| By Brandy Piper Johnston on Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - 10:20 am: Edit Post |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
Samantha Healy
National Office 1-800-555-6211
PAX & US STATE DEPARTMENT SEEK HOST FAMILIES FOR A NEW FOREIGN EXCHANGE INITIATIVE
Columbia has been selected as one of just five pilot cities for a new PAX & U.S. State Department student exchange program that will bring teens from countries with significant Muslim populations.
The Partnership for Learning Youth Exchange and Study Program (P4L YES) was sparked by events of September 11th. The hope is that the exchange can help eliminate any unfavorable views of Americans and of America held by some in foreign countries. Slated to come to Columbia in August are three 15 to 17 year-olds. Students who like painting, basketball, soccer, music, traveling, debate, cooking, playing the guitar and drama are coming from Egypt, Turkey and Indonesia to our area in August.
Brandy Piper Johnston, a PAX-Program of Academic Exchange field representative and returned Peace Corp Volunteer from Lexington, says PAX was selected by the government as one of only three organizations for the $10 million P4L YES initiative. Johnston says the three teenagers coming to Columbia are scholars in their own countries and are all excellent English speakers and exceptional students. “They had to apply, go through a rigorous screening process and beat out a number of other applicants prior to their acceptance,” she notes. The students will stay with and become part of an American family through the 2003/04 academic year.
Fortunately, several schools have stepped up to the challenge and said they would be happy to host one or all of the exchange pupils. However, the students still need host families, who Johnston expects will learn as much about their student’s country and culture as they will about themselves and America. “I’m sure they’ll learn about another culture, another way of life and become part of another family and part of the greater global community” she explains. “It’s an opportunity for one school, one family and one student to make a world of difference, and that is what America and Americans are really about.”
Johnston says interaction with the students will also help with our own view of Muslim and Arab people. Reminding ourselves that they really are just like us. Families signing on will receive a packet of information about their visitor, the country they are from, a host family handbook and guide to hosting exchange students and yearlong support from Johnston and the national PAX office.
While the students are here, they will receive a monthly stipend, plus health insurance. They will also work closely with Johnston, the cluster leader, and participate in numerous leadership and volunteer activities. To date, we have no host families on board for the program year, but Johnston is hopeful and knows that the families are out there.
Any interested host family should contact Brandy Piper Johnston at 803-461-3823 (days)/803-996-4659(evenings & weekends), or PAX at 1-800-555-6211 ext 301. Families who can “welcome” a student for 6-8 weeks are also appreciated until a permanent family can be located.
| By Anonymous on Saturday, August 30, 2003 - 10:02 am: Edit Post |
I would like to know more imofraion about this scholerhsip, how could I apply and wht you need from.is there anay fee because I live one poorest country somlia. so please and please contact with me as soon as possiple.byeeeeeeeee
| By Maya Alkateb (fw120.northside.isd.tenet.edu - 165.111.2.120) on Tuesday, January 06, 2004 - 4:01 pm: Edit Post |
hello brother or sister,
I was accidentally surfing the net and passed by your message. I am a YES student from Syria, currently in Texas and I am here on a scholarship, my advise to you is not to hesitate in applying and not to let anybody stop you from getting your dreams to become true.
Maya
| By dita kharisma (202.73.113.163) on Saturday, April 10, 2004 - 1:33 am: Edit Post |
dear brother and sister...
my name is Dita. a muslim girl in jakarta, indonesia. this year (2004-2005) i'll go abroad to the usa coz i will be one of the muslim students who got the P4L-YES..
I am so happy and excited. I can't wait to set my foot in the US and see other muslim teenagers from all over the world..Insya Allah
Bye!!Write for me anytime..
I'll be glad to reply it.