Global Youth Connect (GYC) is a 501 (c) 3 organization founded in 1999 by international youth leaders supported by key human rights advocates and scholars.
GYC advances human rights and creates a more just world by empowering young activists from around the globe through a combination of cross cultural human rights learning workshops, volunteer service, and sustained human rights activism aligned with grassroots NGOs, policy makers, and other stakeholders.
GYC is currently seeking applications for the Human Rights Learning & Action (HRLA) Winter 2012 Delegation to Rwanda program from International participants from the USA and Canada. The participants will get an opportunity to join Rwandan peers to explore the human rights situation in Rwanda (and the world) and to take concrete action steps together to support current and future efforts for human rights protection and promotion, both in Rwanda and abroad.
Through a combination of workshops, site visits, advocacy meetings, and volunteer service with grassroots NGOs, the participants will learn and act on numerous key human rights issues in Rwanda, including but not limited to: gender and human rights, human rights of children, LGBTI populations, historically marginalized indigenous groups, refugees, domestic workers, poverty reduction, public health, juvenile justice, freedom of expression and the arts.
In advance of and during the delegation, all participants will examine the roots of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and see how its legacy has impacted the country and its people, particularly Rwandan youth, and also how the country is attempting to rebuild today.
Program Goals
Increase participants’ understanding of both the context and practice of human rights activism. In particular, we aim to better understand how the promotion and protection of a human rights framework can be used as an effective tool to help prevent conflict, minimize the potential for mass violence and eliminate the threat of genocide
Build the skills, knowledge and confidence of youth to raise awareness, take action and work collaboratively on projects to promote and defend human rights
Facilitate cross-cultural dialogue, enable critical thinking and analysis of complex issues and encourage joint problem solving to address shared human rights concerns
Foster personal and emotional growth by testing boundaries and limitations, reflecting critically on our own cultures, exploring how the choices we make affect the lives of others, building strong cross-cultural connections and finding positive outlets for service to promote human rights
Eligibility Requirements
Age 18-35
U.S. or Canadian citizen, permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada, or current student at a U.S. or Canadian university or college
Demonstrated interest and experience in human rights, social justice, activism, community development, and/or international issues. Practical experience in any of these areas will be looked upon highly favorably.
Emotional and psychological maturity and the ability to adapt to challenging circumstances
Commitment to raise the necessary funds to cover the program tuition and travel costs associated with participation in the program
Program Tuition
The program tuition for this delegation is $2250. The program tuition does NOT include the cost of international airfare, many meals and personal expenses.
Last date for submission of applications is September 27, 2011
For more information and details, you can visit this link.
