West Bank
West Bank YES alumni participated in Conflict Resolution workshops over the summer. Ten alumni participated in the Ramallah workshop and ten participated in Nablus. The workshop was given by a Fulbright Conflict Resolution Alumnus, Hussam Jubran. The title of the workshop was Conflict Analysis and Peer Mediation Training and the objective of the workshop was to enhance the participants' ability to understand daily conflicts and to provide them with skills to deal with conflicts in an efficient and effective manner. A variety of methods of participation were used including: a power point presentation, group discussion, team work, individual tasks and role play. YES alumni feedback was positive and all felt they had gained valuable skills from the workshop. Zeid Kilani and Aws Naballsi '05 along with Razan Halaweh, Linda Jaber, and Majd Bani '06 helped to grade placement tests for the West Bank students who applied for English Access MicroScholarship Program. The students met at the AMIDEAST office and evaluated over 1,000 placement tests. Their help was extremely beneficial as it sped up the recruitment process. Two pre-departure orientations were held in Ramallah and Nablus for YES 2006 outgoing students. Alumni shared personal stories and encouraged students to take part in host family and community activities. New students enjoyed hearing the perspectives of the alumni and felt reassured that they would also have a positive experience in the United States. Aws Nabulsi '05 stated, "Don't make judgments from here on in about your host family. Give them a chance and you might be pleasantly surprised." The YES Alumni Newsletter for the Near East and Pakistan is produced by AMIDEAST. The YES scholarship program is funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Cultural and Educational Affairs and administered by several organizations. AMIDEAST is part of a consortium that includes AYUSA International, ASSE, ASPECT Foundation, CCI, CIEE, iEARN, PIE, Sister Cities International, and YFU. |
