SALINA BAKSHI, PTPI TRUSTEE, GYF ALUM AND

CO-FOUNDER OF PTPI’S GREATER PRINCETON STUDENT CHAPTER

Khaled Fathallah of Egypt and Zephanii Smith, USA, were among nearly 300 students who were part of the memorableexperiences of the 2005 GYF.

A LOOK BACK

Take Action!Students between the ages of

13 – 18 are encouraged to Take

Action! Plan now to participate in

the 2006 Global Youth Forum in

America’s Heartland, Kansas City,

Missouri, November 8 – 12. Our

hands-on humanitarian experience

includes actor/director Gary

Sinise, co-founder of Operation

Iraqi Children, who will join

participants in assembling school

kits for Iraqi children. Visit

www.operationiraqichildren.

org for more about this program.

Humanitarian Craig Kielburger

will inspire participants with news

about Free the Children, an

organization he founded when he

was 12 years old. Free The

Children is the largest network of

children helping children through

education in the world. According

to www.freethechildren.org,

more than one million young

people have been involved in

programs in more than 45

countries. With an established

track-record of success, the

organization received three

nominations for the Nobel Peace

Prize and partners with the

United Nations, and Oprah’s

Angel Network. Join us for this

historic event—PTPI’s 2006

Global Youth Forum! Sign up

today at www.ptpi.org.

▼

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30 PEOPLE

▼

A Journey toSouth Africa

GYFHC delegates formedfriendships with theirpeers at St. Cyprian’s

School in Cape Town.

A LOOK BACK

“Love who youare. Love where you come from.Love each other.”

—REVEREND VIVIAN

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Grabbing the photo album frommy dorm-room shelf, I tried todecide what one word bestdescribed my adventure in South

Africa with the 2005 Global Youth ForumHumanitarian Conference. Upon opening it,I realized that every picture on every page isa permanent snapshot in my memory; eachpicture has its own word that describes eachmemory from South Africa. I flipped to thefirst page; beautiful, powerful, thrilling. Thenthe next page; exciting, moving, hopeful.Another page; stirring, joyful, life-changing.When I finally get to the end of the album, Ifind a picture of a group of tired students inthe Johannesburg airport. Some are sitting,playing cards, and chatting. Most of themare sleeping on a cold floor, using other students’ arms and legs and backpacks aspillows. A whirlwind of words come to mymind when looking at this picture of ourgroup. But at a second glance, the word “fellowship” becomes more apparent thanthe exhaustedly happy looks that werepainted on our faces.

As defined, fellowship is “the condition ofsharing similar interests, ideals, or experiences…the companionship of individ-uals…friendship; comradeship.” Comingtogether in Atlanta to finally meet everyoneface-to-face, I’m sure that fellowship was notthe first word that came to mind whendescribing our group. Once I saw everyoneand realized that we were actually going toget on a plane and go to South Africa, mysnapshot word became terrified. Butthroughout the night and on to the day ofour departure, terrified turned to anxious,and anxious turned to anticipation.

All of my emotions and descriptive wordsturned simply to feelings of awe as our daysin South Africa came and went. The sightsand sounds that we experienced werebeyond compare. Our first adventure traveling up a cable car to the top of TableMountain left me breathless. But with all ofthe beautiful scenery, nothing left a biggerimpression on my heart than the time thatwe were able to spend together and withthose who we met on our trip.

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Global Youth ForumHumanitarianConference

▼

By Heather McHaleGYFHC Delegate

Hoops for Hope enabledGYFHC participantsto interact with local children through sports.

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We were hosted by St. Cyprian’s boardingschool in Cape Town and spent a good dealof time with their amazing ladies as well asthe program directors Jen Wallace and DaveCarr. The girls that attended St. Cyp’sshowed us that we are not all that differentfrom each other. We all enjoyed the samemusic. We had all seen the same movies. Weall thought that school could be a drag. Yet,with all these similarities, the girls at St.Cyprian’s opened our eyes to a completelynew culture and view on life. We were ableto share ideas by playing games where weasked questions on each other’s politicalworldviews and personal ideals. We werejoined in music as we beat African drums intheir auditorium. My host partner, NontoMlambo, shared with us her beautiful voiceby singing native songs that still haunt mymind. Those days and nights spent with thegirls at St. Cyprian’s gave us the opportunityto learn about other students who were ourage in a different part of the world. It alsogave us the chance to learn more about ourselves and how we can bring aboutchange by working together.

Two very influential people that we meton our journey were Kgotso “Glen”Ntsoelengoz and Reverend Vivian fromRobben Island and St. George’s Cathedral,respectively. These two people emotionallyand physically survived the atrocities ofapartheid; they knew what fellowship was

all about through their struggles with otherrevolutionaries like them. Glen worked as atour guide at Robben Island. The irony isthat he was once a prisoner there at thesame time as Nelson Mandela; they bothwere silenced by being locked up on theisland for their struggle against apartheid byworking for the ANC. Glen is there todayreliving his gruesome past in order thatthose same injustices to the people of hiscountry do not happen again. In what wasoften called the People’s Cathedral, St.George’s was always maxed out to standingroom only with people who desperatelywanted to hear the messages of anti-apartheid speakers and other protesters.Reverend Vivian shared with us her experiences in the fight against apartheidwhile working at St. George’s. She wasinvolved in the Day of Purple Rain withmany other women and people of thechurch. Even clergy women were not safefrom arrest.

As we boarded the plane from CapeTown, I was blessed and cursed to sit infront of a very inquisitive South African. Heasked us our business in his country. Wedescribed to him the goal of People toPeople International and what we had experienced while on the trip. He seemedvery impressed, no doubt, but then he askedus an even bigger question. “Why?”

Needless to say we had an answer, but itwas stuck in the back of our heads and onthe tip of our tongues. How could we haveput into words why we had come? I let myfriend answer the gentleman while I sat andthought the true reason of why I had cometo South Africa with a bunch of strangers.That adventure was to learn about myselfand others; to fellowship with one anotherand with those my own age half way acrossthe globe in order to build a better under-standing of this world. To learn to love andappreciate those who I meet and the experiences that I have. Reverend Vivian putit best as we were leaving St. George’sCathedral. This one statement best describesour lasting memories of South Africa andwill lead us and those around us in the fightagainst future injustice. “Love who you are.Love where you come from. Love eachother.” ■

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Mama Amelia cares for morethan 95 children who areorphans, HIV+ or need additional family support. This visit was among manyhighlights for GYFHC delegates.

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in the social events. Chairman of the Boardof Trustees Anita Manuel hopes to see youat the next Board of Trustees Meeting, whichwill be held in conjunction with PTPI’s 50thAnniversary and 17th Worldwide Conferencein Sydney, Australia! The Board of TrusteesBusiness Meeting is planned for Wednesday,August 23 at the Sofitel Wentworth Sydney.Keep reading in this issue for more details. ■

PTPI’s Korea National Headquarters didan outstanding job of hosting the 2005Annual Board of Trustees Meeting in

Seoul, South Korea. We owe an enormousdebt of gratitude to Chairman Il Hoon Gwakand Secretary General Shim, and to themany other members who made this a mem-

orable event. Morethan 50 delegateswere present repre-senting Albania,Denmark, Great Brit-ain, Italy, Japan,Mongolia, Sweden,Switzerland, Taiwanand the United States.They were warmlywelcomed by Koreanmembers who sharedin the experience.Highlights over thefour day period in-cluded PTPI’s annualawards ceremony,where our exception-al volunteers were

honored, and celebrating the 30th anniversaryof PTPI’s Daejeon, Korea Chapter.Participants were fortunate to have severaldignitaries from international embassies join

PTPI’s 2005 Board of Trustees Meeting

PTPI Korea National Chairman Il Hoon Gwak welcomesChairman of the Board of Trustees Anita Manuel to theannual Trustees Meeting, held in Seoul.

Jordan: The destination for PTPI’s Educational/Humani-tarian Initiative, December 2-13, 2006.

PTPI’s Calendar of Events2006 ACTIVITIESMay 26-28 European Conference—DenmarkJune 20-July 1 Educational/Humanitarian Initiative—ChinaJuly 15-26 Global Youth Forum Humanitarian Conference—Russia (ages 15-19)August 23-27 50th Anniversary/17th Worldwide Conference—AustraliaNovember 8-12 Global Youth Forum—USA (Kansas City—ages 13-18)December 2-13 Educational/Humanitarian Initiative—Jordan

2007 ACTIVITIESNovember 7-11 Global Youth Forum—USA (Chicago)Dates TBD Global Youth Forum Humanitarian Conference—Sri LankaJuly 26-August 5 Peace Camp—RussiaJuly 27-August 7 Global Peace Initiative—RussiaDecember 7-18 Peace Camp/Global Peace Initiative—Egypt

A LOOK AHEAD

Members and friends ofPTPI’s Korea NationalHeadquarters extended awarm welcome toparticipants of the 2005 Board of Trustees Meetingheld in Seoul.

“I enjoyed all the

activities during the

Board of Directors and

Board of Trustees

Meetings, especially

meeting one-on-one

with PTPI members

in Korea.”

—PTPI DELEGATE

▼

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This past August I was fortunateenough to travel on another fantas-tic journey under the flag ofPeople to People International.

After returning from my first trip to Egypt asa delegate of Peace Camp 2005, I wasunable to stop thinking about what possibil-ities lay before me. I wanted to travel to theends of the earth and then back again; it wasobvious to me that I had discovered not onlya passion for traveling, but also for making adifference in the world. Merely three monthsafter my return from Egypt, I found myselfon a plane bound for the incredible countryof Thailand as a delegate of PTPI’s inauguralThai Cultural and Humanitarian Program.

My journey in Thailand began with ahomestay in the rural village of Ban Kruat.The surrounding landscape was breathtaking,as lush green covered the ground as far myeyes could see. Yet, even more beautifulwere the villagers that touched our lives.

Hardly any of us could speak even the leastbit of Thai and only several villagers couldspeak English; but, through this communica-tion barrier we became closer than wordscould ever allow by means of hard work andfriendship. As delegates of People to PeopleInternational, we truly embodied the meaningof Peace through Understanding.

One of the four days spent in the village,we were taught how to work in the muddyrice paddies, which produce the rice that istransported throughout the country.Although I was one of the less-talented “riceplanters” out of my delegation, we eventuallyfinished planting in our designated field intime for the next harvest. Besides planting,we also had another objective during ourhomestay: to teach. Each day out of ourhomestay, we traveled to a local schoolwhere we taught English for two hours toThai students of all ages. Yet, we quicklyrealized that it was more than a mission of

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Thai Cultural and HumanitarianProgram

By Joshua Parolin

Teaching in Thailand

▼

The sights andsounds ofThailand

welcomedPTPI studentdelegates in

August, 2005.

A LOOK BACK

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LEFT: Josh Parolin immerses himself in rice planting while visiting a rural village throughPTPI’s Thai Cultural and Humanitarian Program.ABOVE: Thai students enjoy playing “Duck, Duck,Goose” with their American teachers.



EDITOR’S NOTE:

Josh Parolin is an alumnus

of PTPI’s Peace Camp and

Thai Cultural and

Educational Program.

He and his family enjoy a

membership with the Greater

Kansas City Chapter.

teaching English, it was a mission tobefriend these students and to enjoy whatlittle time we were to spend together.

While teaching, I was amazed that notone of the students was familiar with theconcept of the American “high-five.” As thestudents completed their learning exercises,I would walk around the room and giveeach student a high-five and tell them “deemak mak,” which can be translated intoEnglish as “very good.” Before I knew it, allof the students were laughing and givinghigh-fives to each other. The point is thatalthough we only spent several days withthese students, it was the little things such asgiving high-fives and getting to know thestudents that made a difference.

Although I was the teacher in the eyes ofthese students, I learned just as much fromthem. They taught me the meaning of friend-ship as they took me in and insisted onholding my hand wherever we would go.Apparently the soccer field was the onlyplace that these students would refuse toshow any mercy. When it came down to agame between the PTPI delegates and theThai students, we were on our own. As young adults in our prime, we were out-performed on every level by our evenyounger students when we ultimately lostthe game. Overall, my experience as ateacher and the friendships I formed withthese students will always have a place inmy heart.

Back in the villageof Ban Kruat, wepacked up our stuffand loaded it onto ourbus when our day ofdeparture arrived. Wesaid goodbye to ourfamilies and thankedthem for letting us bea part of their every-day lives. We had atrue experience of thelife of a Thai villagerand we became betterpeople because of it. Ihave the utmost respectfor the lives these villagers live and hopethat one day I canshare our sincerefriendship with the

rest of the world. I was reminded one lasttime of this friendship right before I boardedthe bus leaving Ban Kruat. I heard someonecall my name from down the road; it wasone of my students running toward me witha photograph in his hand. When he reachedme, he gave me a huge hug and handed mea photograph of himself so that I wouldhave something to remember him by.Needless to say, I have not forgotten.

After our stay in Ban Kruat, we spent theremaining days of our experience inThailand seeing such sights as the GrandPalace and resting at a hotel resort on thewhite sandy beaches of Koh Samet Island.Yet, to this day, the sights of Thailand areovershadowed in my heart by my experi-ence in the village and the classroom. Thephotograph that was given to me by my stu-dent currently hangs on my wall at collegeand serves as a constant reminder that it ispossible to make a difference in the world,whether it is by giving a high-five or by tak-ing the time to understand another person.

Today, the world is smaller and brighterin my eyes because of my experience as adelegate of People to People International’sThai Cultural and Humanitarian Program. Iam smiling because I know for a fact that thefuture of the world rests in the hands ofamazing people that will stop at nothing tofind Peace through Understanding. ■

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RESPECT ANDVALUE FOROTHERS: THE SOULOF PEOPLE TOPEOPLEINTERNATIONAL

People to PeopleInternational (PTPI) wasfounded on a basic prin-ciple that “somethingneeds to happen to bringpeople together.” Thesewere the words of President Dwight D.Eisenhower after viewing the horrors ofthe aftermath of World War II.Today,People to People International has a presence in 135 countries with morethan 80,000 families and individualsactively participating in our programs.

WHO WE SERVEAround the World—Since the initial

formation of the first council in KansasCity, the PTPI Chapter Network has grownto encompass hundreds of chaptersaround the world.The PTPI ChapterNetwork serves as the backbone ofPeople to People International, as itbrings the mission to the local level andpromotes Peace through Understanding.

Every Classroom—The School &Classroom Program connects thousandsof students in 94 countries.This programpairs classrooms of similar-age students inother countries to work together on educational projects.

Every Student—The Global YouthForum is a unique youth conference thatprovides a variety of dynamic speakers,interactive workshops and rewardingactivities.This fall, we anticipate thatmore than 300 students will attend ourfifth annual Global Youth Forum inKansas City.

An International Group—ThePTPI Peace Camp is a safe environment inwhich young people of different national-

PTPI Celebrates 50 Yearsof Peace through Understanding

R E S O U R C E D E V E L O P M E N T

ities and religions canfreely express theirviews and experienceswhile learning valuablecommunication, conflict resolution, and leader-ship skills that allowthem to develop empathy and under-standing for one another.

The People of SriLanka—Our Global

Landmine Initiative currently focuses onSri Lanka.Through partnerships withHALO Trust and the One Sri LankaFoundation this island country is nearingthe point where it will be free of land-mines. Following the Asian tsunami in2004, the Tsunami Relief effort was developed and immediate assistance provided 240 shelters in the JaffnaPeninsula area. Our recent efforts includethe construction of three schools and asmall community center in the Jaffna areathrough partnerships with the One SriLanka Foundation and Room-to-Read.

The Iraqi People—Through theefforts of the Operation Iraqi Childrenprogram, more than 200,000 school kitshave been delivered to the children of Iraq.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Each time we offer a program—ourpartners, delegates, and donors providethe support to fund that effort. Each timewe send a delegation to another country—we partner with our donors togive back to the community in some way.Our efforts are only achieved by the participation of our members, delegates,and partners, and through the generosityof our donors. If we all work together—we can make a difference.

“The place toimprove the world

is first in one’s ownheart and head and

hands, and thenwork outward from there.”

—ROBERT PIRSIG, AUTHOR

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GLOBAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY

Each year, students around theworld embrace Global YouthService Day. PTPI is a member ofthe International Coordinating

Committee for this annual globalevent that highlights and celebratesthe contributions of youth to theircommunities through volunteerservice. More than 120 countriescommitted to GYSD this year.

PTPI’s Egypt’s Angels StudentChapter in Cairo invites orphans tocreate artwork. In the UnitedStates, members of PTPI’s CAPEStudent Chapter in Massachusettshelp at a local soup kitchen, while

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Student Initiatives

STUDENT CHAPTERS

TEAM: Together Everyone Achieves MoreA Look at PTPI’s Student, College and University Chapter Network

We applaud the efforts of PTPI student members around the globe. Student initiativesinclude cultural, educational and humanitarian projects. Through PTPI Student, College and University Chapters, participants become part of a global network designed to enhance international understanding and friendship. Students Take Action locally and impact our global community.

Members of PTPI’s TeensWorking TogetherStudent Chapter(California, USA)work closely withtheir student advisors on a variety of projectsthat enhance Peace throughUnderstanding.

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Fairfax Students (Virginia) cleantheir school courtyard. Opportuni-ties are limited only by our imagi-nations. Hats off to the dynamicyoung people who give so gener-ously of their time and talents.

LANDMINE AWARENESS —DELRAY BEACH

PTPI’s Delray Beach StudentChapter (Florida, USA) hosted adinner to support landmine eradi-cation, which raised nearly $200,Putting an end to landmines…onemeal at a time.

TEXAS STUDENTS JOIN FIGHT AGAINST

LANDMINES IN CAMBODIA

Did you know an average of850 victims are killed or maimedeach year by landmines inCambodia? PTPI’s Global LandmineInitiative is at the forefront of activities for PTPI’s Living inFreedom Everywhere (LIFE) StudentChapter in Texas, USA. A briefingby the HALO Trust, including ademonstration of the mine clear-

ance process, was the focus formembers as they work diligentlyto raise funds and communityawareness about this humanitariancrisis. Their project supports effortsto clear landmines from the KoukRomiet Community in northwest

Cambodia. Our friends at LIFEknow their efforts impact countlessinnocent victims. Visit www.ptpi-lifechapter.org for more details.

GO INTERNATIONALFOR TOMORROW

The name Go International forTomorrow (GIFT) says it all for ourfriends in New Jersey (USA) whocreate a variety of projects toenhance Peace through Under-standing. During the holidays,members saluted celebrationsaround the world with a presenta-tion about international customs.They helped at Ronald McDonaldHouse, held a food and clothingdrive for the needy, provided giftsfor hospitalized children and supported local homeless shelters.Visit www.gointernationalfortomorrow.org for more GIFTnews.

TEENS WORKING TOGETHER

PTPI’s Teens Working TogetherStudent Chapter members(California, USA) do not shy awayfrom issues affecting our worldtoday. To spread awareness about

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The dedicated members of PTPI’s Greater Princeton Student Chapter (New Jersey, USA) held acoat and sweater drive for earthquake victims in Pakistan. In one month, students collected more than 2,100 coats and shipped 116 boxes abroad.

PTPI’s Mihail Kogalniceanu Student Chapter members in Romania collected 200 books for a local library.

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global issues they held a DarfurCandle Walk. To help victims ofnatural disasters they raised fundsfor families displaced by HurricaneKatrina. The holidays found mem-bers distributing ornaments withmessages of Peace throughUnderstanding. Their efforts donot stop there! Students areexploring Egypt through in-depthstudies to prepare them for theupcoming visit of friend AhmedRoushdy, founder and president ofPTPI’s Pharaohs of Peace StudentChapter in Egypt. Visit their Website at www.teensworkingtogether.com for more about thisdynamic group.

TO PAKISTAN, WITH LOVE

When members of PTPI’sGreater Princeton Student Chapter(New Jersey, USA) learned aboutthe devastation caused by anearthquake in Pakistan, they wastedno time. To ensure humanitariansupplies would arrive before winter,students limited their coat andsweater drive to one month. Theresult? In excess of 2,100 coatsdelivered through a joint effortwith the Hidaya Foundation. We applaud the efforts of thisextraordinary, compassionate groupof young people. ■

PEOPLE 39

The Map Project is a favorite activity for PTPI’s Central Valley Student Chapter (California, USA). Members painted a playground map to share aninternational perspective with local school children.

Take Action! To learn more about joiningor forming a PTPI Chapterin your area, please contactPTPI World Headquarterstoday! Visit our Web site atwww.ptpi.org or [email protected].

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■ PTPI’s Suzanne Mubarak Pioneer ofPeace Fund allows selected students toparticipate in Peace Camp, which waslaunched in December, 2003. PeaceCamp is designed to provide a safeenvironment in which young adultscome together for 10 days of culturalexchange, coexistence and dialogue.In 2005, 53 students and 6 leaders,representing 23 countries, enjoyed theprocess of moderated dialogue, peaceenhancing activities and buildingfriendships. Delegates learned to startthe peace process from within them-selves and apply it to their communitiesand nations. In 2007, Peace Camprevisits Egypt and launches in Russia.

■ Up to five Joyce C. Hall CollegeScholarships in the amount of $2,000each are offered to current memberswho have actively participated in PTPIprograms. Applications are availableon the PTPI Web site, www.ptpi.org.The annual deadline is October 15.Scholarships are possible through the

family of J.C. Hall, the founder ofHallmark Cards, who made a gift toPTPI from his estate. Mr. Hall workedclosely with President Eisenhower toestablish PTPI and we are honored byour long-term friendship with the Hallfamily. Congratulations are in order forthe following recipients:

■ Erin Bailey of Midland, Texas, who will attend Austin Collegein Texas to study internationalaffairs and economics.

■ Matt Dworzanczyk of Addison, Illinois, who will attendColumbia College in Chicago, Illinois to study film produc-tion and directing.

■ Kaitlin Irvine of Inwood, WestVirginia, who is undecided butwould like to study interna-tional affairs and work abroad.

■ Kyle Matoba of Placerville,California, who will attendUniversity of California at Davis to study economics and interna-tional relations.

■ Rachel Wilkinson of Elon, NorthCarolina, who will attendBarnard College in New York orUniversity of North Carolina.

■ In Cooperation with the Congres-sional Award Leadership Commission,PTPI in 1986 established the Jamesand Eunice Doty PTPI/CongressionalAward Scholarship. Four scholarshipsare awarded to high school studentswho have earned a CongressionalAward. Congressional Award recipientsare eligible to apply by the annualdeadline October 15. The applicationis posted on PTPI’s Web site, www.ptpi.org. The Congressional Award isa public-private partnership created bythe U.S. Congress to provide a uniqueopportunity for young people ages 14-23 to set and achieve personallychallenging goals that build characterand foster community service, personaldevelopment and citizenship. Visitwww.congressionalaward.org formore information. Congratulations go

to the following recipients, whoreceived a scholarship to participate inPTPI’s 2006 Global Youth ForumHumanitarian Conference to Russia:

■ Rebecca Chang, a junior at Abington Senior High Schoolin Abington, Pennsylvania.

■ Stephanie Keller, a senior at St.John Vianney High School Holmdel, New Jersey.

■ Sarah Shim, a junior at AbingtonSenior High School in Abington,Pennsylvania.

■ Laura Webb, a sophomore atWaterstone Academy in Lexing-ton, Kentucky.

■ Interest free loans are offered to students who are participating in thePTP Student or Sports AmbassadorProgram. The annual deadline isMarch 15. You must be a member ofPeople to People International toapply for a loan. PTPI WorldHeadquarters works closely with theGreater Kansas City Chapter to provideas many loans as there are funds tocover. GKCPTP supports StudentAmbassadors through the sale of flags.Visit the chapter Web site atwww.gkcptp.com for details.

■ During the spring of 2002, PTPIforged a relationship with The Fundfor American Studies (FAS). The goalsof many FAS programs—AmericanInstitute on Political and EconomicSystems, Prague; International Institutefor Political and Economic Studies,Greece; Asia Institute for PoliticalEconomy, Hong Kong—are very similarto People to People International’smission, and PTPI is proud to offerscholarships for participants. Up tofour scholarships are awarded annuallyat $500 each. Scholarships are used topay program fees first, then travelexpenses. The annual deadline isMarch 15. ■

40 PEOPLE

Financial aid options are available through PTPI to encourage youth participation in ourprograms and to further the education of our members. For complete details, please contact PTPI World Headquarters or visit www.ptpi.org.

PTPI’s Vice President of Operations, Rosanne Rosen (center), joins former CEO Tom Stillitano at the 2005 CongressionalAward Ceremony in Washington, DC. While there, they congratulated 2005 recipients Ellen Dooley (PTPI Peace Camp2003) and Marie Filbey (Peace Camp 2005) for their remarkable efforts.

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PTPI SCHOLARSHIPS & LOANS

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PRIMARY SCHOOL LEVEL

Winner: Blue Sky by students age 9at Christo Botev School in Bulgaria

Pavlina Ushinkina gave us someinsight into her students’ creativity andwhat they learned. “We were veryhappy to take part in the Global YouthMurals project to show our desire forpeace and understanding between

people of different countries, racesand religions. It gave my students theopportunity to think beyond their roleas students and more about theirbelonging to Bulgarian culture and itscontributions to the world.

With the guidance of their artteacher, Galen Bakardziev, they enthu-siastically began discussing whatshould be drawn. They concluded that

differences should unite peoplebecause their dreams and pursuits—love, freedom and free will—are thesame. The Statue of Liberty symbolizesthe everlasting human desire for freedom of the spirit. It does not matterwhether you are born in a traditionalBulgarian house or in the suburbs ofNew York; all that matters is friendship.

Working on this project made us

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SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM PROGRAM

SCHOOL AND CLASSROOM PROGRAMBy Stacey Chance, Director, School and Classroom Program

Congratulations to PTPI’s 2005 Global Youth Murals winners! We had a tremendousresponse to the past project. We received 65 murals, six of which were chosen to receiveawards, organized various exhibits and created an online gallery space that allows murals to be

viewed via the Internet (http://gallery.takingitglobal.org/PTPIGYM). We would like to thank allwho contributed, share the thoughts of our winners and lastly encourage you to participate in thisyear’s project!

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feel like a small part of the globalmovement for peace. This first successhas made my students believe that artcan help them not only express theirfeelings and dreams but also sharethem with people around the world.”

The students received the awardwith joy and disbelief at first, which ina while grew into pride and self confi-dence. We have decided to participatein the next project, and with the awardfunds, purchase supplies. Also, theprincipal awarded the pupils, who cre-ated the mural, in a special ceremonyand we bought some sweets. The students took home prizes and a signwith PTPI’s 50th anniversary messagebecause we regard ourselves as repre-sentatives of the organization’s ideas inBulgaria.”Honorable Mention: Aotearoa bystudents ages 5-12 at PukehouSchool in New Zealand

All eighty-seven children at a smallcountry school contributed to thismural. Each drew a panel depictingpart of their environment in NewZealand (Aotearoa in Maori). Family,friends, school, wildlife, New Zealand’swonderful sunrises and sunsets, and

symbols of the country can be seen.The koru designs at the top and bottomare from Maori culture.

“The children really enjoyed thisproject, and the teachers who organ-ized it found it challenging to fit all thepanels into the space provided! Wewere inspired by our own mural paint-ed on a wall at our school. It remindsus that we need to help our environ-ment. Environmental education directsmost of our learning, and our GlobalYouth Mural emphasizes its impor-tance to us.”

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL

Winner: Let There Always BeSunshine by students ages 12-14 atVilnius Zemyna Middle School inLithuania

From teachers Dalia Santariene andLoreta Pladiene: “An invitation to takepart in the Global Youth Murals Projectwas a good challenge. The theme ofpeace and the possibility to share ourexperiences with children from thewhole world inspired our students andtheir teachers. We are thankful for thecertificate and award. We intend topurchase supplies to create murals forthe next project. The students wouldlike to participate in it again as it isreally pleasant when children’s creations are noticed and evaluated.”

Their students’ mural depicts “thesun, happy to watch the childrenstanding hand in hand around theworld. They are asking for friendshipand calling the world to live in peace.We painted a forest full of doves assymbols of peace and friendship. Wepainted a butterfly to show Lithuania’splace in the European Union. Its wingssymbolize Lithuanian and theEuropean Union’s flags.”

SECONDARY SCHOOL LEVEL

Winner: Mending Barriers by students ages 17-18 at BoonvilleHigh School in the United States

Aya and Jennifer, student aides totheir art instructor, worked closely in

their free time to create this mural.Aya is a foreign exchange student fromJapan, while Jennifer is a senior (grade12) who plans to pursue a collegedegree in art education. They sharedthis information about their mural:“The painting represents various sym-bols for peace. There is the obvious“peace” sign. The broken wall repre-sents taking away barriers betweencountries. The dove represents peacefor all mankind. The overall simplicityof the painting represents peace, calm-ness and unity.”

When exhibited at PTPI’s GlobalYouth Forum in Washington, DC, ourstudent delegates were repeatedlydrawn to the mural, commenting on itssimple beauty.

Honorable Mention: Multi-nationals by student age 18 atPandateruppu Girls High School inSri Lanka

This mural was contributed withhelp of the One Sri Lanka Foundation,an organization working with PTPI toeradicate the danger of landmines inSri Lanka. OSLF helped circulatePTPI’s mural project to nine schoolsthere. Each created detailed, poignantmurals depicting scenes of civil war,the tsunami tragedy and religiousdiversity within the country. Themurals were transported to the United

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“When I was offered to join the project I agreed immediately. To send peace to the world isn’t only adults’ mission.

Children create peace too!”— Karine, one of the Lithuanian students who created the mural with her friends.

The students took home prizes and a sign withPTPI’s 50th anniversary message because weregard ourselves as representatives of theorganization’s ideas in Bulgaria.

During a visit to Sri Lanka to view progressmade by PTPI’s work to clear minefields,President/CEO Mary Jean Eisenhower met withstudents who created Global Youth Murals.


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States by Chris Gnanakone, ChiefDevelopment Officer of OSLF. He said,“The murals were created as a compo-nent of the students’ annual (final)exam. They took great pride and joy inthis project because they were able toshare their talents overseas and enabletheir work to be shown to children inthe United States. The project also gavethem the opportunity to share theirdaily life experiences, memories of bothwar and peace, and to show the cultural diversity in Sri Lanka.”

The students who created thismural identified the groups depicted.“In our country Tamils, Sinhalese,Muslims and Bhugurs live together.They have their own faith inHinduism, Buddhism, Islam andChristianity, and each religion has itsown place of worship.”Honorable Mention: The Gate fromAnatolia to Europe by students age15 at Etimesgut Anatolian HighSchool in Turkey

Irem Ebru Gursoy presented themurals project as an activity to celebrateher country’s national holiday. “Every

year we celebrate May 19 with danceperformances by high school students.Half of my class was chosen to performin the show. Because it was impossibleto teach while the others were inrehearsals, I wanted a project for theother half of the class. I decided GlobalYouth Murals would be a great idea.

It was the first time my studentsparticipated in an international project.They were so excited. They learnedmuch about our country, and it was agreat experience to introduce it artistically.

We were really surprised that one ofour murals was selected to receive anaward. It would have been a greatpleasure for us to accept the monetarypart of the award; however, my studentsdecided to send it to the AmericanHumane Association because hurricaneKatrina destroyed many people’s livesand their pets. This way we thought wecould help people who really need it.

The head teacher was also proud ofmy students and me. She prepared asurprise celebration party for uswhere she announced that we had

won and gave us special gifts in frontof the whole school. We got a biground of applause. It was another besttime related to this project.”

Murals from the 2005 project wereexhibited at PTPI’s Global YouthForum, which was held inWashington, DC, November 9-14. Aselection representing 14 countrieswas displayed at the gallery atCommerce Bank at 89th Street andState Line in Kansas City, Missouri during December 2005. Forty muralswere displayed at Images Gallery at15th and Walnut Streets in Kansas City,Missouri, January 16–February 27,2006. Additional venues are planned.

Global Youth Murals is an annualproject that invites students worldwideto create artwork illustrating their cultures and communities and theirideas about friendship and “peacethrough understanding.” To requestguidelines for the current project,contact us at [email protected]. ■

PEOPLE 43

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Our school is located inNovokuznetsk, Siberia, Russia. Itwas founded in 2000 with the

purpose of teaching students foreign languages in addition to tradi-tional subjects. We teach English,German, French, Spanish, Latin andeven Russian!

Our students and teachers are veryinterested in learning English, but theydo not often have an opportunity tocommunicate with native speakers andpractice what they have learned. Wewere so excited when we learnedabout the School and ClassroomProgram! It was a wonderful chancefor us to not only to develop ourknowledge of English but to discoverother countries, people, their customsand traditions and of course to findnew friends all over the world.

Nine of our classes ranging fromages 10 to 18 years old have found

As our first year in PTPI’s School andClassroom Program, students from ourschool (RHS) in Chicago, Illinois participat-

ed in a number of exchanges. I initiated a pen palcorrespondence between my French II Honorsclass and an English class at a trade school inFrance. My colleague, Ms. Berman, establishedcorrespondence between two of her ESL/Readingcourses and two schools in Azerbaijan. Anotherteacher, Ms. Wenz, began a traditional letter-writing exchange between her CommunityGarden workshop students and a Polish class with students who were also planting a school garden.Students from Ms. Yousif’s, Ms. Yonan’s and Mr.Daoud’s Iraqi Culture workshop are writing to students in Iraq. Finally, Mr. Guerrero and Mr.Piotrowski organized a workshop focusing on aHometown Project where students are completinga neighborhood study; they will present their findings in PowerPoint presentations and thenshare this information via email with all of ourPTPI partner classrooms.

We were able to undertake this many partner-ships and their correspondence because of a special workshop series that we organized at RHS.During the half days that occur monthly at ourschool, teachers volunteer to lead an ongoing

workshop series of mini courses that range fromtopics such as “For Women Only” to “WorldCivilizations through Video Games” and“Community Gardening.” Students sign up for aworkshop that they would like to attend. Teacherswho teach the workshops incorporated a PTPIclassroom partnership as part of their activities.

We learned that the PTPI classroom partner-ships are most effective for our English and worldlanguage learners. Writing letters gives the students an opportunity to practice their Englishwhile writing about themselves (which, clearly, issomething that students love to do). Going for-ward, we hope to invite more of our ESL teachersto take advantage of PTPI’s School and ClassroomProgram partnerships to help our students practicetheir English communication skills. Also, I personally feel that the traditional letter-writingwould be worth trying. For example, my Frenchstudents were using email, but our lab availabilitywas inconsistent and we had to often adjust ouroriginal correspondence schedule. Exchangingtraditional paper letters provides another option.

Overall, our students have truly benefited fromhearing the voices of their peers in other countries,and many of them express interest in continuingtheir communications through the summer. ■

Stud

ent I

nitia

tives


We at PTPI aredelighted that thesestudents will continue their interaction afterthe school yearends. To participatein PTPI’s Schooland ClassroomProgram, we askteachers or thosesupervising students to register.

Contact us [email protected] torequest a registration form orvisit our Web site atwww.ptpi.org(visit StudentPrograms/School and Classroom) toregister online.

pen friends in other parts of theworld: Alberta, Canada; Bed-fordshire, England; andAlabama, California, Florida,Illinois and Michigan in theUnited States!

We have chosen two projectsaccording to the program’smanual: “Email exchange” and“Everyone Smiles in the SameLanguage.” Our students arevery proud of having individualpen friends, and they aredelighted to correspond withthem. Every letter from ourpartners is full of informationabout places they live, nature,about themselves, their families,friends and hobbies. It is exciting toreceive these letters and to comparethe lives of people living in Canada,England and different parts of theUnited States.

Greetings from the European School of Foreign Languages (Euroschool)by Kristina Kofanova, Manager of Euroschool

We could say that every step in ourcommunication brings us new under-standing of other cultures and it isdeveloping open minds and inquisitive-ness in our students. It is an invaluableexperience! ■

Russian students enjoy letters received through PTPI’sSchool and Classroom Program.

PTPI Comes to RHS ChicagoBy Nitya Viswanath, French teacher at Roosevelt High School:

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PEOPLE 45

In 2005, we recognized the achieve-ments of members during three

celebrations. We are delighted toagain pay tribute to our dedicated friendswith highlights of each event.

In Washington, DC, PTPI’sPresident/CEO Mary Jean Eisenhowerpresented our organization’s most presti-gious award, the Eisenhower Medallion,to Carol Bellamy, for her contributionstoward world peace. As the fourthExecutive Director of UNICEF (1995-2005), she became a champion of globalinvestment in children. In receiving the2005 award,she said,“For almost 50 years,People to People International has been aleader in efforts to bring young peoplearound the world together in the pursuitof global peace. I am highly honored toreceive their Eisenhower Medallion.“

The 2005 Awards Luncheon, heldduring PTPI’s Board of Trustees Meetingin Seoul, Korea, included the presentationof awards as follows:

■ Eisenhower DistinguishedService Awards: Il Hoon Gwak ofKorea and Anita E. Manuel, USA, fortheir contributions to humankind onthe national and international levels.■ The Make a Difference Awardwas presented to Anita E. Manuel,Chairman of PTPI’s Board of Trustees,for her efforts on behalf of Metufka, anAlbanian orphan who benefited fromAnita’s “Give This Child a Chance”program.■ Outstanding Leadership Awardswent to Ernst Honegger, Switzerland,at the Board of Directors level; CharlieCheng,Taiwan, Ruth Heinz Carpenter,USA, and Blanche Decoster-Peycker,Belgium,at the Board of Trustees Level;and to Dr. Mary Luebbe Gearhart, USA,Jeong-Jun Park, Korea, and Leonard J.Tharney, USA, at the National andRegional Council level.■ The James T. Doty MemorialAwards were given to Jung Bae Parkof Korea, PTPI’s Delaware Chapter,USA,and PTPI’s Mokpo,Korea Chapter.■ The Best Chapter NewsletterAward was presented to PTPI’sBelgium/EU Chapter.■ The Chapter Leadership Awardwas given to Kun Bok Lee of Korea.■ Chapter Membership Awards

were presented to PTPI’s St. CharlesCounty and Arizona Chapters (USA).■ The International HomestayVisitors Award was given to PTPI’sUlsan, Korea Chapter.■ School and Classroom ProgramCommunity Service Awards werepresented to Ciobanu-Haras Liliana ofRomania, Makharramkhon Turgunova,Class 6-V of Uzbekistan,and KimyohonYusupova, Class 7-B and 8-B,Uzbekistan.■ Lifetime Achievement Awardsare presented to individuals who havededicated themselves to our organiza-tion for a minimum of 30 consecutiveyears. The 2005 recipients are GildaBecker, USA; Alice Bonnet, USA;

Franklyn Bonnet, USA; Won Sin Byon,Korea;Jai-Hyun Cha,Korea;Dr.AnthonyChidalek, USA; Marie Chidalek, USA;Chong-Cho Ha, Korea; Joyce Cook,USA;Ronald Hoffman,USA;Eileen Hull,USA;Bruce Johnson,USA;Yun-Bae Kim,Korea; Chang-Hwan Kim, Korea; ChulHoi Kim, Korea; Mun-Pyo Kim, Korea;Young-Sook Kim, Korea; Eun Sub Lee,Korea; Sung-Sub Lee, Korea; DennisLeffin, USA; Cecelia Mondloch, USA;Young Kuk Myung, Korea; Jae DooNam, Korea; Young-Ho Pak, Korea;Steve Parent, USA; Mary Parent, USA;Dean Runkle, USA; Cho-Young Song,Korea; Dolores Yergler, USA.■ The President’s Award went toGenci Mucaj,Albania.

“It is all possible through People to People International.”

— TRUSTEE GENCI MUCAJ

Awards & HonorsPresentation of theContribution to theCause of Peace andFriendship medal to former PTPI BoardChairman Sunny Wirth, by Yuri V. Ushakov,Russian Ambassador tothe United States.

PTPI’s President/CEO Mary Jean Eisenhower met with former Presidents Bill Clinton and MikhailGorbachev during the 20th Anniversary of Perestroika. Photo by Robert Knudsen.

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■ James “Jim” Malouff, III, was selected as the recipient of theChairman of the Board ofDirectors Award.

Sincere appreciation goes to themembers of PTPI’s Awards Committeefor their efforts on behalf of our organi-zation. The caliber of nominees makesthe selection process a difficult one.Hats off to Chairman La Vicie Runkle,andmembers Barb Capozzi; Ruth HeinzCarpenter; Rolf Dahlber; SteveDiGiacinto; Mary Eisenhower, Presidentand CEO.

In November, youth achievement wasat the forefront during PTPI’s GlobalYouth Forum (GYF) in Washington, DC.Congratulations to these deserving youngmembers:

■ The Mary Jean EisenhowerPartner in Peace Award is given tothe outstanding student at the GYF asvoted by delegation leaders. The 2005recipient in the Middle School category is Kiely McGuire (USA), whoreceives tuition to the 2006 GYF, andin the High School category to AhmedMohamed Roushdy (Egypt), whoreceives an internship at PTPI WorldHeadquarters.■ The James T. Doty MemorialAward was presented to PTPI’s GIFTStudent Chapter (Go International ForTomorrow—New Jersey, USA).■ Chapter Membership Awardswere presented to PTPI’s HOWE andSan Joaquin Valley Student Chapters inNew Jersey and California,respectively.■ PTPI’s Central Valley Student

Chapter (California, USA) received theBest Student Chapter NewsletterAward.■ PTPI’s HOWE Student Chapter(New Jersey, USA) also received theBest Student Chapter Web siteAward.■ Student Chapter OutstandingAdult Advisor Award went to CathySofjan-Wolf, PTPI’s GIFT StudentChapter (New Jersey, USA).■ Therese Miranda and Crystal Chen,co-leaders of PTPI’s Somerset CountyStudent Chapter (New Jersey, USA)received the Student ChapterLeadership Award.

PTPI’s President/CEO Mary JeanEisenhower received many special honors over the course of the past year,ranging from participation in globalevents to awards for her efforts towardpeace. During the Lyndon Baines JohnsonMoral Courage Award Annual BenefitDinner, Mary Jean accepted the MoralCourage Award on behalf of her grand-father. Mary Jean was honored by theGovernment of Taiwan with the Friend ofForeign Service Medal, the highest awardgiven to non-citizens. She also acceptedthe gracious invitation by the First Lady ofEgypt, Her Excellency Mrs. SuzanneMubarak, to serve as an Advisory Boardmember of the Suzanne MubarakWomen’s International Peace Movement.Mary Jean recently returned from Egypt,where she was part of the dedication ceremony for the BibliothecaAlexandrina Peace Studies Institute,which will work closely with the UN

46 PEOPLE

Here, we salute outstanding honors of our PTPI family in the international arena.Congratulations to these and others who have received recognition during this past year.

University for Peace located in Costa Rica,and the Suzanne Mubarak InternationalWomen for Peace Movement, the firstNGO promoting the role of women forpeace in that part of the world. Mary Jeanwas also honored to receive theAmerican Veteran’s Pillar of PatriotismAward for World Humanitarian. She wasa special guest of the Frank Foundationfor the 20thAnniversary of Perestroika galain Washington, DC. The event broughttogether former Presidents MikhailGorbachev and Bill Clinton, formerSecretaries of State Colin Powell andMadeleine Albright, members of the U.S.Congress, and private sector celebrities,including Ted Turner and ShirleyMacLaine.

Sunny Wirth, past Chairman ofPTPI’s Board of Directors, was awarded a medal by the Russian Centre ofInternational, Scientific and CulturalCooperation with Foreign Countries,Ministry of Foreign Affairs, RussianFederation, for her outstanding contribu-tion to the development of friendly tiesbetween the American and Russian peo-ple. The “Contribution to the Cause ofPeace and Friendship”medal was present-ed by Yuri V. Ushakov,Ambassador of theRussian Federation to the United States, ata ceremony at the Russian Embassy inWashington, DC.

Trustee Genci Mucaj was recentlyappointed as Adviser to the Minister,Ministry of Foreign Affairs,Albania. Genciis a friend to many, having served asfounder and president of chapters inAlbania. In just more than six years,chapter members have distributed morethan 300 tons of humanitarian aid tothose in need and supported more than1,400 Kosovo refugees. Today, Genciassists the Foreign Minister with activitiesfocusing on public relations and outreachthroughout the Americas,Africa and Asia.He works shoulder to shoulder withHonorary Consuls and Embassies in theseregions. Ambassador Theodore “Ted”Britton, a member of PTPI’s Board ofDirectors,has agreed to serve as HonoraryConsul General for Georgia (USA). PTPI’sPresident/CEO Mary Jean Eisenhower,Korea National Chairman Il Hoon Gwak,and former Greater Kansas City PTPIChapter President Gene “Jake” Jacobshave also been asked to serve. Gencienthusiastically embraces his global family, saying, “It is all possible throughPeople to People International.” ■

LEFT: At the Lyndon Baines Johnson Moral Courage Award Annual Benefit Dinner, PTPI’s President/CEO met withaward winning journalist and best-selling author Tom Brokaw. Photo by Alexander’s Fine Portrait Design(www.AlexandersPortraits.com). RIGHT: Anita Manuel, Chairman of PTPI’s Board of Trustees, and Trustee GenciMucaj were recognized for outstanding achievements during the 2005 Awards Gala held in Seoul, South Korea.

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With heartfelt sadness, we bid a fond farewell tothe PTPI family members we have lost this pastyear. As we extend condolences to their families

and friends around the world, we pay tribute to their significant contributions toward peace.

ROBERT H. EWINGRobert “Bob” Ewing and his late wife, Mary Elizabeth,

were longtime friends and supporters of PTPI. Bobserved as a member of PTPI’s Board of Trustees and,together, they traveled on numerous missions around theworld. Friends to many and generous contributors to ourprograms, they are deeply missed.

ELIZABETH “BETTY” HEDBERGElizabeth “Betty” Hedberg’s love of people and travel

was evident through her countless homestays and dozensof trips around the world. For more than 25 years, Bettyextended the hand of friendship to everyone she met.Through PTPI’s Greater Kansas City Chapter, Betty hostedofficers at The Command and General Staff College of Ft.Leavenworth, Kansas. She also supported StudentAmbassadors for many years, assisting in the selectionprocess for the Student Loan Fund, with her dear friendsAl and Anne Brown. Betty served as a devoted memberof the Board of Trustees. Her generosity and friendship isremembered by our PTPI family worldwide.

HARRIET T. HOLDENHarriet T. Holden, was a strong supporter and leader of

People to People International, and many other local,state, national and international civic and educationalorganizations. A longtime friend, Harriet served as PTPIPresident, Corporate Treasurer and Chair of the Board ofDirectors, as well as President of the Minnesota Chapter.At the time of her passing, she was a member of PTPI’sBoard of Trustees. Her husband, Harold, was included inthe In Remembrance section of the 2002 edition of thispublication. Together, they participated in PTPI eventsaround the world. Harriet is remembered by friends andfamily worldwide for her civic leadership and benevolence.

KEITH H. JONESKeith and his wife, Wilma, were treasured members of

our PTPI family who were well-known and well-lovedfor their generous contributions toward humankind. The2003 issue of PTPI’s People magazine highlighted theirefforts on behalf of the less fortunate and included aremembrance for Wilma. Beginning in 1970, Keith andWilma traveled annually to Aruba, where they establishedFriends of the Handicapped to serve people with mental,physical and social disabilities. As passionate members ofour global family, they actively supported PTPI efforts atthe local and international levels. Keith faithfully servedin various leadership capacities, including as a memberof both the Board of Directors and Board of Trustees. In

2003, he was presented with the Lifetime AchievementAward for his commitment to PTPI spanning 30 consec-utive years. Together, they held dual memberships withtheir beloved La Porte, Indiana and Greater Palm Beach,Florida Chapters, and were often seen traveling the worldsupporting efforts to enhance Peace through Under-standing. Keith was an extraordinary gentleman, anextraordinary friend and an inspiration to all who knewhim. He leaves a remarkable legacy and is fondly remem-bered by countless friends and family around the world.

XHAFERR KASMIThe first president of PTPI’s Kruja, Albania Chapter,

Xhaferr Kasmi was dedicated to the ideals of our organi-zation, actively participating in cultural, educational andhumanitarian activities. In 2005, he was a key member ofthe host committee for the European Conference held inTirana. Trustee and PTPI Albania Chapter PresidentGenci Mucaj said, “Xhaferr was a very active member anda lovely friend. It was a loss not only for his family butfor PTPI as well.”

DR. RANDALL C. PHILLIPSRandall Phillips was an esteemed member of our PTPI

family, having served in various leadership capacitiesincluding vice chairman of the Board of Directors, memberof the Board of Trustees and founding president for theSan Diego, California Chapter. Randy was equally at easeat an ice cream social or with heads of state. For the past10 years, he served as Honorary Consul General of Japanin San Diego and was honored by the Emperor of Japanas a recipient of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rayswith Rosette. Chapter members recognized his leadershipefforts and unwavering friendship by appointing him as“Man of the Year.” In 1999, PTPI honored his timelesscontributions with the Outstanding Leadership Award atthe Board of Directors level. Randy’s efforts were an inspiration to many. He is deeply missed by friendsaround the globe.

JOHN L.WILKS, JR.John Wilks was a member of PTPI’s Board of Trustees

and the National Capitol Area Chapter, which servesMaryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. He was recruitedby his longtime friend, PTPI’s Chairman EmeritusAmbassador Julian Niemczyk, and is sorely missed by ahost of friends and family worldwide.

MRS. JUMOKE WILLIAMSMrs. Jumoke Williams served as the homestay coordi-

nator for PTPI’s Lagos, Nigeria Chapter. She was veryactive in chapter activities and was featured in a photo-graph for the January issue of PTPI’s monthly On TrackE-newsletter. Her efforts to promote Peace throughUnderstanding do not go unnoticed as she is sincerelymissed. ■

PEOPLE 47

In Remembrance

“Each friend represents a world in us, a world possiblynot born until they arrive, and it is only

by this meeting that a new world is born.” — ANAÏS NIN

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People to People InternationalWorld Headquarters501 East Armour BoulevardKansas City, Missouri 64109-2200 USA

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit No. 4529

Kansas City, Missouri

Pea

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nder

stan

ding

People to People International, celebrating 50 years of Peace through

Understanding, was established on September 11, 1956 by President Dwight D.

Eisenhower with the mission to enhance international understanding and friendship

through educational, cultural and humanitarian activities involving the exchange of

ideas and experiences directly among peoples of different countries and diverse

cultures.With World Headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri USA, it operates as a

not-for-profit [501 (c)(3)] and has a presence in 135 countries with more than

80,000 families and individuals actively participating in People to People

International programs.Visit www.ptpi.org for more information.

PTPI operates many diverse programs for youth and adults to achieve our

goals. Members make up a multicultural worldwide network committed to

advancing Peace through Understanding. At the local level, members may

participate by joining or forming a People to People International Chapter.

Chapters widen the base of People to People International; serve as worldwide

programming and outreach centers; provide humanitarian aid; host international

visitors; and participate in a variety of activities at the local and international levels.

More than 25,000 professionals, athletes, university and secondary school students

travel internationally under PTPI auspices each year. Opportunities include the Adult

Professional Program; Global Youth Forum; International Visitors Program; Meet the

Diplomats Program; Educational and Humanitarian Initiatives; Student and Sports

Ambassador Programs, and much, much more. In addition, PTPI offers modest schol-

arships and loans on a limited basis to facilitate travel or defray college tuition fees.

For information about PTPI programs, membership, or ways your tax-deductible

gift can support our mission, please contact People to People International World

Headquarters, 501 East Armour Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri 64109-2200 USA;

816.531.4701 phone; 816.561.7502 fax; [email protected]; www.ptpi.org.

CELEBRATING FIFTY YEARSof Peace through Understanding

1956 - 2006


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