East-West Youth Forum, 24-28th June 2010
The East West Youth Forum (EWYF) will bring together young people, aged between 16 and 25, from all over the world. For 5 days they will be given the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, to increase their awareness of global issues, to build relationships and be equipped to contribute positively towards their societies. This is an event you don't want to miss!
Summary
East West Initiatives will organize a Youth Forum in Amman, Jordan in June 2010. Delegates will include youth from Jordan, the West Bank, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Lebanon, the United States, the UK, Germany, Uganda and other nations.
In today’s global climate there is an increasing need to bring people together, and to rebuild relationship between the East and the West. Ignorance, pre-existing assumptions and misconceptions about people from other cultures and faiths abound, and result in stereotyping which hinders efforts to further peace and progress between nations.
Young people represent the future, and need to be on the cutting edge of efforts to build better understanding. Few programs provide opportunities for Jordanian youth to interact with young leaders from other cultures.
Participants will include roughly 50 Westerners, 30 Jordanians, and 20 from other Middle Eastern countries. They will be divided into groups, each of which will be led by a Jordanian group leader. Jordanian participants will be selected from both current EWI members and new applicants. The Forum will be organized and facilitated by EWI volunteers.
Goals of the Forum
The vision of the EWYF is to help bridge the gap between two different cultures, East and West, through young leaders from Jordan and other countries who possess unique qualities and willingness to take the initiative. To accomplish this goal, our objectives are:
1) To promote cross-cultural understanding. We will convene a coalition of young people (ages 16-25) and give them the opportunity to address issues regarding misconceptions between their cultures.
2) To increase awareness about key global issues. Participants will learn from key leaders, addressing a number of topics that affect our world.
3) To equip participants to contribute to the public good. Participants at the Forum will take part in community service projects, hear from leaders in this field, and be envisioned to make a difference in the communities where they live.
4) To educate about the historical and cultural background of Jordan. Participants will visit several historical and cultural sites in which they will learn about Jordanian history and culture.
5) To develop the leadership skills of the facilitators. The Forum will be organized and led by Jordanian volunteers, who will gain useful experience and leadership skills in the process.
6) To establish a platform for future peace initiatives. Throughout the Forum, students will develop strong friendships and mutual appreciation for each others’ cultures and beliefs, and these relationships will open up opportunities for further partnership in the future.
Activities
1) Speeches
Leaders from Jordan and around the world will address the following topics:
2) Group discussions
Participants will break into small groups in order to discuss each topic mentioned above. They will share their own experience and opinions about these topics, seeking to learn from one another and represent their own culture and background.
3) Community service projects
Participants will volunteer with a number of organizations providing services to the local communities. These may include Ruwwad, Zikra and other projects.
4) Excursions to Historical & Religious Sites
Visits will be made to sites that will facilitate education and provide in-depth insights into Jordan’s history and culture. These will include King Hussein Bin Talal Mosque, Petra, the Dead Sea, the Baptism Site, and Wadi Rum.
5) Brainstorming & Planning
At the end of the Forum, students will break down into teams, and together will brainstorm, discuss and articulate their vision and recommendations for further successful peace initiatives.
Information & Applications
Overseas applicants: The cost for overseas delegates is $650 per person. This includes conference fees, accommodation from the 23rd-28th June, transportation, food, and entrance fees. It does not include flights, visas or pocket money.
The deadline for overseas applications has now passed. However, if you live outside Jordan and would still like to apply for this event, please email reem@eastwestjordan.com
Jordanian applicants: Application Deadline has passed.
International applicants living in Jordan: If you study or work here in Jordan, and are aged 17-25, this forum is also open to you!
If you live here you will not need to stay at the hotel on the 23rd or 28th, so the cost of attending will be a reduced fee of 330 JD. This fee includes staying at the hotel from 24-26th and in Wadi Rum on the 27th. If you have residency here it will reduced further to 290 JD.
Alternatively, you can choose to stay in your own accommodation from the 24-26th (though you must commit to being at all of the forum, starting at 8am), stay in Wadi Rum on the 27th, and the fee will only be 220 JD, or 180 JD with residency.
Please download the application form here and email it as soon as possible to tawfiq@eastwestjordan.com , indicating your preference for staying at the hotel or in your own accommodation, and whether you are resident in Jordan.
Facilitators: If you would like to apply to be a facilitator at the Forum please email reem@eastwestjordan.com. Priority will be given to EWI members with a track-record of commitment and with leadership experience.
Support the EWYF
We are looking for partners to help us make this fantastic opportunity a reality. If you are interested in sponsoring or supporting the EWYF please contact dan@eastwestjordan.com and he will send you information on how to do so, and the benefits for your company or organisation.
Organising Committee
The following people are organising the EWYF, along with a team of volunteers:
For more information please contact our Forum Coordinator:
Reem Mosleh: reem@eastwestjordan.com
