Learn peace making in Ghana

Mentors and teachers join high schoolers

The Center for African Peace & Conflict Resolution (CAPCR) and the Office of International Programs are now accepting applications for teachers, faculty guides, counselors and CSUS student-mentors to attend the second annual Summer 2000 Youth Peace/Cultural Education Program in Ghana.

The five week study abroad is to promote peace and cultural education for local high school students, said Professor Ernest Uwazie, director of CAPCR.

The students and staff selected will stay in Ghana from July 6 to Aug. 7, 2000.

The program will focus on lectures, activities, and some hands-on experience in the peace process, cultural appreciation and understanding, and acquiring conflict resolution skills.

According to Uwazie, there will be a series of lectures on African culture, politics, society, and language basics. There will also be some conflict resolution exercises between our students and the students in Ghana. In addition, there will some trips to historical and cultural sites.

Those accepted in the program will also be involved in numerous pre- and post-trip activities.

“Before the trip, there are 3 activities — conflict resolution, peace education training and fundraising activities — to prepare for the trip. When they come back they will be visiting schools to share their experiences and to make use of the skills they learned,” said Uwazie.

The students will stay in hotels half the time, and with Ghanaian families to foster the cross-cultural aspect of the program.

Candidates will be interviewed and selected by the end of October. Uwazie hopes to have at least 15 high school students on the trip. In some cases, college and high school credit is available.

The students from the first Youth conference will be on campus Oct. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Redwood Room, University Union to share their experiences.

For more information, contact Uwazie at 278-6282.