Welcome to the Alumni Newsletter

Welcome to the first edition of the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Alumni Newsletter for the Near East and Pakistan. YES is a U.S. Department of State-funded scholarship program which provides secondary school students in selected Middle Eastern, African, and Asian countries the opportunity to live and study in the U.S. for a full academic year. Scholarship recipients live with host families, attend U.S. high schools, and participate in special enrichment activities that include community service, youth leadership training, civics education, and other activities that help them develop a comprehensive understanding of American culture and develop leadership skills. Likewise, these students serve as cultural ambassadors for their home countries, representing their own rich heritage to their American host communities.

The first YES alumni returned home in June, 2004. Most are currently busy studying for their final school leaving exams this year; some have already begun post-secondary studies. Most all have been active in trying to establish alumni chapter clubs in their respective countries. The YES Alumni Newsletter for the Near East and

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Pakistan YES Alumni Initiate Darul Sukoon Community Service Project

Umme Kulsoom spent her year as a YES student at Westminster High School in Maryland. She is currently in the 11th grade at The Saint Joseph's Girls' College. Umme and eight other alumni visited Darul Sukoon, a home for special needs children and adults. Here she shares their experience and how community service inspired her and the other Karachi alumni

This is true. Taking out some time from your hectic daily routine and sharing some time with people who are disabled is always considered a good deed and it gives you a feeling that you will never forget.

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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, CIEE, iEARN, Nacel Open Door, PIE, and Sister Cities International.